Ministry

If You Have Received Mercy Then You Have Received Ministry

Paul ministers by his mercy

Paul shares that he misters the gospel out of the mercy that Jesus has given him. Paul was a wretched sinner that persecuted the church. He deserved to be punished for his actions. But Jesus forgave him of his sins and used him to build his church.

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:15-16

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 9:19-22

Jesus did not count Paul’s sin against him. He forgave him, healed him, and used him. This is the great mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus took Paul from where he was (a sinner), transformed him (salvation), and used him for kingdom work (ministry).

Application

Many people use their past to believe that they are disqualified for ministry. This is a lie from Satan. God uses our past , even our sins, to make us more effective ministers for the kingdom of God.

I often hear people say when asked to lead in area’s of ministry, “I am not worthy or qualified.” Based on your own merit you are correct. However based on the mercy of the Lord you are incorrect. The mercy of the Lord qualifies you for the ministry of the Lord.

My first ministry opportunity was to be a young adults Sunday School teacher at Highland Gardens Baptist Church. I had only been a christian for about a year and didn’t think that I could teach anyone anything about the Bible. I was still learning myself the basics of my faith. Bobby Webb encouraged me to use what God had done and was doing in my life to help others. This created a passion within me to help others through the gospel of Jesus Christ because of what it had done in me. I continue to have that passion today. It just is manifested in a different form.

I am no more qualified today to minister than the day I began teaching a young adult Sunday School class. You see, it is by the mercy of Jesus that I minster.

Perhaps you are here today and you may be thinking, there is no way that you can lead ministry. My friend not only can you lead in ministry, but you are expected to lead in ministry.

This can take many different forms. It doesn’t have to be in teaching, but it should always point people to Jesus. Please consider your ministry opportunity based on the mercy Christ has given you.

Paul renounces things hidden because of shame by manifesting the truth.

Paul had a significant past. He knew what it meant to be a sinner. He was a violent murderer. He was a chief sinner.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Tim. 1:15-16

When we know sin, we can learn to hate sin. Paul knew his past was bad and desired change. He recognized it in his own life, so he could recognize it in the life of others. Just as he allowed the Spirit of God to purge it from his soul, he led people to the Spirit of God so He could purge it from their soul.

This begins with the sharing of the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can save a person.

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Once a person is saved we can disciple them in the ways of the Lord. We do this by living life with them demonstrating through our actions what a life following Jesus looks like. We also teach them the disciplines of the faith. We teach them the truth of the word of God.

Some Will Not Be Saved

Paul mentions that even if his message is veiled it is not because of the message, but because Satan has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. Paul knew that he could not minster to everyone. There were going to be people that simply refuse to believe the gospel that he was preaching. They were more interested in themselves and the things of the world than they were of Jesus Christ.

Paul’s gospel of Jesus Christ is true and powerful. His responsibility was to share and preach it. It was up to the hearers to receive it or reject it.

This is something that we must keep in mind when we minister. When God calls us to minister, we do it faithfully and with everything we have. God will bring the fruit.

Ministry can sometimes get discouraging because you are not seeing the results that you would like to see. Perhaps you need to go to the Lord because your expectations are not the same as the Lord’s. The Lord will fulfill His purpose in the ministry he calls you to. Just think! Does it make sense for God to call a person to ministry to fail in the mission that he wants to accomplish. That just doesn’t make sense. I encourage you to understand that God will always use a faithful servant to accomplish His purpose. This is why Paul did not lose heart!

Application

Going into ministry believing that everyone you engage with is going to be saved or changed is unrealistic. If you believe that ministry will be a piece of cake and that all your efforts will bring about your desired results, you will be disappointed. However; If you do what God has called you to do and realize that God will bring about his purpose and will, then you will have a fulfilling ministry.

Tell story of native american named David that I witnessed to, that rejected the gospel and was hit and killed by an 18 wheeler just 3 weeks later.

The Light Of Christ In Our Hearts Directs Our Ministry

Paul mentions that he does not preach himself, but Jesus Christ. His ministry is not about him. It is not about fortune or fame. It is about pointing people to Jesus Christ by being a bond-servant of Jesus.

Being a bond-servant of Jesus simply means we have given Him our lives. When a servant served his master he did so for 7 years. After 7 years the owner of the servant was to release the servant to be free. However; if the servant loved his owner then he could forfeit his right to freedom and give his life to his owner. He would do this by taking a sharp awl and piercing the ear.

12 If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. 13 And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. 14 Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

16 But if your servant says to you, “I do not want to leave you,” because he loves you and your family and is well off with you, 17 then take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door, and he will become your servant for life. Do the same for your female servant. Deut. 15:12-17

This is a picture of our relationship with Jesus. We become a bondslave to Jesus because he purchased us with His life. We are to love Him and serve him all the days of our life.

21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Cor. 7:21-24

Before salvation a person is slave to Satan and the world system. This leads to destruction and eternal death. When a person is saved they become a bondservant of Jesus Christ. This leads to eternal life.

Application

A person that has been saved has the Light within them that reveals the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. As a bondservant of Jesus, you have his light shining in you. This means that you can see the evidence of His ownership in your life. You see the change in your life. You see Him in the circumstances of your life. You bring Him praise and worship with your life.

I often ask people to share with me where they see Jesus working in their lives. It is wonderful to hear the testimonies of Jesus in our lives. Let’s be quick to share the goodness of the Lord in our lives. This is true ministry!