SF531 - What It Means to be a Minister (Romans 15 8-33)

SF531

WHAT MEANS TO BE A MINISTER

Romans 15:8-33

INTRODUCTION

“To Minister” is key to this passage...

Three Greek words used by Paul to describe this function...

“diakonos” = deacon

(8) = servant

(25) = service

(31) = service

“leitourgos” = a public servant, i.e. a functionary in the Temple

(16) = minister

(27) = to share

“hierourgeo” to officiate as a priest

(16) = the priestly duty...

1A.       YOU MUST FOLLOW CHRIST (8-13)

1B.       In your Attitude

(Luke 22:27)  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

2B.       In your Approach

(John 5:17)  Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working."

2A.       YOU MUST FULFILL YOUR CALLING (14-16)

1B.       Built on a foundation of faith (14-15)

The key here is Paul’s relationship with Christ!

2B.       Expressed by the our service

“Minister” = public/Temple servant

“Priestly duty...”

3A.       YOU MUST FOCUS ON CALVARY (17-24)

1B.       Guard God’s Glory (17)

2B.       Seek God’s Power (18-19)

Trust God to make Himself known

3B.       Be Faithful To God’s Direction (20-29)

Find God’s direction (20-21)

Follow God’s direction (22)

Be Faithful to God’s direction (23-24)

Finish God’s assignment (25-29)

4A.       YOU MUST FIGHT COURAGEOUSLY (30-33)

Our greatest victories are won on our knees!

1B.       We struggle not to be defeated by unbelievers (31a)

2B.       We struggle not to be discouraged by unhappy believers (31b)

APPLICATION

What type of minister are you?

Are you following Christ?

Are you fulfilling your calling?

Are you focusing on Calvary?

Are you fighting courageously?