"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28.
God has a purpose (Ephesians 1:9-11) and we have been called to play a vital role in that purpose. In its essence, this is what ministry is all about - playing your part in helping God�s plan and purpose to be outworked in other people's lives.
"...But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace" 2 Timothy 1:8-9.
"For many are called (invited and summoned), but few chosen" Matthew 22:14 (Amp).
The call of God has been extended to every person on two levels:
The first call (to salvation) is extended to every person (the "many"), but only those who respond to God's call (the "few") are actually chosen (note the parable in Matthew 24:1-14). In the same way, the second call (to God's purposes) is extended to every person who has already responded to the first call, but God will only chose those who personally respond to that call.
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" Romans 1:1.
In introducing himself to the Roman Church, the Apostle Paul describes the three levels of his call and ministry. These three levels of calling also apply to every Christian's ministry.
In the same way, even in ministries of like kind (the special calling), there is a great variety in scope, focus, operation and mix of gifts (the particular calling).
"Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments [extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit] and they vary, but the (Holy) Spirit remains the same. And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. And there are distinctive varieties of operation - of working to accomplish things - but it is the same God Who inspires and energises them all in all" 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (Amp).
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose" Philippians 2:1-2.
To be an effective instrument of Christ's ministry, we must first be "united with Christ". Out of this union, three things are outworked:
Ministry is not competitive. We measure the success of our ministry not against each other, but against the ministry of the Lord Himself (Ephesians 4:13; 3:19). He is the yardstick of all ministry.
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3 (read also verses 1-6).
The motivation of all ministry should be that of building up others, not tearing them down (2 Corinthians 10:8; 1 Corinthians 14:12,26). The Body of Christ builds itself up through the ministry of the Holy Spirit working through each believer within the bond of peace (read Colossians 3:12-15).
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus� sake" 2 Corinthians 4:5 (read also verses 1-2; Colossians 1:28).
Ministering Christ Himself means that the life of Christ must touch every part of our lives.
"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's affliction, for the sake of his body, which is the church...that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" Colossians 1:24,28.
The lack was not in Christ's afflictions - His death on the Cross was a finished work. The lack was in Paul�s own flesh - his capacity to express Christ to the fullness. And the reason he filled up Christ's afflictions in his body was not for his own sake, but for the sake of the Body of Christ, that everyone might be presented perfect in Christ.
"Then Peter said, 'Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you...'" Acts 3:6.
Apart from who we are in Christ, we have also been given gifts by the Spirit. The simple principle in ministry is: Whatever you've received from the Lord, you are able to give to others (Matthew 10:8).
"I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness" Colossians 1:25.
The Body is "the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:23). Note Paul's continual use of the words "fill" and "fullness" in Colossians chapers 1-2 (read 1:9,19,24-25; 2:2,9-10). Just as your physical body is the expression of who you are, so Christ's Body is designed to reveal Christ's "fullness". Ministry is the expression of Christ's fullness to the world.
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Unless otherwise stated, all scriptures quoted in these studies are from the New International Version of the Bible, © New York International Bible Society, used by permission. Other versions referred to are: KJV (King James Version), NKJB (New King James Bible), TLB (The Living Bible), Amp (The Amplified Bible) and The Message. All versions used by permission.
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