Ministry: Not Just Another Job

1. Ministry: Not Just Another Job

2. Ephesians 4:1-3 • I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

3. Ephesians 4:7, 11-13 • But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

4. Distinction #1 • A JOB IS OF YOUR CHOOSING • A MINISTRY IS OF GOD’S CALLING

5. Acts 20:24 • But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

6. Colossians 4:17 • And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.

7. Acts 20:24 • And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

8. Distinction #1 • A JOB IS OF YOUR CHOOSING • A MINISTRY IS OF GOD’S CALLING

9. Distinction #2 • A JOB BRINGS AN EXPECTATION OF GETTING • A MINISTRY BRINGS AN EXPECTATION OF GIVING

10. Philippians 2:17 17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

11. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

12. Distinction #2 • A JOB BRINGS AN EXPECTATION OF GETTING • A MINISTRY BRINGS AN EXPECTATION OF GIVING

13. Distinction #3 • A JOB CONNECTS A PRODUCT WITH A CONSUMER • A MINISTRY CONNECTS A PERSON WITH THEIR CREATOR

14. 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

15. Distinction #3 • A JOB CONNECTS A PRODUCT WITH A CONSUMER • A MINISTRY CONNECTS A PERSON WITH THEIR CREATOR

16. FOCUS OF MINISTRY!! ALL MINISTRY MUST POINT PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND BRING THEM INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM!

17. Distinction #4 • A JOB IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR ABILITY • A MINISTRY IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR AVAILABILITY

18. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.

19. GOD’S HELP WANTED AD Looking for available and submissive believers. No education, talents, experience our abilities required, they will be provided at the work sight. You will receive on the spot training by your 24/7 partner, the Holy Spirit. Success is guaranteed, and the compensation package is out of this world.

20. Distinction #4 • A JOB IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR ABILITY • A MINISTRY IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR AVAILABILITY

21. Distinction #5 • A JOB WELL DONE BRINGS YOU PROMOTION • A MINISTRY WELL DONE BRINGS GOD PRAISE AND GLORY!

22. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 • 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

23. 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (Cont.) • 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

24. 1 Peter 2:12 • Having your conversations honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

25. Distinction #5 • A JOB WELL DONE BRINGS YOU PROMOTION • A MINISTRY WELL DONE BRINGS GOD PRAISE AND GLORY!

26. Crossroads #1– Help! My Ministry has become a job! • If you are hear this morning and your Ministry at Daniel’s Road Baptist has turned into a job, ask God to change your heart and help you see the Big Picture of how your ministry is bringing others to Christ and glorifying your Father in heaven.

27. Crossroads #2— I need to obey God and get involved in ministry • If you are not ministering in the church yet and have been a sideline spectator pray that God will place a burden on your heart for ministry and then talk to your pastors about where you can get involved in ministry. To do otherwise is to ignore God’s calling in your life.

28. Crossroads #3— I need Jesus in my life • In order to become a minister of Christ you must first know Him as your personal Savior. Are you here this morning and you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ, who is God, to pay for your sins? We would like the opportunity to share with you how you can come to have your sins forgiven and begin a loving relationship with your Savior and Creator Jesus Christ.