Purpose Driven Life #5

Ministry – You were Shaped for Serving God

 

1.  Introduction:

 

 

Ephesians 2:10  “You are his workmanship - created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God has before ordained that we should walk in them”.

 

·      God has put you on this earth to be a contributor not a consumer.

·      You are God’s workmanship – but He is maturing you for a purpose    - Ministry   

           - Missions

·      “Good works” = works done meeting the needs of people i.e. ministry

·      Ministry” – a misunderstood word – people think of pastors and   

                               ministers.

                             - minister/ministry means, one who serves.

·       Every member of the family is a minister.

·       Every Christian is called to “full-time” ministry (service) for Christ.

·       Service is not optional – something to see if you can fit it in your spare         

time.

·      God’s purpose is for you to become useful in his Kingdom by contributing.

·      At the end of your life God will evaluate your life service – How well you’ve served!  Matthew 25:19-30  

   

2.  God has Shaped You for Service:

 

Ephesians 2:10  “- - unto good works which God has before ordained that we should walk”.

 

 

Example: - Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..”

                  - 1 Kings 13:2 - Josiah

                  - Judges 13:5 - Samson

                  - Genesis 35:22 – Jacob and Esau

 

 

·         Nothing that happens in your life is insignificant – god uses it all to shape you.

·         It is your responsibility to discover and develop what God has given you.

 

(a)  Spiritual Gifts:

·      1 Corinthians 12:7  “Now the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man”.

·      Spiritual gifts are operations or manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

·      Spiritual Gifts are given to every believer to contribute to building the church.

·      If you don’t discover and develop and contribute your gifts others are cheated.

·      When did you last move – serve with spiritual gifts?

 

(b)  Heart:

·      Proverbs 27:19  “As in water face answers face, so the heart of man to man”.

·      Your heart reveals the real you – who you are.

·      Your heart š desires, dreams, affections, hopes, ambitions – source of motivation.

·      Your heart influences what you say, do and why you fell the way you do.  Proverbs 4:23 “ - - out of your heart flow the issues of life”.

·      What is your heart?  Your passions – what you are enthusiastic about.

·      2 Keys that identify heart: (i) Enthusiasm       (ii) Effectiveness

 

(c) Abilities:

·      Romans 12:3-6 “- having gifts that differ according to the grace give to us”

·      Abilities are the natural talents you are born with – they are important.

·      All your abilities are a gift that comes from God and can be used for God.

·      The abilities you have must be discovered and developed – that indicate God’s call.

·      Whatever you are good at develop and use it to bless others.

 

(d) Personality:

·      1 Corinthians 12:6  “There are diversity of operations but the same God.

·      God loves variety – He has made you different to others.

·      God uses all types of personalities, Peter = sanguine/Paul = choleric/Jeremiah = melancholic  (DISCRIPTION)

·      Your personalities affects how and where you use your gifts.

·      Don’t copy others – learn from their example.

 

 

(e) Experiences:

·      Romans 8:25  All things work together to them who love God.

·      You are shaped by experiences you have been through.

·      E.g. Family, Education, Vocational, Spiritual, Ministry, Painful.

·      God uses all these experiences to prepare you for serving Him. Even painful experiences are not wasteful in God.                         (2 Corinthians1:4) – Share them!

 

3.  Learn to Think and Act like a Servant:

 

·      Matthew 20:25-28 “ – even as Son of Man come – not to be       ministered to but to minister and to give His life a ransom for many”

·      Serving starts in your mind – to be a servant a mental shift – an attitude change.

·      Having the heart of a servant is more important than knowing your shape.

 

(i)  Servant heart = being available:

·         Matthew 20:30-32 Jesus stopped and called to them – NB Sensitive and spontaneous.

·         Jesus “stopped” – he allowed his plans to be interrupted by the needs of others.

·         If you only serve when it is convenient you don’t have a servant heart. (Proverbs 3:26)

·         How available are you? Is your life so filled with your own pursuits – not available?

·         3 Barriers of availability: (1) Selfcentredness – so focused on

                                                                     own needs. (Philippians 2:4)

                                                               (2)Perfectionism–waiting until perfect (Ecclesiastes 11:4)

                                                               (3) Materialism – focused on money and things. (Luke 16:13)

 

(ii)  Servant heart = being grateful:

·         Psalm 100:2  Serve the Lord with gladness.

·         Constantly maintain an attitude of gratitude for opportunities given to you.

·         Opportunities to serve are an entrustmentOpportunity for growth and reward.

·         2 Barriers to gratitude:

          (1) Comparison/Criticism    (Romans 14:40)

                         (2) Wrong motivation, wanting approval. (Matthew 6:1)

 

(iii)  Servant heart  = being faithful:

·         John 17:4 “I have glorified you – I have finished the work you gave me to do.

·         Jesus was faithful in completing the work He  was given.

·         Servants: Finish their tasks, Turn up on time, Keep their promises, Come prepared, fulfill their commitments.

·         Servants don’t quit when the going gets tough or get discouraged.

 

Hebrews 6:10  God is not unrighteous to forget your labour of love.

Matthew 25:21  Well done good and faithful servant.