- We continue with this anointed word from Minister James Deke!
“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” ~ Colossians 4:17 (KJV)
We established yesterday that the ministry of the believer can be categorized into three. The first ministry of the believer is unto the Lord Himself.
I strongly believe this is the ministry of ministries, upon which all other ministries can be clearly identified and fulfilled. It is the premise for intimacy with God. Let’s continue to the other two:
b. Ministry to the Church:
In God’s plan for building His church, He has given service or ministry graces to every believer with which we are to serve the church, which is the body of Christ.
- Some have the grace to usher, counsel, sing, play an instrument, encourage, exhort, organize, teach, offer help, etc. (Romans 12:4-8).
- Through these, we are edified, nourished, fed, formed, framed, and built up in Christ (1 Cor 14:26, Eph 4:12-13).
Every Christian has been graced to be involved in this ministry. You must identify your ministry to the body and fulfill it. There is something you can do for God in church (also in AWG); roll up your sleeves and let’s dirty our hands for God.
There are several ways one can find his/her God-ordained ministry, they include:
- Divine revelation (1 Cor 2:9-12, 1 Tim 4:14, Acts 13:2)
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ~ Acts 13:2
- Spiritual giftings and abilities (1 Cor 12:4-7)
"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:" ~ 1 Cor 12:4-7
- Spiritual desires (1 Tim 3:1, Acts 7:22-25, Matt 9:36)
"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." - 1 Tim 3:1
- Ease of work (Luke 2:46-47)
"After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers." ~ Luke 2:46-47
- Mentorship or discipleship (Acts 9:6)
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” ~ Acts 9:6
- Necessity or opportunity (1 Cor 9:16-17)
"For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me." ~ 1 Cor 9:16-17
c. Ministry to the world:
The third part of our ministry as believers is our ministry to the world, also known as the ministry of reconciliation. Jesus saved us from the world to save the world. We have been reconciled to reconcile (2 Cor 5:17-20).
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ~ (2 Cor 5:17-20)
- It is God’s heart desire that all men will be saved and the friendship between God and man be restored.
- This restoration project (the ministry of reconciliation – 2 Cor 5:18) started with Jesus during His walk on earth and has now been handed over to every believer (Matt 18:11, Luke 19:10, John 20:21, Mark 16:15)
We are to witness, testify, and tell the world that Jesus saves and that we have tasted of the Lord’s saving power and goodness – how refreshing and satisfying it is to us.
With the spoken words of our mouth and the unspoken words of our lifestyle, we must reach out to the dying world.
Every Christian must carry out all three ministries: minister to the Lord, to the Church, and to the world.
It is not enough to receive the ministry; we must fulfil it, complete the assignment, finish the course, and keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).
- In the end, may we hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
- So today, hear again Paul’s timeless admonition: “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”
Beloved, it’s time to fulfil your ministry! ~ Minister James Deke
Reflection: What have you identified as your ministry to the church and to the world? Are you fulfilling it? Pray and ask God to show reveal your ministry to you and to help you fulfill it. (If you desire to serve in any of the AWG wings: https://bit.ly/awg-wings)
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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