Serving God regardless (4)

Ephesians 4:11-15
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

It’s important to note that the work of spiritual growth is continual (‘perfecting of the saints’ – this is continuous). The saint is always being perfected for the work of ministry. Spiritual growth already has an end to it – the work of ministry.

Paul, by using ‘tossed to and fro’ (verse 14) implies that there is only one doctrine, one truth. That stability is in knowing that one thing. One of the things that shows you are growing spiritually is that your convictions are stable.

The church is for learning and any diligent bible student must be a very good listener; the learning must be to the end that saints are perfected and the church is being built up.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

We have seen that the thorn in the flesh is not sickness, it’s persecution from people opposing the preaching of the gospel. And then in verses 9-10, Paul’s glorying is in how he won’t allow persecution affect him, his response is joy. Paul said he’ll glory in reproaches; the work of ministry is up and down. Don’t expect all ups. It’s part of the job description, people will insult you, and the devil will come after you. Ministry is a long-distance race – be prepared for insults. It’s your thorn in the flesh.

He’ll glory in necessities; it means the ‘needful’, those legitimate needs – Paul did not allow it affect the gospel. The gospel will affect your needs. Therefore, in the face of necessity, keep your focus on God. That is, when things are convenient and when they are not, your focus must be on Jesus because it’s all about him.

He’ll glory in persecutions (in distresses); that is, inconveniences. For those truly serving the Lord, the first thing to always consider is God’s will regardless.

2 Corinthians 6:3-4;
3 Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watching, in fasting;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

The minister of God is approved in much patience. Patience is not just waiting, it is what you do while waiting. Patience is too vital in ministry. Be patient with what God has placed in your hands, with your disciples, be patient.

There should be no ulterior motive in ministry; let the Lord lead, yours is to follow! Serve God regardless of what is going on around you, and remember, you have his strength! You stand, no matter what you face. Glory!

Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Genesis 28-30

TEACHING OF THE DAY
You and I in the school of prayer (3)