LIVING YOUR MINISTRY

LIVING YOUR MINISTRY - by Pastor Max - 5/2/06
Text : Genesis 1:26-28


1. God’s purpose in Creation
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." (Genesis 1:26-28)
Here we have God’s purpose in creation
–1. Relationship
–2. Character
–3. Dominion
–4. Fruitfulness
The 4 aspects of God’s purpose are inter-related
–Fruitfulness out of taking control
–Dominion flows out of who we are (our character)
–Character flows out of who we belong to
In other words, out of a relationship with God.


2. Character or Charisma
-Character has to do with who we are
–Charisma has to do with what we do
-Character is the foundation for all effective ministry
-Character refers to the condition of our hearts
-Usually develop character by recognising our weaknesses

-INTEGRITY – Living an integrated life
Proverbs 10:9 “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”
lIntegrity relates to the fear of God

3. The Process of Change
2 Corinthians 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
-Often ask: “what is God’s will for my life?”
–God’s will is for every believer to be mature.
-Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

GOD’S WORK IN YOU
–God’s Word is living and active
–It is our “daily bread” that feeds our spiritual life


4. The process of change – inside out
-1 Tim 4:7-8 “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- Proverbs 4:23(GNB) “Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thought”
- Romans 8:6-7 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.”
- God always has more than enough grace for us during our times of need
- We naturally tend to deny, ignore, or even suppress our hurts, struggles and pain
- If we really want to grow and change, we must be honest with ourselves
- Psalms 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

5. Finally
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one would walk with me, than merely show me the way.
The eye’s a better pupil, and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear.
So I’d rather a lesson by observing what you do;
It is not enough to preach it, you must live the sermon too.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advise you give;
But there is no misunderstanding how you act, and how you live.