Today, many in the Church preach, teach, minister, and serve with varying agendas. It is easy to have the wrong perspective of service and ministry. We know that God is all powerful and He chooses to include men in His eternal plans and purposes. In this week’s post, we want to give address 4 (AMONG OTHERS) reasons why God mandates or requires that men be involved in ministry and service.
1. Partakers of the Divine Nature. God places men in ministry and service to help others become partakers of the divine nature. He uses men and women to aid others in the quest to be like Christ. As we receive ministry from others, we become conformed to the image of Christ.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)
2. Participate in Salvation. God uses men in service so that mankind would participate in his own salvation. God used men from the beginning to bring men into the knowledge of God. This truth culminate in Christ coming as a man to redeem mankind.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18 (KJV)
3. Perfecting of the Saints. Paul revealed to the Ephesian church that Christ gave gifts to men (specifically those called to the ministry of the Word) to perfect or mature other Christians. God places men and women into ministry to mature, equip, protect and ground others in the truth of salvation in Christ Jesus.
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph 4:12 (KJV)
4. Prepare for Christ’s Return. God places men and women into ministry and service so that all will be prepared for Christ at His return. As men and women serve, they help members of the Body of Christ be aware and to prepare for that Day. In addition, as the Church declares the name of Christ to the world, it warns them of His coming and their need for the free gift of salvation offered by God.
God places men and women in His service to accomplish His purpose. We must keep these in mind as we serve in the Church. Until next time, continue in Him who will never leave you nor forsake you. If you would like more information of the subject, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “He Gave Gifts Unto Men: God’s Plan for Ministry in the Kingdom” at Amazon.
Very nice post. Bookmarked your site. I am waiting for your updates.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.
http://tinyurl.com/InChristAlive
it’s interesting, impacting and straight to the point. i’ve found what i’m really searching for. thank you pastor.