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Family Life -
Men's Ministries
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Excellence of Ministry
JN 4: 4 – 42
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it was that caused Paul at the end of his earthly journey to boldly say: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me at that day?
To me, it was simply a MINISTERING HEART
MINISTERING HEART – a heart that opens up to others, makes sacrifices and yields itself completely over to the will of God.
MINISTRY - the area in which you serve in the church For excellence in the area of service in the church, a heart that opens up itself to others, makes sacrifices and yield itself completely over to the will of God is necessary. CHARACTERISTICS OF A MINISTERING HEART
1. It recognizes the will of God concerning salvation. Jesus knew he had to share the message of salvation to all men. It is the will of God that all men are saved. Therefore share Christ with all men. II Timothy 2: 3-4; Mark 16: 15
2. Willingly obeys the will of God – Sees God’s command as to be obeyed and not a burden e.g.: Jonah and Nineveh; Jesus and his disciples HAD to pass through Samaria. Moreover, Jesus was very mindful that he "did the will of his father who sent him."
3. Recognizes that God plans the steps of his servants or allows God to lead. – There are no accidental meetings for a believer, but in fact are planned. Moreover, they are not with mere mortals but eternal beings. Psalms 37: 23 Jesus did not waste the opportunity of offering salvation to this society outcast.
4. Works hard to accomplish the will of God. Jesus, though tired, continued to minister. We will never be able to do great things for God without the willingness to extend ourselves, even when born tired.
5. Makes sacrifices – Put things in priority. God must be first. Mark 8: 34-35 Jesus withstood physical fatigue, persecution and an earthly career to do the will of God.
6. Reaches out to those in need despite differences – remove all barriers that may prevent you from ministering to someone else. I John 3: 17 Jesus knew that Jews and Samaritans where enemies and that it was not morally acceptable to have a conversation with a woman in public. Yet he went beyond these social barriers and reach out to this Samaritan woman.
RESULTS OF A MINISTERING HEART
- It pleases God
- It reaches the lost and fulfills the will of God. See John 4: 39-42
- It brings joy. See John 4: 32-34; 39-42
DEVELOPING A MINISTERING HEART
- Be prayerful – James 5: 16; Matthew 21: 22
- Study the word of God earnestly. II Timothy 3: 15
- Imitate the examples of faithful believers. Hebrews 13: 7
- Train yourself to be godly. I Timothy 4: 7
Give me a heart of love!!
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