REVIEW
THE ORIGINAL MINISTERS
Acts 2:41–47 (NIV) – 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
As they obeyed Jesus’ message and method they started to become Christ-centered and others-focused and no longer self-centered and self-focused.
They participated in ministering to others and being ministered to by others.
Acts 4:32-35 (NIV) – 32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
They moved from being just consumers of God’s provision to contributors of God’s provision.
1 Peter 4:8-10 (NIV) – Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
They ministered to each other individually and they ministered to each other corporately.
Acts 6:1-5 (NIV) – 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5This proposal pleased the whole group.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) – 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
REASONS WHY PEOPLE DON’T/WON’T MINISTER
WAYS WE MINISTER PERSONALLY & CORPORATELY
Remember – Ministering happens in relationship. You cannot minster to and be ministered to if you are not connected to others. Your connection status directly impacts your ministering ability.
Personally
Opening Question: When was a time when someone ministered to you? Have you ever had someone not give up on you?
Main Point: Ministering to others is an important part of growing as a disciple of Jesus.
Read/Tell the Story: Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals a Paralytic)
Questions:
Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:7-11, Luke 9:1-6