The Focus of Ministry

1 Timothy 1:11-15
Introduction:
Bro. Bill, Gov. John Sununu, who served as Chief of Staff of the first George Bush’s White House, was once asked by a reporter, “Your job is very difficult, isn’t it?” He answered, “No, it isn’t.” The reporter thought John Sununu had misunderstood him, so he asked the question again. John Sununu answered more emphatically, “No, it isn’t. I only have one constituent.” He means, “I only have to please one person, the President.” Bro. Bill, there is only one person with whom you must be concerned: your sole focus must be on pleasing God.
When it comes to your ministry, there are many opinions and suggestions, and it is wise to seek advice from those who have distinguished themselves as faithful servants, but, once you have heard that counsel, you have to determine what God would have you do. In the opening of Paul’s letter to Timothy, he writes under the direction of the Holy Spirit that the end of the commandment is charity or godly love that is pure and sincere, and those who have abandoned that focus have nothing of value to say to us. Bro. Bill, that sets the context for what Paul says in this chapter and for what God wants to do in your life and ministry. If what you do and say isn’t done out of love for the Lord, His people and the lost, it really is useless, just an eventual shipwreck waiting to happen. It’s kind of like the old Native American who was attending church and commented on the pastor’s message: "High wind. Big thunder. No rain."

I. You need to Love the Lord-
Bill, nothing can substitute for your relationship with God
No book or resource or tool can take the place of a genuine walk with the Lord
When I was ordained, Bro. Charlie said, “One of the greatest crimes of preachers is talking further down the road than they are walking.”
Bro. Bill, just remember that Jesus is the One who died for you, saved you and called you
He has enabled you and put you into the ministry and committed the Gospel to your trust
He called you. He didn’t call someone else but He called you.
He has treasured away inside of you the gifts and abilities that will be needed
God has put you in a position to be influenced by others, to be taught and mentored and discipled, but don’t make the mistake of trying to be those people or some amalgamation of those people
Incidentally, when Paul speaks of God counting him faithful, he doesn’t use logizomai of Rom 4:3 Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Instead, Paul uses hegeomai saying that God found Paul a faithful follower, willing to be lead
Paul showed the potential and focus to be faithful by obedience to God
I hope that God can say that of you. That you won’t try to do this without Him.
You may be tempted to do this in the flesh, but this is a spiritual work. It is worthy of more than fleshly efforts.
It is a matter of surrendering yourself to God and aligning yourself to His pleasure

II. You need to Love the Lord’s People-
The variety of personalities and ministry styles are as plentiful as the number of preachers
I can’t really speak to whether all of those styles are proper
I know one pastor advised me to read the book, Winning Through Intimidation.
You would be better served to receive guidance on ministry from the Bible- Procedural manual
Because the truth is that this is only your ministry for