The Mandate of Ministry
Luke 9:1-6, 10-11 Ministry Fair Message
August 21, 2005
Evening Service
Introduction
Story from my first church - Attitude toward ministry
I. Mandate for sending
1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." Luke 9:1-5
Ministry starts when the church send people to go out into the community to share the good news of Jesus in practical ways.
II. Mandate for serving
6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere. Luke 9:6
Minister = Servant
Ministry = Serving
Ministry cannot happen when people do not serve. Jesus has the expectation that we are to serve Him and to accomplish the work of His kingdom.
What would happen in the church if everyone decided to not do their assigned tasks? What would happen if no one decided to serve Jesus through the church?
III. Mandate for seeing
10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida Luke 9:10
When we are active in ministry, we are able to see the hand of God at work in the lives of those we minister to. There is nothing quite like seeing people come to understand God’s love in deeper ways and seeing people touched by His hand.
IV. Mandate for success
11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
When we are obedient to serve Christ He will bring the increase. Doing the work of God draws people to Him.
