The WORK of the Ministry

I have recently be preaching a short series on the Church. One of the things that we have wrestled with is the "Why" question. Why do ministry? It seems to me that it is necessary for a local church to come to a clear understanding of the biblical motivation for ministry.

In that course of study I attempted to point out that ministry is expensive. It is a costly undertaking. In Colossians 1:29 we observe that the Apostle Paul willingly, eagerly throws himself into the yoke of ministry.

In the first half of the verse the author directs the readers attention to the human commitment that is necessary for effectual ministry. There he opts for the words "labor" and "striving." Words that are deliberately forceful and which prompt examination and commitment on the part of sensitive servants. In the second half he turns to the wonderful thought of divine enablement.

This morning I simly wish to emphasize the call to human commitment. Two quotes will serve to highlight that truth.

The truth is, no one can hope to have a biblically authentic ministry without hard work." (R. Kent Hughes)

"No one can successfully serve Jesus Christ without working hard. Lazy pastors, Christians leaders, or laymen will never fulfill the ministry the Lord has called them to. (John F., MacArthur, Jr.)

May we who have been given such great privilege and responsibility be found to be diligent laborers for the Lord.

The WORK of the Ministry

I have recently be preaching a short series on the Church. One of the things that we have wrestled with is the "Why" question. Why do ministry? It seems to me that it is necessary for a local church to come to a clear understanding of the biblical motivation for ministry.

In that course of study I attempted to point out that ministry is expensive. It is a costly undertaking. In Colossians 1:29 we observe that the Apostle Paul willingly, eagerly throws himself into the yoke of ministry.

In the first half of the verse the author directs the readers attention to the human commitment that is necessary for effectual ministry. There he opts for the words "labor" and "striving." Words that are deliberately forceful and which prompt examination and commitment on the part of sensitive servants. In the second half he turns to the wonderful thought of divine enablement.

This morning I simly wish to emphasize the call to human commitment. Two quotes will serve to highlight that truth.

The truth is, no one can hope to have a biblically authentic ministry without hard work." (R. Kent Hughes)

"No one can successfully serve Jesus Christ without working hard. Lazy pastors, Christians leaders, or laymen will never fulfill the ministry the Lord has called them to. (John F., MacArthur, Jr.)

May we who have been given such great privilege and responsibility be found to be diligent laborers for the Lord.