THE MINISTRY IN YOU

Goodlife Edet & Bassey Udoh

THE MINISTRY IN YOU

[Identifying and fulfilling God's purpose for your life]

The Ministry Series (1)

And God set some in the church: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, government, diversities of tongues. (1Corinthians 12:28)

And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some teachers, and some, evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saint, for the work of the ministry, for edifying the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Not Made For Ourselves

God gave a duty tag to every man He created. Actually, there is a purpose for every of God's creations. (And that purpose is not entirely beneficial to humanity.) I was not made for myself. Similarly, you were not created for yourself.

We were created to serve God and man. This understanding is vital as we proceed.

Made for What?

Like I said in the teaching series, "Purpose for Living", everyone has a specific call and purpose given to him by God. In our text above, we have seen some of the assignments given to members of the body of Christ.

Some are given the annointing of the apostolic, prophetic, pastoral, teaching, the miraculous. Others have the gift of healing, hospitality (helps), administration (government), the mystery of spiritual language (tongues) and so on.

Some people have more than two or three of these. These gifts are for the edification of the church, the advancement of the Gospel. This is the ultimate benefit of these gifts here on earth. They are not needed in Heaven.

Where Do I Fit In?

We do not choose where we function, we are shown, (or put differently,) we discover it. Jesus decides how many talents you receive and therefore he sets expectations. (Matthew 25:15)

Our focus in this teaching series is to help you find your place in the body of Christ; and to get you to understand that your gifts/assignment/abilities make up your ministry.

On the question of where you fit in, you will have to find out from the Lord. Yes, ask Him and He will answer you. He will speak to you in many different ways.

He will guide your heart to your ministry. This is so important to know as a Believer, else, life becomes a misery, and you roam like a misfit.

Social and Spiritual Ministry

Some people have a calling to 'full time' ministry, others may not (yet). But it is certain from scriptures that every child of God has a ministry, a call, a duty in the body of Christ.

After her encounter with Jesus, the Samarian woman ran to the city to inform people of Christ (evangelism) John 4:27

Simon Peter's mother-in-law after the encounter that brought health to her, got up and ministered to Jesus (hospitality). Luke 4:38,39

Jesus decided the roles of each of his disciples. He appointed Judas as Treasurer, I guess Philip was in charge of Welfare, while Peter, James and John were in Protocol and performed secretarial duties, and so on.

You may not have the call to be a pastor, but can still serve. Maybe, you may have the gift/calling into the legal profession. You can serve the church in her legal needs.

You may be a fashion designer, you can help out in the church's outreach/amenities programmes. In whatever social, economic or political duties you have, that is your own ministry!

Ask God for a way. You can direct that gift to the service of God. This is fulfilling your ministry.

Note: I have barely scratched 1/100% of the details in this subject. But I trust that you have been blessed by the little I have shared. Remain blessed.

Read similar articles: PURPOSE FOR LIVING (1) (8 editions)

See you in the second edition of The Ministry Series.

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