Embracing Our Purpose: The Ministry of the Saints
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the importance of understanding and embracing the ministry of the saints. It began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the contributions of various church members and a special recognition of fathers on Father's Day. The core message emphasized that every believer has a ministry and a purpose, which is not confined to the pulpit but extends to everyday acts of service and love. The sermon highlighted the biblical principle of tithing, stressing that it is not about the amount but the heart behind the giving. It also touched on the importance of unity within the church and the dangers of division and strife.
The sermon drew from personal experiences and biblical examples to illustrate the process of spiritual growth and the necessity of being faithful in small things. It underscored that leadership in the church is not about being served but about serving others, following the example of Jesus. The message concluded with a call to action for the congregation to step into their God-given purposes and to be active participants in the ministry of the saints, thereby advancing the kingdom of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Heart of Giving: True tithing is not about the amount but the heart behind it. God is not impressed with the dollar amount but with the heart of the giver. A cheerful giver who gives out of love and obedience to God will always be blessed beyond measure. [49:11]
2. Unity in the Church: Division and strife within the church hinder the work of God. We must strive for unity and love, understanding that we are all part of the body of Christ. Speaking ill of one another or harboring envy and strife only serves to weaken the church. [01:19:12]
3. The Process of Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth is a process that requires patience and faithfulness. Just as leaders are not perfect and must go through their own processes, every believer must be willing to be processed by God. This involves learning from both good and bad experiences. [01:18:42]
4. The Ministry of the Saints: Every believer has a ministry and a purpose that goes beyond the pulpit. The ministry of the saints involves everyday acts of service, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and loving like Jesus. This is how we possess the kingdom of God. [01:27:45]
5. Living in the Spirit: To truly fulfill our purpose, we must step out of our fleshly mindsets and into the spiritual realm. This involves seeking God, understanding our divine purpose, and living according to His will. It is in this spiritual dimension that we receive revelation and empowerment for our ministry. [01:57:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:07] - Acknowledgment of Church Members
[39:28] - Importance of Tithing
[45:45] - Father's Day Recognition
[48:16] - Speaking as a Father
[49:11] - The Heart of Giving
[50:07] - Storehouse Principle
[51:24] - Cheerful Giving
[53:04] - Giving Without Compulsion
[54:25] - God's Provision
[56:11] - Ways to Give
[58:00] - Offering Prayer
[01:06:28] - Praise and Worship
[01:09:34] - Introduction to the Sermon
[01:10:41] - Personal Testimony
[01:13:50] - Respecting Leadership
[01:14:49] - Handling Leadership Flaws
[01:16:45] - Everyone Has a Ministry
[01:19:12] - Unity in the Church
[01:20:55] - The Call to Ministry
[01:22:19] - Misconceptions About Ministry
[01:23:04] - Honoring Spiritual Fathers
[01:25:01] - Ministry of the Saints
[01:27:45] - Acts of Service
[01:28:35] - Purpose and Grace
[01:29:16] - Suffering for the Gospel
[01:31:25] - All Saints Have a Ministry
[01:32:40] - Spiritual Maturity
[01:34:16] - Carnality in the Church
[01:35:56] - God's Desire for Us
[01:37:29] - Prophetic Insight
[01:39:09] - Internal Struggles
[01:41:25] - Possessing the Kingdom
[01:43:43] - Modern Church Challenges
[01:45:28] - The Power of God
[01:47:35] - Spiritual Warfare
[01:49:34] - Jesus' Question to His Disciples
[01:52:05] - Peter's Revelation
[01:54:15] - Spiritual Dimensions
[01:57:47] - Living in the Spirit
[02:00:14] - Unity of the Faith
[02:02:29] - Speaking Truth in Love
[02:03:54] - The Role of the Church
[02:04:50] - The Team on the Field
[02:06:12] - The Call to Serve
[02:07:28] - Being a Bridge
[02:08:24] - Stepping into Another Dimension
[02:09:32] - Keys of the Kingdom
[02:10:34] - Conclusion and Blessing
[02:12:04] - Final Prayer and Dismissal
[02:13:16] - Call to Action
[02:13:58] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 16:13-15 (NKJV)
> "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints."
2. 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NKJV)
> "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began."
3. Matthew 16:13-19 (NKJV)
> "When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, 'Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' So they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 instruct believers to do in their faith and actions?
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:8-9, what are believers called to share in, and what is the basis of their calling?
3. In Matthew 16:13-19, what significant revelation does Peter receive about Jesus, and what promise does Jesus make to him?
4. How does the sermon describe the "ministry of the saints" and what are some examples given? ([27:45])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "stand fast in the faith" and "be brave" as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14? How can this be applied in the context of church unity? ([19:12])
2. How does the concept of being "called with a holy calling" in 2 Timothy 1:8-9 relate to the idea that every believer has a ministry and purpose? ([16:45])
3. What is the significance of Peter's revelation in Matthew 16:16, and how does it relate to the authority given to believers? ([54:15])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of having the right heart in giving, and what biblical example is used to emphasize this point? ([49:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own giving habits. Do you give out of compulsion or with a cheerful heart? How can you align your giving more closely with the biblical principle of cheerful giving? ([53:04])
2. Think about a time when you experienced or witnessed division within the church. How did it affect the church's mission? What steps can you take to promote unity and love in your church community? ([19:12])
3. Consider the process of spiritual growth in your own life. What small acts of faithfulness can you commit to this week to grow spiritually? ([18:42])
4. Identify one way you can serve others in your daily life that reflects the "ministry of the saints." How can you make this a regular practice? ([27:45])
5. How can you step out of a fleshly mindset and live more in the spiritual realm? What specific actions can you take to seek God and understand your divine purpose? ([57:47])
6. Reflect on the sermon’s call to action. What is one specific step you can take this week to step into your God-given purpose and be an active participant in the ministry of the saints? ([13:16])
7. How can you support and encourage your church leaders while also holding them accountable in a loving and respectful manner? ([14:49])
Devotional
Day 1: The Heart of Giving
True tithing is not about the amount but the heart behind it. God is not impressed with the dollar amount but with the heart of the giver. A cheerful giver who gives out of love and obedience to God will always be blessed beyond measure. The act of giving should be done with joy and a sincere heart, reflecting our love and gratitude towards God. It is an expression of our trust in His provision and our commitment to His work. When we give cheerfully, we align ourselves with God's heart and open ourselves to His blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Think about your attitude towards giving. Are you giving out of obligation or joy? How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving today? [49:11]
Day 2: Unity in the Church
Division and strife within the church hinder the work of God. We must strive for unity and love, understanding that we are all part of the body of Christ. Speaking ill of one another or harboring envy and strife only serves to weaken the church. Unity is essential for the church to function effectively and to be a true representation of Christ's love. When we work together in harmony, we can achieve much more and be a powerful witness to the world.
Ephesians 4:3 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationships within the church. Are there any areas of division or strife that you need to address? How can you promote unity and peace in your church community today? [01:19:12]
Day 3: The Process of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a process that requires patience and faithfulness. Just as leaders are not perfect and must go through their own processes, every believer must be willing to be processed by God. This involves learning from both good and bad experiences. Spiritual growth is not instantaneous; it is a journey that involves being faithful in small things and allowing God to shape and mold us through various experiences. It requires a willingness to be taught and to grow through both successes and failures.
James 1:4 (ESV): "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Consider your own spiritual journey. What are some areas where you need to be more patient and faithful? How can you embrace the process of growth that God is taking you through? [01:18:42]
Day 4: The Ministry of the Saints
Every believer has a ministry and a purpose that goes beyond the pulpit. The ministry of the saints involves everyday acts of service, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and loving like Jesus. This is how we possess the kingdom of God. Each believer is called to serve in their unique way, using their gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others. Ministry is not limited to church leaders; it is the responsibility of every Christian to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Think about your own gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve others and fulfill your ministry as a saint? What specific acts of service can you commit to this week? [01:27:45]
Day 5: Living in the Spirit
To truly fulfill our purpose, we must step out of our fleshly mindsets and into the spiritual realm. This involves seeking God, understanding our divine purpose, and living according to His will. It is in this spiritual dimension that we receive revelation and empowerment for our ministry. Living in the Spirit means being attuned to God's voice and being led by His Spirit in all that we do. It requires a daily commitment to seek His presence and to walk in obedience to His guidance.
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily walk with God. Are you living in the Spirit or being led by your fleshly desires? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance in your life? [01:57:47]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Look at your neighbor and say, we have a God who believes in more than enough. More than enough. Say, well, why didn’t he just put a flat fee on it and just tell everybody to bring an X amount of dollars? Because that would not be fair to man who makes $500 a week sitting next to a guy who makes $5,000 a week. Come on, are y’all here today? So when you look at what God has done, he has given us a way to balance the books, if you will, by bringing all the tithe, come on somebody, into the storehouse." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, it’s interesting because we think that God saved us because we were lost. You know, when he does talk about lost things, lost things, something can only be lost that already belonged to you. So, it’s not that he saved me because I was lost. He saved me because I was lost. According to the scripture, watch this, because I have a purpose. And he saved you because you have a ministry. Y’all hear me. He saved you because you can help him accomplish his work." (57 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have to be careful how you talk. Don’t shout me down now. You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You will never be my Holy Ghost. I will not live my life according to your thinking. Come on, somebody. Those two sons refused to look and ignored me. They didn’t acknowledge their father’s nakedness. They were blessed for what they did. But the other one was cursed for what he did." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You can destroy your ministry and your purpose by how you handle the things that God gives you access to because part of me seeing what I saw was my process. Y’all not saying nothing. Part of it was my process. I had to be processed and I had to understand that just because somebody could preach the word of God didn’t mean that they just floated into their pants every morning." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to speak to you today as a father. Some of you are excited about that. Some of you not. But I’m going to speak to you as a father today. I want you to hear the word of the Lord. And I want you to be able to be transformed in your mind, renewed in your mind by the word of the Lord. Amen?" (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, somebody told me they tithe at least, you know, $50. And I said, okay. I said, so how much is that commensurate? With how much you make in the week? Well, no, I’ll make a lot more than that. And I said, okay. Well, let me give you a little hint. Tithe means tenth. Come on, y’all. And you can’t bring 2% and call it a tithe and say you tithed. Because you missed the mark. He said bring all the tithe into the storehouse. Come on, y’all. Are y’all here today? Somebody say storehouse." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have to be careful how you talk. Don’t shout me down now. You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You have to be careful how you talk about your leadership. As a young kid, I covered things for years. That I saw and never even told my mother nor my father because I was too scared of God to run my mouth against his anointed. Saul was crazy, was trying to kill David and do all kinds of things against David. What’s really crazy, Saul had been anointed to be king and to be king handpicked by God anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king but it’s 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold because there was a process." (75 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 16, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?