Embracing the Ministry of the Saints
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of the "Ministry of the Saints." Drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings, we delved into the importance of understanding our individual callings and the process that God takes us through to fulfill them. Reflecting on the life and teachings of Dr. Mark Hanby, we learned that ministry is not confined to the pulpit but is a calling for every believer. Each one of us has a unique purpose and ministry that God has saved us for, and it is crucial to handle the responsibilities and revelations God gives us with care and reverence.
We discussed the story of Noah's sons to illustrate the importance of how we speak about and handle our leaders and the anointed. The process of becoming who God has called us to be involves both learning what to do and what not to do. This process is essential for our growth and maturity in Christ. We also touched on the necessity of moving beyond mere head knowledge to living out our faith in practical, tangible ways.
The sermon emphasized that the ministry of the saints involves everyday acts of service and love, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and praying for the sick. It is about being addicted to the work of the saints, not just the saints themselves. We were reminded that our calling is not about seeking positions of power or recognition but about serving others selflessly, just as Jesus did.
We also examined the spiritual warfare that takes place within the church, cautioning against internal strife and division that can hinder the effectiveness of our ministry. The enemy often works from within, causing discord and distraction. Therefore, it is vital to maintain unity and focus on our collective purpose.
Finally, we were encouraged to step into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding and purpose, moving beyond our fleshly concerns and into the realm where God's revelations and purposes are made clear. This involves a deep commitment to our calling and a willingness to serve others, even when it is challenging.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Process: Every believer has a unique calling and purpose, but fulfilling it requires going through a process. This process involves learning both what to do and what not to do, and it is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. We must handle the responsibilities and revelations God gives us with care and reverence. [08:11]
2. Ministry Beyond the Pulpit: Ministry is not confined to the pulpit; every believer has a ministry and a purpose. The ministry of the saints involves everyday acts of service and love, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and praying for the sick. It is about being addicted to the work of the saints, not just the saints themselves. [18:34]
3. Handling Leadership with Care: How we speak about and handle our leaders and the anointed is crucial. The story of Noah's sons illustrates the importance of respecting and covering our leaders rather than exposing their flaws. This respect and care are part of our spiritual process and growth. [05:40]
4. Spiritual Warfare Within: The enemy often works from within the church, causing discord and distraction. Internal strife and division can hinder the effectiveness of our ministry. Therefore, it is vital to maintain unity and focus on our collective purpose to possess the kingdom. [30:20]
5. Stepping into a Higher Dimension: To fully grasp our purpose, we must move beyond our fleshly concerns and step into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding. This involves a deep commitment to our calling and a willingness to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. [49:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:06] - Introduction to Dr. Mark Hanby
[04:28] - Personal Ministry Journey
[05:40] - Respecting Leadership
[08:11] - The Process of Calling
[10:14] - Everyday Acts of Service
[14:28] - The Ministry of the Saints
[18:34] - Addicted to Ministry
[21:33] - Suffering for the Gospel
[23:17] - All Saints Have a Ministry
[24:59] - Maturity in the Church
[28:14] - Prophetic Insight from Daniel
[30:20] - Internal Spiritual Warfare
[33:09] - Possessing the Kingdom
[35:08] - Modern Church Challenges
[39:34] - Insights from Matthew 16
[49:00] - Stepping into a Higher Dimension
[57:18] - The Role of the Congregation
[01:01:08] - Keys of the Kingdom
[01:02:51] - Making a Difference
[01:04:33] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:05:46] - Announcements and Farewell
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 16:13-16 (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—that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us."
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. Daniel 7:27 (NKJV)
> "Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 16:13-16 say about the qualities and actions that should characterize believers? How does this relate to the concept of the "ministry of the saints"? ([16:59])
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:8-9, what are believers called to share in, and what is the basis of their calling? ([21:33])
3. In Daniel 7:27, what is promised to the saints of the Most High, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on possessing the kingdom? ([33:09])
4. How did the story of Noah's sons illustrate the importance of how we handle and speak about our leaders? ([05:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the process of spiritual growth and maturity, as described in the sermon, align with the instructions given in 1 Corinthians 16:13-16? ([16:59])
2. What does it mean to be "addicted to the ministry of the saints" as mentioned in the sermon, and how does this concept challenge our traditional views of ministry? ([18:34])
3. How can the internal strife and division within the church, as warned in the sermon, hinder the effectiveness of our ministry and our ability to possess the kingdom? ([30:20])
4. What does stepping into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding involve, according to the sermon, and how does this relate to the revelation Peter received in Matthew 16? ([49:00])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What are some specific ways you have experienced the process of learning what to do and what not to do in your walk with Christ? ([08:11])
2. How can you incorporate everyday acts of service and love, such as feeding the hungry or praying for the sick, into your daily routine? What practical steps can you take this week? ([18:34])
3. Think about a time when you may have spoken negatively about a leader or someone anointed by God. How can you change your approach to be more respectful and supportive? ([05:40])
4. Identify a situation in your church or community where internal strife or division is present. What actions can you take to promote unity and focus on the collective purpose? ([30:20])
5. What are some fleshly concerns that you need to move beyond in order to step into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding and purpose? How can you commit to this change? ([49:00])
6. How can you ensure that your ministry is not about seeking positions of power or recognition but about serving others selflessly, just as Jesus did? ([18:34])
7. Reflect on the concept of being "addicted to the ministry of the saints." What specific ministry activities can you become more devoted to, and how can you encourage others to do the same? ([18:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Process of Spiritual Growth
The journey to fulfilling our unique calling in Christ involves a process of learning and growth. This process is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about understanding what to do and what not to do. It is essential for our spiritual maturity and requires us to handle the responsibilities and revelations God gives us with care and reverence. Reflecting on the story of Noah's sons, we see the importance of respecting and covering our leaders rather than exposing their flaws. This respect and care are part of our spiritual process and growth. [08:11]
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did it contribute to your spiritual growth and understanding of God's purpose for you?
Day 2: Ministry in Everyday Acts of Service
Ministry is not confined to the pulpit; every believer has a ministry and a purpose. The ministry of the saints involves everyday acts of service and love, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and praying for the sick. It is about being addicted to the work of the saints, not just the saints themselves. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking positions of power or recognition to serving others selflessly, just as Jesus did. [18:34]
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one practical way you can serve someone in need today. How can you make this a regular part of your life?
Day 3: Respecting and Covering Our Leaders
How we speak about and handle our leaders and the anointed is crucial. The story of Noah's sons illustrates the importance of respecting and covering our leaders rather than exposing their flaws. This respect and care are part of our spiritual process and growth. By honoring our leaders, we contribute to the unity and effectiveness of the church's ministry. [05:40]
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your attitude towards your church leaders. How can you show them respect and support in a tangible way this week?
Day 4: Maintaining Unity in Spiritual Warfare
The enemy often works from within the church, causing discord and distraction. Internal strife and division can hinder the effectiveness of our ministry. Therefore, it is vital to maintain unity and focus on our collective purpose to possess the kingdom. By recognizing and addressing these internal challenges, we can better fulfill our calling and serve others effectively. [30:20]
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." (Romans 16:17, ESV)
Reflection: Consider any conflicts or divisions within your church community. How can you be a peacemaker and promote unity?
Day 5: Stepping into a Higher Dimension of Spiritual Understanding
To fully grasp our purpose, we must move beyond our fleshly concerns and step into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding. This involves a deep commitment to our calling and a willingness to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. By seeking God's revelations and purposes, we can gain clarity and direction for our lives. [49:00]
"But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal His purpose for you. How can you step into a higher dimension of spiritual understanding and commitment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Everybody in this room has a ministry. Everybody in this room has a purpose. But let me help you with something. 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. 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. They had to get up and put their pants on one leg at a time. Just like everybody else put on their boots." (58 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 belong to you. It's not that he, he, he, I was lost. He saved me 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." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you're not called. Please. Don't try to pastor because you will kill yourself trying to pastor if you don't have a call for it. It's just like anything else in life. I could not be a police officer because it's a call. I know I couldn't be a school teacher with a bunch of little kids running around. My wife and I went and sat in some classrooms to talk about career day the other day. We had like 15 or 20 minutes with each group of kids. And we had first graders. Man, these little kids were on the back of their heads, sliding around on the floor, just doing all kinds of stuff. And their teacher is snapping and get over there. The whole time we're talking and we're trying not to laugh because it's hysterical. I couldn't be as nice as that lady was. Get your. No, I just couldn't do it." (66 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let me tell you what the call is. You got to love people more than you love yourself. It's real true. You just got to love people more than you love yourself. But what I want to talk to you today, because it seems like Pastor Steven, that in the church, we kind of have this idea that there's only one place of ministry and that's the pulpit and a lie. It's a lie from the pits of hell. Everybody say, I have a ministry. Everybody say, I have a purpose." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The enemy does not fight us without. He fights us within. I'm going to say it again. Because you're going to miss it if you don't hear what I'm telling you. The enemy does not fight us without. He really fights us within. They can pass all kind of laws. They can do all kind of stuff. In China, they got churches underground. That are having more glory than we're having. Here in America. When we can do this freely. Because within, they are at one. They are in peace. And they are there for the same purpose. In America, we can't make up our mind about anything." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "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. 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, handpicked by God, anointed by Samuel to be the king. David gets anointed to be king. But it's 30. 13 to 15 years before David ever goes from the anointing to the gold." (70 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The ministry is not to the saints. It's of the saints. Meaning, they're not trying to teach everybody. They're doing the ministry that saints do. They're addicted to what saints do. Not apostles, pastors, evangelists, pastors, teachers. They're addicted to what saints do. What? Saints do they feed the hungry they shelter those who are shelterless they clothe the naked they love like Jesus loves they help one another they encourage one another they pray for one another they speak words of edification they introduce Jesus to those who don't know him they pray for the sick they pray for crippled and diseased folks on and on the ministry of saints." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The enemy does not fight us without. He fights us within. They can pass all kind of laws. They can do all kind of stuff. In China, they got churches underground. That are having more glory than we're having. Here in America. When we can do this freely. Because within, they are at one. They are in peace. And they are there for the same purpose. In America, we can't make up our mind about anything. And the reality is. The enemy does not fight us without. He fights us within. And Paul said, be careful that you bite and devour one another. Because what you're going to do. Is you're going to make. In each other. Ineffective. You're going to take away the effectiveness of the church. Because you will consume one another. And you will run people off from the kingdom. Because we don't know how to love them. We don't know how to honor visitors when they come. Or if they don't look like us." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The body is not growing into maturity in the right way. And when you look around and you see church folk that have been going to church for years. And they still can't tell you how many books are in the Bible. They still can't tell you certain things about the Bible. They still can't tell you where Genesis is found. Come on, are y'all talking to me today? He said. So I fed you with milk, not a solid food. For until now you were not able to receive it. And even now you're still not able. I'm talking to you like a daddy would talk to you. For you are, he said, still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you. Are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? If we're just sitting around here fussing at each other. Come on, y'all. Divided over things. That are stupid, that make no sense. That don't matter." (59 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're going to be the greatest in the kingdom, you must be the servant. Come on, y'all. It's not trick questions. Somebody say servant. Servant of all. You got to serve people who don't like you. You got to serve people who talk about you. You're going to serve somebody who hates on you. You're going to serve some that love you. You're going to serve some that really bless you. And you're going to serve some that really care for you. But you're going to serve some that tell you to your face they care for you. And go behind your back and talk about you. That's going to happen. Everybody has the opportunity to be offended. But if we're going to make this thing work. And we are. Somebody say we are. Yeah. We've got to step in to another dimension, y'all. We've got to come out of our flesh. We've got to come into another dimension. And we have got to start seeing things as they really are. And get the impartation. Of our purpose in us." (79 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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