Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church

October 25, 2009                                                                                Steven J. Mattis, Pastor

Series: Finding Your Place in Ministry

            Pt. III “Motivation for Ministry?”                  II Cor. 3-4-5

Two weeks ago I began a series called, Finding your Place in Ministry and shared about the necessity of developing an attitude like that of Jesus in our serving others.  Last week, I suggested that our ministry ought to include proper participation in the real historical and current event issues of our lives.  This morning, I want to focus upon our Motivation for doing Ministry.

I.  Our lives are a letter being read by all people.  II Cor. 3:2-3

     A.  Our lives are a message from Christ.

            1.  The dignity and value of the human soul.

            2.  Unceasing spiritual beings/eternal destiny in God’s univer.

     B.  Written with the Spirit of the Living God.

            1.  H.S. communicates by the Word, by his Voice, by our Life.

     C.  Human heart is the platform for one of God’s potent messages.

            1.  Who you are and how you live really matters to God.

II.  Untangling confusion between Vessel and the Treasure.  4:6, 7

    A.  Earthen Vessels –Illusion to our human frame and condition.

            1.  We tend to think of ourselves less than we ought. Ps. 51:3

            2.  Our condition often obscures our position (in Christ)

     B.  The surpassing greatness of the Treasure of Christ.

            1.  Jesus has entered into our condition and redeemed it.

            2.  Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Jesus) has moved in/remodeled us.

            3.  This is not from us; from our condition, but from God.

     C.  We must be careful what we focus upon.  II Cor. 5:16

            1.  Focusing - condition (if redeemed) – discouragement.

            2.  Focusing – position (in Christ) – Victory, over-comer.

            3.  Must stop see each other after the flesh but after Christ.

III.  Allow the love of Christ to control us.  II Cor. 5:14

     A.  Ministry draws upon the Love of Christ in us/written on hearts.

     B.  Ministry calls us to no longer “live for ourselves.”  For others!

     C.  Ministry of the Spirit, transforms us, gives us life, touches others