The Joy of Ministering

I.  The JOY of Ministering (5)

2 Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)
⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

                A.           Jesus First: (a)

He should be the focus of the ministry.

                B.           Others Second: (b)

…ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

                C.            Yourself Last

II.   The MOON of Ministering (6)

How does the moon give forth light? IT REFLECTS THE LIGHT of THE SUN

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) ⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

                A.           First, We Must RECEIVE the Light (a)

Salvation.  The light is the truth.  Darkness is unbelief.

                B.           Second, We Must REFLECT the Light (b)

Jesus Christ is the FACE of God’s light.  This in reference to the incarnation.

III.  The TREASURE of Ministering (7)

2 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV) ⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

                A.           The Treasure is Jesus Christ

It is our salvation.  It is the indwelling Holy Spirit. 

                B.           We are the Vessel; Our Content makes us Valuable.

Paul compares us to earthen vessels. Earthen vessels or clay jars were the disposable containers of Bible days, so that their life spans were generally a few years at the most because they were so fragile and broke so easily. These clay jars were a part of everyday living as they were used for cooking, eating, drinking, and storing leftover food. They were used to store and transport water, olive oil, wine, grain, garbage, and even family treasures.

These pots were called ostraca, which is from the Greek word for "pottery." These vessels were made of shells which are very brittle or clay that was fired in a kiln. No one took note of clay jars any more than we would of a plastic container. They were simply there for convenience. They were, in a way, "servants" to the ones who used them. It was no great tragedy when such vessels were broken. These jars were cheap and easy to replace.

Paul compares us to these simple clay pots that were many times chipped and cracked. When they were used, the focus was not on the clay pots, it was upon the splendor of what was within them, especially if the contents of the earthen vessels were treasures or delicious foods.

The content of the vessel gives it its value.  The content of our vessel gives value.  Feel unimportant, unworthy, unsuccessful, without purpose…Jesus Christ fills our vessel giving it great value!  I may be a crack pot, but my contents value is unlimited!

2 Timothy 2:21—If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

1 Thessalonians 4:4—That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;.

You responsibility is to find out from Him what He wants you to do with your life. Notice what the Lord stated to Ananias in Acts 9.

Acts 9:15—But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

No Christian should ever complain to God because of his lack of abilities, because of his limitations or handicaps. The creation of your life was in the hands of the Lord. God wants you to accept yourself and be yourself.

Psalm 139:13-16—... For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. [15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

What does God want you to do?

                1.            Surrender…Do His Will!

                2.            Shine…Poke Holes in the Darkness!

                3.            Sow…Tell Others of Jesus!