{"id":1212,"date":"2022-12-13T02:08:09","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T02:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/?p=1212"},"modified":"2023-10-27T17:46:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T09:46:18","slug":"holding-gods-ministry-tightly-and-loosely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/?p=1212","title":{"rendered":"Holding God’s Ministry Tightly and Loosely"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As ministers of our Lord Jesus Christ in His vineyard, di natin maikakaila na mga may time na we think that the ministry is owned by us, that\u2019s why some people treat it like their baby. On the other end, we show indifference naman sa ministry because we thought it is not entrusted to us saying things like, \u201cWell that\u2019s not my ministry why should I care for it?\u201d, or \u201cI will do what I want because this is my ministry\u201d. I think both ends are wrong and dangerous for the minister and for the people of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is good to ask ourselves thoughtful questions like \u201cwhat my attitude as a minister should be?\u201d, \u201cHow should I look at it?\u201d and \u201chow should I approach it in a way that reflects my trust in Jesus and commitment to His calling to me?\u201d These are questions ay tiyak na makakatulong for us to be effective servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, what is a Christian ministry and who are the ministers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ministry is work or vocation that came from God given to us to serve Him in response to His grace, for the sake of others and for the proclamation of the gospel. Samakatuwid, ang ministry or isang gawaing paglilingkod sa Dios at para sa kapwa para sa pangalan ng Dios ay pwedeng maging sa loob at labas ng simbahan or kahit anong uri ng trabaho. Pwedeng sa marketplace, sa pagiging teacher, businessman, gym instructor, or jeepney driver, tricycle driver, waiter, janitor at iba pa.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kung saan man dalhin ng Dios ang isang disipulo ni Kristo para mag work, we can consider that work as a ministry. There is no dualism or divide between secular and sacred for a Christian regarding his ministry or vocation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence there are four practical and biblical principles that I want to share with you that I believe will guide us to a more mature service sa ating Panginoong Jesus. So, Ano nga ba ang dapat na maging attitude natin as ministers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Ministry is Not Ours, it is God\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible says that everything is God\u2019s, \u201cThe earth is Yahweh\u2019s, as well as its fullness, the world, and those who dwell in it\u201d (Psa.24.1). Even our lives are owned by God. Hence our ministry and vocation are not ours but His alone. We may think that the business we built up as a ministry to create jobs for people is ours but at the end of the day, our business is ultimately God\u2019s business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We may be good at preaching and teaching in the ministry of the word whether, in Sunday school, youth, Lord\u2019s Day, or bible studies, but these giftings are not ours. God gave this gift for us to be effective in the ministry that He sets up for us and for others to encounter His grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sa madaling salita, hindi natin pwedeng laruin, baliwalain nor take it lightly the ministry of God. Once we do, we are simply saying that His ministry is cheap. With this attitude, we already broke 1 Corinthians 10:31, \u201cWhether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.\u201d Our Lord Jesus Himself took the ministry of the Father very seriously and excellently. Even to the point of death, He carried the Father\u2019s will faithfully simply because it is God\u2019s ministry and will \u201cFor even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many\u201d(Mk. 10:45).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Ministry of God is Entrusted to Us<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The death of our Lord Jesus Christ is not cheap. It is costly and unfathomably expensive. But despite the fragility of our minds, God still entrusted His ministry to us. He chose us to carry His mission to the world for His glory. Truly God is so gracious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nais ng Dios na tayo makabahagi sa Kanyang gawain sa mundo at maging kasangkapan ng Kanyang biyaya to people. Ephesians 2:10 says, \u201cFor we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.\u201dDisciples of the Lord Jesus are predestined to do the ministry of God and only in Christ Jesus, not in our name or other\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, we should not boast about ourselves if the ministry is successful. It should be noted that glory is not ours but God\u2019s. We can celebrate and receive affirmations but be always reminded na it is only through God\u2019s mercy and power that we can be effective sa ating ministry. Just stay humble and remain faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if the ministry is failing, it is a sin to blame it on God. He may allow challenges in the ministry for us to learn how to handle things properly and most importantly for us to learn to rely on Him not blame Him. Remember, it is His ministry, and it is God\u2019s other way to show His grace to us and help us grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magandang lagi tayong magself-check if there\u2019s lacking on our side. Let\u2019s evaluate our methodology, our team, and our doctrine and theology if there\u2019s unhealthy practice na nangyayari. Check your heart and faith in the Lord, and your spiritual disciplines if still intact. Failing ministry sometimes rooted in a failing ministers. In short, tayo yung kailangan maayos para magawa natin ng maayos ang ministeryo ng Dios na pinagkatiwala sa atin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Ministry of God Must Be Protected from Any Threat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since it is entrusted to us, then it should be protected whether from inside or outside threats. One very important ministry in the church that God entrusted to us aside from prayer and communion is the ministry of the word. In fact, I believe that the ministry of the word is the core of all ministries in the local and universal church. Sakop na kasi nito ang lahat ng ministries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Acts 6:1-6, we can see clearly how the Apostles give their priority to the ministry of prayer and of the word. They cannot compromise these ministries for it is the will of God to make His word known to all people. Instead, namili sila ng mga spiritually mature and able na tao to serve on the tables for people para mas matutukan ng mga apostol ang pangunahin ministry ng simbahan at yung ang pagtuturo at pangangaral ng salita ng Dios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Delegate Tasks to Spiritually Mature<\/strong><\/em><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

They protected the ministry of the word by delegating other tasks to spiritually mature and wise people. They did not allow themselves to be caught up with a bunch of tasks that can hinder them to preach and teach the word of God. Delegation is a wise action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no wisdom sa taong ginagawa ang lahat ng ministry duties sa church. Pastors are prone to this trap. We think na super Christian tayo if we have a lot of ministries. If you are a Pastor like me, focus on the word, and know it better so that our people can hear sound doctrine and biblical theology. Delegate tasks to other Pastors and Elders for visitation and pastoral care if there\u2019s conflict sa atin mga schedule. I\u2019m sure, the Lord will honor our teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moses was instructed by his father-in-law to delegate tasks for he would get burnout if he kept addressing all the issues of the Israelites alone. Jethro said to Moses, \u201cThe thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone\u201d (Exo. 18:16-17). And in verse 21, makikita natin na ang principle ng pagtatalaga ay tagalong makakabuti sa gawain ng Dios at sa Kanyang mga mang-gagawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keep it Biblical and Christ-Centered<\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

If every ministry in a local church or para-church has no single direction to where it\u2019s headed, it will fall into a different position and become disorganized. It\u2019s chaos. How much more if a ministry is not biblically sound and does not anchor in Christ Jesus\u2019 teachings? It will become a breathing ground for errors, heresies, and false teachings. Kawawa ang mga taong nakikinig at higit sa lahat, nalalapastangan ang salita at pangalan ng Dios at ni Kristo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ministry is the means to an end and the end goal is Christlikeness. Since ito ang end goal, dapat lang na naka-ugat ang ating gawain sa person and works of Christ Jesus at nananatiling naka-sandig sa salita ng Dios \u2013 the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Christ Jesus the main subject of our youth ministry? Do we give time to teach who Christ is in our small groups and ministries? How much of our teachings give attention to the words of Jesus? Wala naman masama na bigyang pansin natin ang culture and current events. In fact, need din ito but if it is not examined under the teaching of Christ and the cross, it is not worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To protect the ministry of Christ from errors, we must put Christ at the center of our ministry and put everything to the test by the words of our Lord and Savior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trust the Work of the Holy Spirit<\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Whatever happens to the ministry, only God is able how to make it fruitful. Do not cling to the ministry as if it is our life. Jesus is our life, not the ministry. So, let us trust the work of the Holy Spirit on the result of our labors. Let\u2019s trust the His work as we do our respective ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May mga oras at panahon ng mauuga ang ating faith dahil sa ministry, but the Lord is at work both to us and to His ministry. God knows better than us. Ipagkatiwala natin sa Dios ang kahihinatnan ng ating mga gawain. So that we avoid being frustrated, disappointed, and boastful sa ating success or failure. Everything is perfectly planned by the Lord whether we understand it or not. The scriptures teach us that we must \u201ctrust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight\u201d (Prov. 3:5-6). This includes every ministry we handle for God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Ministry of God Must be Passed on to Faithful ones<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul exhorted Timothy saying, \u201cThe things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.\u201d The ministry of the word must be passed on to the faithful ones. Hindi dapat maputol ang cord na ito sa ating generation. Everything that we have learned from the Lord through His faithful servants must live on to the next generation of preachers, teachers, counselors, evangelists, pastors, and servers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ano mang gawain or ministry ito, if na nakasentro kay Kristo ay dapat ipagpatuloy hanggang sa dumating ang Panginoong Jesus. Why? because all of us will die and get old. We will leave this earth, and if we failed to pass the baton to the right people, we failed the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certainly, may gagamitin ang Dios na ipagpatuloy ang gawain, but is it not good to see that through our commitment to God by His grace, we left a remarkable legacy that will bring honor to Christ and inspiration to our successor?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus said to the disciples, \u201cteaching them to obey all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age\u201d (Mt.28:20). This also implies that a faithful disciple of the will pass the message of Jesus to other faithful disciples that will do the same thing until the Lord calls him home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wrap Up<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Ministers, we are not the masters of the ministries in our churches and organizations. It\u2019s the Lord Jesus. Do not hold it tightly because the Lord can take that away from us, and we are all replaceable. Likewise, do not hold it loosely as if it is not important to the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take God\u2019s ministry seriously and joyfully because it is a privilege for us and a means to exercise our gifts and service to people and God. Ministry is also not a replacement for worshipping Christ Jesus lest it becomes our idol. Our worship belongs to Christ alone and not to ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, all Christian ministry that we have from God must lead us to our sanctification, propagation of biblical truths, the edification of the saints, the proclamation of the gospel, the expansion of God\u2019s kingdom, and to the glory of the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Any less than these is not worthy of support and not worthy to be called biblical ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we all serve the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As ministers of our Lord Jesus Christ in His vineyard, di natin maikakaila na mga […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1213,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,10,11,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","category-christian-living","category-church-matters","category-pastoral-ministry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/diego-ph-nyESNc7uz9c-unsplash-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1212"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1212\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1348,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1212\/revisions\/1348"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/purgingword.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}