Isaiah 61:13
The true ministry is empowered by the Spirit of God and is characterized by preaching good tidings, binding up the broken-hearted, and proclaiming liberty to captives, all for the glory of God.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that all believers are called to be ministers of God, highlighting the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for true ministry. He warns against the dangers of ministering in the flesh, stressing that self-confidence can lead to ineffective service. The purpose of ministry is to share the good news, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives, while the results of true ministry bring beauty, joy, and praise to those in need. Ultimately, the goal of ministry is to glorify God, not ourselves.
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"THE TRUE MINISTRY"
Intro: We are all called to be ministers of God. Different ministries. This
scripture fulfilled in Christ. Example for all.
I. THE POWER FOR THE MINISTRY, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE THE
LORD HATH ANOlNTED ME."
A. The danger of ministering in the flesh.
1. Joshua - "they took stock of their rituals."
2. Sometimes we are pressured by people.
3. Sometimes inspired by people.
B. The folly of ministering in the flesh.
1. Wood, hay, stubble, nothing lasting.
C. Beware of self confidence.
1. Paul said, "I was with you in weakness & trembling." He did not
seek to persuade them with the enticing words of man's wisdom.
a. How opposite to today when eloquence is the goal of so
many ministers.
2. You are far more ready for the task when you think you can't do it.
D. The importance of the Spirit.
1. He directs the ministries.
a. And the Spirit said "separate unto me."
b. We assayed to go to Asia but the Spirit forbade us.
c. And immediately He was led by the Spirit.
2. He empowers for the ministry.
a. "Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you."
b. The Spirit divides the gifts to each man severally as He wills.
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE MINISTRY.
A. "To preach good tidings to the meek."
1. The good tidings that God loves you.
2. The good tidings that He has provided a way for you to come into
koinoia with Him.
B. "To bind up the broken hearted."
C. "To proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them
that are bound."
1. Those hopeless captives of Satan, those that are bound by sin.
a. There is deliverance, there is hope.
D. "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
1. Now is the day of salvation."
2. "Choose ye this day."
E. "The day of vengeance of our God."
1. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked."
2. "But the wrath of God shall be revealed."
3. Hiding in the rocks & dens saying unto the mountains and
rocks fall on us."
III. THE RESULTS OF THE TRUE MINISTRY.
A. "Give them beauty for ashes."
1. So many burned out lives.
2. Destroyed by sin.
B. "The oil of joy for mourning."
C. The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."
IV. THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE TRUE MINISTRY THAT HE MIGHT BE GLORIFIED."
A. Never to bring glory or fame to ourselves. "Let your light so shine before men."
To God be the glory.
Sermon Outline
- The Power for the Ministry points: - The danger of ministering in the flesh - The folly of ministering in the flesh - Beware of self confidence - The importance of the Spirit
- The Purpose of the Ministry points: - To preach good tidings to the meek - To bind up the broken hearted - To proclaim liberty to the captives - To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord - The day of vengeance of our God
- The Results of the True Ministry points: - Give them beauty for ashes - The oil of joy for mourning - The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
- The Final Outcome of the True Ministry points: - Never to bring glory or fame to ourselves
Key Quotes
“The Spirit divides the gifts to each man severally as He wills.” — Chuck Smith
“There is deliverance, there is hope.” — Chuck Smith
“Let your light so shine before men.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the danger of ministering in the flesh and rely on the Spirit of God for empowerment and direction.
- Preach the good news of salvation to those who are meek and broken-hearted.
- Proclaim liberty to those who are captive to sin and bring them into a relationship with God.