Engage+Introduction

=God-Designed, God-Directed Ministry Engagement=

Lesson Objective: Individuals will thoroughly examine scripture that reveals God-designed, God-directed ministry engagement. Key Verses: II Timothy 3: 14-17, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:12

__Introduction__
The first of 21 Articles of Faith for Eagle Heights Baptist Church states:

//We believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God; and in the original manuscripts it was verbally (every word) inspired; that God, the Holy Spirit, is its Author; that the salvation of sinners is its end, and that eternal truth without any mixture of error is its content; that it is indestructible and forever sealed in Heaven and that it is the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried.//

It is in staying true to this article that a study on God-designed, God-directed ministry engagement is important.

Read II Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

What can scripture provide a man (or woman) in becoming complete and equipped for every good work? Answer: teaching, reproof, correction, training in righteousness

Many people do "good work" without teaching, reproof, correction, or training in righteousness, don't they? You probably can think of examples of really "good" people who do really "good" things but do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. What do you think the difference is between being a good person who does nice things and the "good work" referred to above in II Timothy 3:14-17 and these scriptures: Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 10:23-25, Colossians 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:21, 2 Corinthians 9:8? Possible Answers: God created us to do particular good works through Christ; Christians are called to "stir up" one another to love and good works; it's what's behind the good works: motivated by God rather than other reasons Read the following passages from Paul's letter to the Ephesians: But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. (Eph 4:7). . . And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. (Eph. 4:11-14)

We are each individually gifted so that we will be equipped for the work of ministry in order to build up the body of Christ. A mature Christian is one equipped for and engaged in ministry.

What ministries have you been a part of in the past?

What ministries sound interesting to you to try out?

In most churches, the common practice is to begin with the recognition of a ministry need and then to fill that need with whomever happens to be willing and/or available. The image below depicts this practice:



In contrast, God-designed, God-directed ministry engagement begins with you: how has God specifically gifted you? When He formed you in your mother's womb, what traits did He instill in you? What experiences or influences in your life have prepared you to serve certain populations or in certain ministries? Once these questions are explored thoroughly, you can begin engaging where God directs you.



__Summary__
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