Hard Work of the Ministry
What mindset must we adopt if we are to faithfully persevere in the ministries that we have been called?
We must embrace the hardwork of the ministry.
In 2 Timothy 2:1-7 there are 3 Imperatives, 3 Illustrations, and 1 primary Application
Imperitives
- Be Strong/Strengthened – by God, not from within ourselves – in Grace
- Do I stop and pray as I am about to go into a difficult or ministry conversation?
- Am I putting scripture to memory so it will be my answer?
- Pass along what has been entrusted to you – faithful transmission of the truth of God’s Word to other men in the church
- Are you actively engaged in sharing the Word with 1 or more people?
- Are you being discipled?
- Share in Suffering Persecution
Illustrations
- Soldiers avoid entanglements so they can please the superior/authority
- Athletes win only by keeping the rules
- Farmers work hard and can expect to partake in their harvest
Application
- Rely on the reality that the Lord will give us understanding.