DISCOVER YOUR MINISTRY AND DO YOUR GOOD WORKS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY JANUARY 04, 2021.

SUBJECT: DISCOVER YOUR MINISTRY AND DO YOUR GOOD WORKS!

Memory verse: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2 vs 10.)

READ: Matthew 5 vs 16; Acts 9 vs 36; First Timothy 6 vs 18 - 19; Titus 2 vs 4; 3 vs 8: 

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.

Acts 9:36: At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

First Timothy 6:18: Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 

6:19: storing up for themselves a good foundation for time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed, and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men

INTIMATION:

God created you and put you on earth for a purpose—to serve His interest. You are put on earth to make a contribution. You weren't created just to consume resources—to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life. Most people are concerned about how to get the best out of life, but that's not the reason God created you. You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it. This is one of God's purpose for your life, and it is called your "ministry," or “your service.” Jesus Christ, our example of what we are called to do, said: "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20 vs 28.)

“Good works” are acts of charity, kindness, or good will. They are works that are good, done for God's glory. They are good because they honor God and love people. They are works done for God's glory, by God's strength, because God commands. And when you do “good works,” you are serving the Lord. Therefore, whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." 

Our “good works” are acts of service or worship to the Lord. Whenever you serve others in any way, even in carrying out ordinary tasks, you are serving God and fulfilling one of your purposes. Because ultimately we serve God, every job has dignity. The apostle John said that our loving service to others shows that we are truly saved (First John 3 vs 14). If you have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and you are only concerned about your needs, it is doubtful whether Christ is really in your life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve. Through the manifestation of God’s grace, Christians have been driven by faith to conform their lives to the will of God. They do good works in thanksgiving of the grace of God.

Christians have been created anew in Christ by obedience to the gospel. They have been so recreated, not because of their good works, but purpose that God might work good through them. Christians thus work in response to what God has done for them. We serve Him out of joy, and deep gratitude for what He's done for us. We owe Him our lives. It is our works that manifest our response to the grace of God. Good works manifest the goodness of one’s heart. One judges himself, therefore, by his works, for it is in our works that we manifest our hearts. 

Serving God in your “ministry” is often misunderstood by most people. When most people hear "ministry," they think of pastors, priests, and professional clergy, but God says every member of His family is a minister (Revelation 1 vs 6; 5 vs 10). In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonymous. If you are a Christian, you are a minister, and when you're serving, you're ministering. We are saved to ensure others are saved. We are healed to help others. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are saved to serve, not to sit around and wait for heaven. 

It takes your coming to Him and trusting in Him, for the revelation of all these in your life. And you come to Him by accepting what He did through His Son Jesus Christ for you in redemption; acknowledging Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. He saved you to accomplish His purpose for which He created you (Second Timothy 1 vs 9). In God's kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. That is His “holy calling.” This gives your life great significance and value. God has given you a unique combination of abilities and talents. Use them to serve and honor Him. 

Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. Therefore, seek ways to express your gratitude to Him. Have you ever wondered why God doesn't just immediately take us to heaven the moment we accept His grace? Why does He leave us in a fallen world? He leaves us here to fulfill His purposes. Once you are saved, God intends to use you for His goals. God has a ministry for you in his Body—the church, and a mission for you in the world. Seek yours from Him and serve appropriately!

It is the nature of those who have experienced the grace of God to show their appreciation to God for their salvation through good works. If one does not manifest good works in his life as a disciple, then he has little appreciation for his salvation. It is being ungrateful. We are saved, and thus work out our salvation that we have in Christ. The Scripture says work out your “own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2 vs 12 - 13). The exhortation does not say to work “for” one’s salvation, but to work it out. When one realizes the greatness of his salvation, he is motivated to do the good works to the glory to God. 

Prayer: Abba Father, my utmost heart desire is to serve You acceptably and in accordance with Your predetermined purposes for my life. I humbly ask that You reveal to me the hope of Your calling, and the give me the grace to abound in good works, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!