Meeting Needs, Touching Lives Series

Meeting Needs, Touching Lives

1 Corinthians 12:5-7

July 15, 2007

1 Corinthians 12:5-7

“There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.”

1. Common Misconceptions of Ministry

- Ministry is something the pastor does

- You have to know a lot about the Bible to minister

- You have to be a Christian for a long time

- Someone else will do it

2. Separate But Equal

- The Body of Christ

- Made up of many different parts –

1 Corinthians 12:12

1 Corinthians 12:12

“The body of Christ has many different parts, just as any other body does.”

2. Separate But Equal

- The Body of Christ

- Made up of many different parts –

1 Corinthians 12:12

- different background

- different professions

- different personalities

- different talents and abilities

- A common thread – Ephesians 4:15-16

- Jesus

Ephesians 4:15b-16

“Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of it’s parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.”

3. In His Name

- Loving others – John 13:35

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – that you have love for one another

3. In His Name

- Loving others – John 13:35

- Giving of ourselves – 1 John 3:16-17; Hebrews 13:16;

Romans 12:13

1 John 3:16-17

We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.

But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help – how can God’s love be in that person?

Hebrews 13:16

Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.

Romans 12:13

When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

3. In His Name

- Loving others – John 13:35

- Giving of ourselves – 1 John 3:16-17; Hebrews 13:16;

Romans 12:13

- For His glory – Matthew 25:35-40

Matthew 25:35-40

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.

Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?”

And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

How are You…

Meeting needs?

Touching lives?

**Powerpoint available on request