Ministers Of Grace

We are going to look at our roles as Christians. As Christians of the Church. Having membership as parts of this body of our Lord Jesus Christ and what we do both inside and outside of the Church. How we uphold the principles of discipleship in our role as a Christian to influence unbelievers with the hope of bringing them to the Lord. The intent which is to expand the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. We are to prepare each other so we can exist with each other in eternity. We have a special role divinely appointed to those who claim to seek His will.

At first glance, 1 Peter 4:7-11 appears to touch on the basic stuff. We are going to take a critical look at what each of these requirements are, what they mean to us in our walk with Christ and with each other, and how as we develop a deeper understanding of how Christ Himself conducted His ministry while on earth should also be examples of how we too should conduct our business – as progressive faithful children of God for the sake of advancing His majestic kingdom. We are called to increase.

Isaiah 54:2 - “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.

1 Cor. 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

This is what it means to be a Church of Jesus Christ. But first some background into the heart and mind of Simon, called Peter also given the name The Rock. An interesting man, no different than you and I. He made many mistakes. Untrained in (rabbinical tradition) other than a skilled fisherman which he was often baffled by the authority of his Master through the miracles He did. Beginning in Chapter 4.

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, (patient endurance in unjust suffering) because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. Christ’s suffering is for sin. Therefore we ought not to let sin prevail in our lives to suffer us even more.

2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Heavenly Father, here in this place we come just as you’ve commanded that we come. And we come just as we are. We don’t try to be what the world expects us to be – but we come just as you have made us – fearfully and wonderfully. We come asking dear Lord for your mercy. We ask for your forgiveness. We ask for your overwhelming compassion to cover us with your love – not that you don’t already do that but so that our hearts can be sensitive towards your holy righteousness and all of God’s goodness. That we may experience the joy you have in store for us if we are to come obediently, submissively and expectantly. In Jesus name.

1. Clear mind and self-controlled

"Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!" Andrew Murray