ARE YOU PREPARED Mark 1:9-13
INTRO:
In April 1988 the evening news reported on a photographer who was a skydiver. He jumped from a plane alone with numerous other skydivers and filmed the group as they fell and opened their parachutes. On the film shown on the telecast, as the final skydiver opened his chute, the picture went berserk. The announcer reported that the cameraman had fallen to his death, having jumped out of the plane without his parachute. It wasn’t until he reached for the absent ripcord that he realized he was freefalling without a parachute.
Until that point, the jump probably seemed exciting and fun. But tragically, he had acted with thoughtless hast and deadly foolishness. Nothing could save him, for his faith was in a parachute never buckled on. Faith in anything but an all-sufficient God can be jus a tragic spiritually. Only with faith in Jesus Christ dare we step into the dangerous excitement of life.
Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching, from Leadership Journal 1993
For us to be effective in our ministry, we need to prepare ourselves.
Jesus gives us an example of preparation for ministry in Mark 1:9-13.
John 13:13-17 “Do you know what I have done to you? 13You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
What do we do to prepare for ministry as Jesus taught us?
I. WE GIVE OUR LIVES TO RIGHTEOUSNESS v. 9
A. Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Even John tried to talk Him out of it. But Jesus answered, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matt. 3:15
B. He showed us:
1. COST: He came out of Nazareth, a place where He lived for 30 years. He left the comfort and safety of home to be obedient to the Father.
2. CAUSE: The Bible says a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. The baptism that Jesus submitted to was “a self dedication of self identification with sinners that would take Him to the cross.”
The cause was for others. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
3. CLEANSING: Greek word here is to be completely wet. One of the significance of baptism is related to the ceremonial cleansing of the Bible. Jesus is our High Priest. When a person was initiated into a higher state: e.g., when Aaron and his sons were set apart to the priest’s office, they were washed with water previous to their investiture with the priestly robes (Lev. 8:6).
C. In our preparation to be used of God we need to:
1. Seek God and His will and not our comfort. Be willing to pay the cost of following Jesus.
2. Dedicate our live to others!
3. Allow the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit not only to cleanse us but to convict us to live a clean life!
II. WE INDENTIFY WITH GOD’S FAMILY v. 10-11
A. In the Word, “one and only Son, loved by God.” (Greek)
B. Do we know that we are God’s children? Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Romans 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,] Father." 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
C. God tells us that He is “well pleased” with Jesus.
1. God instills His grace in us:
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith
It is God’s power through the Holy Spirit that moves us to please Him.
2. Our Goal is to please Him:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
Colossians 1:10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
D. I remember a couple of ladies that would visit each week the shut ins and those in the hospital and when they would leave I would always say, “remember who you represent when you go out there.”
E. When others see us, do they identify us with God’s family?
III. WE ARE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT v. 12-13
A. The Greek ekballo: “sent” “drove” (NKJV) = to lead one forth or away somewhere with a force which he cannot resist. Word used of when Jesus drove out the demons.
B. There was a guiding force from the Holy Spirit that led Jesus.
C. There are those who let the world and it’s concepts lead them in the decisions made.
Earlier Rom 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Clear understanding that we are the children of God is that we are led by the Spirit. 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
D. God leads us to places that will grow us.
• Noah – the Ark
• Abraham – sacrifice Isaac
• Joseph – Egypt
• Moses – speak to Pharaoh
• Now Jesus in His temptation
E. The testing comes with God’s protection.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
CONCLUSION:
Several centuries ago, a Japanese emperor commissioned an artist to paint a bird. A number of months passed, then several years, and still no painting was brought to the palace. Finally the emperor became so exasperated that he went to the artist’s home to demand an explanation. Instead of making excuses, the artist placed a blank canvas on the easel. In less than an hour, he completed a painting that was to become a brilliant masterpiece. When the emperor asked the reason for the delay, the artist showed him armloads of drawings of feathers, wings, heads, and feet. Then he explained that all of this research and study had been necessary before he could complete the painting.
Our Daily Bread.
For us to be effective in our ministry, we need to prepare ourselves.
