Seven Dangers To Ministry

SEVEN DANGERS TO MINISTRY

Luke 9:1-12 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

All believer are called to some type of ministry. However, no matter if we are a ministry or a layman there are dangers that we face. If we will guard against these dangers we can overcome. I am listing seven of the most common dangers we face, yet, they can slip into the most spiritual ministry if we are not on guard. This outline lists what I have myself tried to guard against in almost 50 years of ministry to the world. The dangers are not confined to just North America, I have seen them all over the world.

I. THE FIRST DANGER IS THAT VISION IS LOST OR IT FADES.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

A. We must always keep a vision for the lost.

1 With out it the Word says we will perish.

B. For people in need.

1. The Church is not a new building. The Church is the people. The Spirit of God lives with in His people.

2. If we do the Will of God, we must keep His Word.

II. DANGER NUMBER TWO IS THAT WE SLUMBER AND SLEEP,

Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

A. We can slumber spiritually when God’s Work become routine.

1. We have everything planned in our services and leave no place for the leading of the Holy Spirit.

B. We start taking God and His blessings for granted.

C. We overcome by watching and praying.

(Mat 26:41 KJV) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

(Mark 13:33 KJV) Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

III. THERE IS THE DANGER OF MAKING THE MINISTRY PROFESSIONAL.

A. We must guard against making our ministry a form. (2 Tim 3:5 KJV) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

B. The ministry is not a job.

1. The ministry is a calling.

a. It is a high calling. (Rom 11:29 KJV) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

b. It is a life long calling.

IV. DANGER NUMBER FOUR IS PRIDE.

I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

A. We must guard against this. I remember what I learned from an early mentor of mine that always give the Glory to God, as God will not share His Glory with anyone.

B. Also one of my first pastors counseling me said without thinking, Tony, one thing I am proud of is that I have remained humble all through my ministry. I know what he meant as he was really a very humble brother.

C. Jesus humbled Himself like not man has ever done. (Phil 2:8 KJV) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1. He is our perfect example.

V. WE MUST GUARD AGAINST JELOWCEY AND ENVY.

A. We must not envy other ministries. We must be only faithful in what God has called us to do.

1. God’s measure for greatest is not how much or how many. It is how faithful we are with what He gives us to do.

2. Remember what happen with Aaron and Miriam.

VI. THERE IS ALWAYS THE DANGER OF REBELLION.

A. We must always keep a good spirit.

B. We must guard against a wrong spirit.