The Purpose Of Ministry

THE PURPOSE OF MINISTRY

Romans 15:14-22

INTRODUCTION: In these few verses, as Paul is in the midst of the farewell portion of his letter, he takes time to lay out the function of ministry.

Often we forget the why of ministry. We work on refining the “hows” of ministry, yet neglect and sometimes forget why we are doing ministry. Paul, in his closing remarks wants to remind us of the “whys” of ministry

I PURPOSE NUMBER 1 – PRODUCE AN ACCEPTABLE OFFERING TO GOD – VERSE 16

A The word Paul uses for minister is the word commonly used to describe the priesthood

B Paul saw his ministry to Gentiles as a “sacred duty”

C We need to have the right attitude mentally if we are to minister effectively

D The goal is to produce a “set apart” group

1 Sanctified – having been set apart by ….

II PURPOSE NUMBER 2 – TO SERVE GOD – VERSE 17

A Need to understand that what we are doing is what has been committed to us from God

III PURPOSE NUMBER 3 – TO PROCLAIM WHAT CHRIST HAS ACCOMPLISHED – VERSE 18

A Everything flows from our relationship with God

B Everything is accomplished because Christ is working in us

C Everything worthy of praise has:

1 God’s grace at its source

2 Christ as its motivation and goal

3 Holy Spirit as its energy

IV PURPOSE NUMBER 4 – TO PREACH THE GOSPEL – VERSE 20

A Where others have not been

B “not to preach to the choir”!

V PRIORITY NUMBER 1 – VERSE 22

A Priorities hinder us from doing something

B Priorities of ministry force us to do other things