What Comes With Ministry

Each of us is a minister. We are called out of darkness into the light to minister - to evangelize the world. As you take on that role - expect that trials will come! Maybe you have recently re-dedicated your life to the Father... Perhaps you’ve just recently received the fire and anointing and infilling of the Holy Spirit that empowers the believer for ministry.

You are now marked... You WILL be tried... You WILL be tested... you WILL be tempted... As you yield to Christ, the enemy, the devil, will attempt to defeat you at every turn.

James 1:2 says this - "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (NASB)" 1 Cor 13:7 says that "love endures ALL things"... Read James 5:11.

I. Each Ministers

A. At salvation you become a minister or ambassador for Christ.

B. Minister by your life

C. Minister to all

1. Pray for salvation

2. Pray for deliverances

3. Pray for healings

D. Everywhere

1. At your job

E. Illustration - Kathy Tillman

1. That is what Jesus was talking about when He said, "You shall receive power..."

II. You Will Be Tried - Stand

A. Eph. 6:10 "stand"

B. Against what?

1. Enemy

2. Not against people - against (vs 12)

C. How to Stand

1. Full Armour

2. Belt of Truth

3. Breastplate of Righteousness

4. Feet shod with Peace

5. Shield of Faith

6. Helmet of Salvation

8. Sword of the Spirit

9. PRAY!

III. Be Refined by the Fire

A. Trials produce endurance (James 1:3,4)

B. Ask for Wisdom (James 1:5)

C. Faith is Refined (James 1:6-8)

Conclusion:

You will face trails and temptations. Consider it joy! God is working on you! He is moulding you! It will refine your faith. When you have trials and temptations and attacks they are NOT failures - they are opportunities to let the God of Heaven refine you, shine in your life and be known to you. Jesus face dthem. Paul faced them. The 12 apostles faced them, yet, they perservered to the end!

Through perseverence and because of it they healed the sick, made the lame walk and deaf to hear. The very shadow of Peter healed. Why? Becfause they went through the fire of trials and came out on the other end moulded, shaped and full of the Spirit of God. Trials are not indications of God’s abandonment. They ARE a method by which God purifies, sanctifies and shapes us into His ambassadors to be all we can be for Him!

Listen - Satan will come in and try to test you. He’ll throw all of hell your way if for no other reason but to see what you are made of... But Hallelujah! The King of kings and Lord of lords is on your side! Satan has tried, but failed. Jesus is my King! He is my source!