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Introduction:
A new year brings with it excitement and a desire for newness in our lives - a desire to be better, to do more, and to focus on what matters most. Life is short; therefore, life should be lived wisely with the end in mind. NEXT is about helping you make the most of your life this year.
“… we end our years like a sigh. 10Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.12Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” —Psalms 90:9b-10;12
This collection of talks will provide you with Biblical strategies to help you take next steps in some of the most important areas of your life.
January 9 Taking Next Steps in Your Health
January 16 Taking Next Steps in Your Finances
January 23 Taking Next Steps in Your Relationships
January 30 Taking Next Steps in Your Ministry
February 6 Taking Next Steps in Your Mission
February 13 Super Vision Sunday (Favorite Sports Jersey Day!)
Text: Acts 20:20-24 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: We were made to serve not to settle.
NEXT - WEEK #4: “Taking Next Steps in Your Ministry”
I.
GOD’S ROLE IN MINISTRY (v. 20-21)
A. Your ability in ministry is
“If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” —I Peter 4:11
B. Your ability in ministry
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” —Hebrews 13:20-21
C. Your abilities are to be used for God in ministry, or He may
“So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents.” —Matthew 25:28
D. Your abilities in ministry are to be
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” —I Corinthians 10:31
II.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN MINISTRY (v. 22-23)
A. Walk into the unknown by
B. Willfully serve with
“A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” —Proverbs 11:13
Reflective Question: If Jesus came to serve, what was I put here to do?
“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, 7Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant …” —Philippians 2:5;7
COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT ABILITIES IN MINISTRY
Misunderstanding #1: People aren’t
Misunderstanding #2: Your abilities must be learned in a
Misunderstanding #3: If you have certain abilities, you will be
Misunderstanding #4: Abilities that I use at
Misunderstanding #5: Most people only have a
III.
YOUR ABILITIES IN MINISTRY (v. 24)
A.
“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” —Romans 12:3
B.
“So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” —II Timothy 2:21
C.
“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success” —Ecclesiastes 10:10
D.
“Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it. 36For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? 37What can anyone give in exchange for his life? 38For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” —Mark 8:34-38
CONCLUSION: What next steps do you need to take in your ministry?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
1. How does knowing your God-given abilities reveal His plan for your life impact the way you’re living now?
2. Which is more lacking for you - your faith or your faithfulness?
3. Which of the 5 misunderstandings was part of your life before today?
4. Which of the 4 applications of abilities do you need to focus on this week?