the foundational reason for christian ministry

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The Foundational Reason for Christian Ministry

(Regaining a Biblical Focus)

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Why Christian Ministry? John 21:14-17

14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

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Why Christian Ministry? John 21:14-17

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

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Why should you or I be active in Christian ministry?

Lots of possible answers The Great Commission People are lost – the reality of hell God’s love for all people The reality of heaven – don’t miss

it! Jesus came to seek and to save

the lost

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Have you heard about “burn-out”? People resigning from their Sunday

School class. People resigning from a church

office Pastors resigning from their church

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Why “burn-out”?

I’m worn out trying to help people who don’t really want to be helped!

I’m tired of conflict and misunderstanding!

I’m weary of working two jobs plus ministry responsibilities!

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Why “burn-out”?

I’ve put in my time. Let someone else take their turn!

I feel like I’m just “spinning my wheels” and getting no where.

I’m tired of being hurt.

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Look at the question Jesus asked Simon Peter.

v. 15 - lovest thou me more than these?

v. 16 - lovest thou me?

v. 17 - lovest thou me?

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Look at the question Jesus asked Simon Peter.

Three times – the same basic question. Why?

Agape – self-sacrificing choice of the will to seek the other person’s highest good.

Phile – warmth of affection and close friendship.

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Don’t miss the point when struggling with the words for love.

In John’s writings, the are basically synonyms – meaning the same thing.

Key idea: Do you love me?

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Jesus’ response to Peter.

v. 15 - Feed my lambs.

v. 16 - Feed my sheep.

v. 17 - Feed my sheep.

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The primary motivation for Christian ministry is our love for Jesus.

When we forget that ministry is to be motivated primarily by love for Jesus, we become vulnerable to “burn-out.”

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Jesus told His disciples, “I will make you fishers of men,” but the motivation for reaching out to others must spring from a basic, foundational love for the Savior of men – Jesus.

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Its easy to get caught up in the business of ministry!

Its easy to be job oriented – goal oriented.

We must stay Jesus – focused!

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Jesus – help me to remember that when I minister, I am to do it because I love you.

Help me to stop focusing on all the negative, discouraging factors.

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Jesus, I want to renew my

commitment to ministry

because I love you and want

to please You!

the foundational reason for christian ministry

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