Three Ways Grace Believers Perform Pre-Planned Works Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 10:1-5; 6:1-7
Introduction We are made to be (potential) slaves when we believed the gospel Rom 6:17-18
Review We are to willingly yield ourselves as slaves to Christ, and not to men Gal 1:10; Eph 6:6-7 Serving Christ as a slave will result in serving other believers as a slave FOR Christ
Review We should serve as willing slaves in “Newness of spirit” Rom 7:6
Review The slave of the Lord must not fight II Tim 2:24 (a good soldier) II Tim 2:3-4 II Tim 4:7 II Cor 10: 3-4 II Cor 6:3-4
‘As an Attendant, One Who Waits Upon Another’ Every believer is an attendant (minister) Eph 4:12 (cf Col 4:17 Archipus’ ministry)
‘As an Attendant, One Who Waits Upon Another’ Characteristics of a minister (attendant) I Cor 12:5 - Ministering in physical service and material goods Act 6:2 - serving tables Rom 15:25-26 - giving money I Cor 16:14-16 - giving time and physical service
‘As an Attendant, One Who Waits Upon Another’ Characteristics of a minister (attendant) Ministering in spiritual things II Cor 4:7 - ministry of the New Covenant (for the Church) II Cor 5:18, 20 - ministry of reconciliation (“be reconciled to God”) I Tim 1:12 - Paul was put into a ministry (an apostle, cf vs 1)
Conclusion NT grace believers perform God’s pre-planned works as Christ’s servant-slaves and as His ministers (attendants). You must first, willingly act in the realm of a slave to Christ (your Lord), before you can carry out the ministry (service as an attendant) that He has planned for you.