Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Understanding Ministry

a) New Covenant Ministry

b) Ministry involving the Holy Spirit

c) Ministry of the Gospel

d) Ministry of the Church

2. Our Challenge

a) To understand the Ministry

b) To respond appropriately

COMMITMENT TO MINISTRY

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

2 Corinthians 4:1-2

1. A positive approach

a) As we have received mercy

b) We do not lose heart

2. A personal approach

a) Renouncing false and worldly ways

b) Rejection of all deceitful ways

3. A powerful approach

a) Manifestation of the truth

b) Consciousness of the conscience

COMMON SPIRITUAL OBSTACLES

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

1. The central truths of the Gospel proclaimed

a) The Light of the Gospel

b) The Light of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ

c) He is the very image of God

2. The challenge of Satan

a) The human mind is blinded by the god of this age

b) The Gospel message becomes veiled

c) Unbelief can prevail

d) Many perish, rejecting the Gospel

THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6

1. God commands Light to shine out of darkness

a) The Lord Jesus is the Light of the world

b) He came to dispel darkness

c) How He did this:

i) Preaching

ii) Teaching

iii) Healing

iv) Living out the Gospel message

2. Personal Impact

a) The Light must first shine in our hearts

b) The darkness must be dispelled

3. Ramifications in Ministry

a) We do not preach ourselves

i) No ego

ii) No building of self- image

b) We live as bondservants of the Lord

i) We serve

ii) This is a life-long commitment

c) We proclaim the Lord Jesus:

i) His life

ii) His works

iii) His teachings

CONCLUSION

1. Revival of the spirit

2. Renewal of commitment

3. Returning to the Lord