Message Notes

(I) CONCLUDING 36 YEARS OF MINISTRY

1. The Bethany Model of Ministry

Acknowledgment of indebtedness to the Pauline model of Ministry

2. The Pauline Model of Ministry

(Five features may be highlighted)

a) A minister of Jesus Christ ( Romans 15:16a )

b) Ministering in the power of the Spirit of God ( Romans 15: 19b )

c) Preaching the Gospel ( Romans 15:19 )

d) Pioneering work (planting of churches) ( Romans 15:20 )

d) Ministering to the saints ( Romans 15:25 )

e) In the fullness of God’s blessings ( Romans 15:29 )

(II) COMMENCING THE 37 TH YEAR OF MINISTRY

“Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me.” Romans 15:30

1. A plea in the name of the Lord Jesus

a) A solemn plea

b) A humble plea

2. A plea reinforced in the name of the Spirit of God

a) Through the Spirit

b) Through the love that the Spirit of God generates

c) Through the fruit of love ( Galatians 5:22-23 )

3. A Plea with reference to Prayer

a) Prayer described as “striving”

b) The need to have more people striving together in prayer

c) The reference to prayer is most significant

i) Through a deeper comprehension of prayer

ii) Through a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures

iii) Through experience

(III) THE CONTEXT OF THIS REQUEST FOR PRAYER SUPPORT

1. The sheer volume of the Lord’s work

2. The severe resistance that can arise

3. The solid power of God that must not be taken for granted

4. The sustained energy that must be found

The above must be sought from the Lord most humbly, before the throne of grace!