But you have not so learned Christ Ephesians 4:20
Jesus patterned His ministry after the father. While He was here on earth, He did nothing except what the father instructed Him to do. He had no private agenda. Jesus wholly surrendered His will and life to carry out His divine assignment as He constantly sought to please the father and received directives from Him. There was much resemblance between Him and the father because He came from Him and did all His biddings (John 5:19, 6:38 and 14:10). Moses in the Old Testament also communed with God constantly to receive instruction on how to lead the children of Israel (Psalm 103:7). Moses sincere request in Exodus chapter 33 verse 13 was to know the ways of God and eventually God granted his request and he was able to see the glory of God (verse 22) although the Israelites only saw His acts. Similarly, Paul the Apostle wrote about his sole dependence on God who made him a minister of the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:4-6). And we could see that his ministry was patterned after Jesus. No wonder he said, "imitate me (follow me), just as I also imitate (follow) Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)." God 'has not created anyone who will be independent of Him. Hence, it is therefore necessary to wait on their master to receive instruction on how to do the ministry work acceptably, effectively and efficiently. This is where the ministry begins. Heavenly pattern is the secret for any successful ministry. And that's why Jesus said in the gospel according John chapter 6 verse 40, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."
In addition, personal communication and intimate relationship with Jesus is a necessary requisite for an enduring ministry. Your life comes first before any service. There is a great life that comes through the understanding of the scriptures (John 1:4 & 5:40). Oftentimes, it is only those who come to God and loves Him that partakes of it. It is in the place of communion that God gives direction, guidance and specific instructions on how, what where and when the work is to be done. Remember, it is in the place of deep devotion and communion with the trinity that you are built and get substance. The scriptures says, "For there is a spirit in man but the inspiration of the almighty gives him understanding." If you don't have substance, you don't have status. Your true status is valued by the spiritual substance you possess. And it is only those who don't have substance that will be fighting for the pulpit or position. Quite unfortunately, many are venturing into God's work without any personal relationship with the God of the work. It will be absolutely unnecessary and of no use to be involved in any ministerial work without relationship with God because such service will be irrelevant and unacceptable. It really sounds absurd and it's even unthinkable that someone can exerts his energy and work for an individual or an organization without prior interview, induction training, orientation and so on. Or is it possible to be a staff of an organization without ever meeting or contacting the human resources of the same institution, cooperation or organization? That's exactly what happens when some who claim to have ministry and working for God rarely or don't know God at all. When the work of God takes over our relationship with God there is danger, for our true spiritual strength comes from Him.
Aside from the above mentioned requisites for ministry, availability of the vessel to used is highly essential. The book of 1 Chronicles chapter 29 verse 5 gives an account of the preparation for the building of the temple. Alongside the material resources required for the building were human resources. For any tangible work to be done, both the material and the human resources needed must be readily available. Because God always takes special interest in the life of anyone He intends to use. And He is so concerned about every detail about him even to his garment. Why is God so particular about garment for ministry? It is because you are easily identified by what you put on. Moses had to ensure that it was done exactly according to specification (Exodus 39:1, 22-31, 41-43). The garment for ministry must be holy (Exodus 28:2, 40:13). There is need for proper clothing before anointing as we see that the instruction given in Exodus 40 verse 13 precede the one in verse 15. Then the glory of God descended after everything was done accordingly (the priests were properly dressed and were anointed). According to Exodus 40:34-35, "Then the clouds covered the terbanacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the terbanacle. And Moses was not able to enter the terbanacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the terbanacle." Even Moses couldn't enter because the glory of God has filled the terbanacle. All remains artificial until when the glory of God descends! Jesus depicted holiness throughout His three year period of ministry. He was never contaminated by sin (His spiritual garment was always clean). Therefore, everything and anything that defiles must be removed (1 Corinthians 3:17, Proverbs 22: 11). Our only hope of glory is the indwelling Christ (Colossians 1:27) who will purge us from all uncleanness and baptize us with His power. Similar event occurred in 1 King chapter 8 verse 6 and verses10-11 when Solomon assembled the people and ordered that the ark be brought to its place, the priests cannot ministered because of the glory of God that came down. To experience this constantly, we must heed that express command in Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verse 8,"Let your garment be white, And your head lack no oil (anointing)."
Jesus had a unique ministry because He carried an anointing without measure ( John 3:35, Mark 7:37). Remember the incidence in John chapter 18 verses 6 and 8, "Now when he said to them, I am He" they drew back and fell to the ground. Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He, Therefore if you seek Me, let these go their way." Isaiah 41:4, 43:13 and 48:12 are repeated instances of the statement I am He and it depicted the omnipotence of God. The power demonstrated by Jesus was real, genuine and it wasn't a mere shadow of making noise. Jesus method of operation in ministry was through the demonstration of kingdom power and display of divine authority (Luke 6:17-19). His ministry was characterized by signs and wonders. But these days, many lack unction, utterance and anointing to minister, yet, they patch it up with grammar and psychology. The spiritual blindness of some ministers is evident (Isaiah 29:10). Some demonstrate fake spiritual gifts without life of holiness and this can be very deceptive. Lives of people are in danger when miracles, signs and wonders emanate from ministries that have no relationship with Jesus. However, God longs to share His power with us but not His glory. But there must be purification and thorough cleansing before service. Besides, Jesus method of operation was through prayer. He chose His disciples after He had prayed and He would do nothing without prayer (Luke 6:12-16). The disciples followed the example of their master and they committed themselves to prayer and teaching of the word (Acts 6:3-4). When it became necessary to choose more people to assist them in the work, even administrative positions in the early church was occupied by people filled with the Holy Spirit. They did not fight for pulpit and there was no rancor or contention amongst them. Similarly, structural organization in the church must be by prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit, there should be no striving for recognition or for position.
It is sad to note that Christianity these days has been reduced by the devil to money and anything money can offer. It is no more about passionate desire for souls of men and this underscores the need for extra watchfulness. Demons are on the prowl to wreak havoc in the nations and to do terrible things of great magnitude in the churches. There's terrible perversion going on even in the church of God and if care is not taken terrible judgment of God may ensue. In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 3-10, Paul the Apostle showed us a godly pattern of an acceptable service. And in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 16-18, he recounted how he ministered without charging anything and that everything is supposed to be free. Paul's understanding of Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 is quite different from ours, oftentimes we quote this scripture out of context. Paul was saying that weather any storm and bear anything. That verse talks of divine strength and ability to persist and endure. In verse 12 he said that he has learnt everywhere and in everything to be full and hungry. And just like his master to abound and to be abased. Remember that Jesus also said freely have ye received freely give. Elisha told Gehazi his servant in 2 Kings chapter 5 verse 26, is it time to receive gifts while multitude are heading blindly into hell. Unfortunately, modernity has now taken over the church of God and everything is about materialism (Jeremiah 6:16, Galatians 5:7-9). The motive of many for ministry is impure. Some are out merchandising the gift of God and like Balaam expecting gains of divination (Numbers 23:17) because those patronizing them are ready with diviner's fees in their hands (Numbers 22:7). In their way of thinking and operating a ministry, nothing is free. Others are those who are desperate for God 's power without sincere intention like Simon the sorcerer who said "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
In this generation, the devil has raised many false prophets and ministers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The trickery of men, cunning craftiness and deceitful plotting that ensnares are everywhere these days (Ephesians 4:14). The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been bastardized by these crooks, bunch of liars, who are fond of saying the Lord says when the Lord is actually saying nothing. We have a lot on our hands because the rate at which these fake ministers and ministries are now multiplying is alarming. Henceforth, everyone needs to take heed on how he builds on the foundation laid by Jesus because everyone's work will be tested by fire.(1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Remember, the number assignment of believer is to fight a good fight to make heaven and every other thing comes after, ministry or no ministry. Other evil acts so rampart now in these strange ministries are sexual immorality of all kind and sorcery. This two are intricately linked together because anywhere there's witchcraft or sorcery there will be every form of immorality (sodomy, lesbianism, polygamy, adultery, lust, fantasy, masturbation and the likes (Exodus 34:13-16). There is strong correlation between idolatry (witchcraft, sorcery, occultism etc.) and whoredom (immorality). Whenever God speaks of harlotry, it's always perceived as both spiritual and physical (Jeremiah 23:10-11). To worsen it all is the sin of pride. There's need to take caution against boasting and pride because it destroys work and walk with God. John the Baptist told those who came to him in John 3:27 that "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from above." So, if all spiritual giftings we claim to have is given from heaven, why boasting. Paul the Apostles knew the gravity of his ministerial calling and the danger of pride, he said that he disciplined his body and bring it to subjection lest when he has preached to others, he should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27). Human strength (ability) will fail and that's why nothing tangible can be achieved by human effort (Psalm 147:10). In 2 Samuel 6:1-17, Uzza's sudden death was as a result of his unguided zeal and presumption (human tendencies). He hastily performed the duty of the priests as he tried to keep the ark from falling when the oxen stumbled.
It is sad to note that Christianity these days has been reduced by the devil to money and anything money can offer. It is no more about passionate desire for souls of men and this underscores the need for extra watchfulness. Demons are on the prowl to wreak havoc in the nations and to do terrible things of great magnitude in the churches. There's terrible perversion going on even in the church of God and if care is not taken terrible judgment of God may ensue. In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 3-10, Paul the Apostle showed us a godly pattern of an acceptable service. And in 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 16-18, he recounted how he ministered without charging anything and that everything is supposed to be free. Paul's understanding of Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 is quite different from ours, oftentimes we quote this scripture out of context. Paul was saying that weather any storm and bear anything. That verse talks of divine strength and ability to persist and endure. In verse 12 he said that he has learnt everywhere and in everything to be full and hungry. And just like his master to abound and to be abased. Remember that Jesus also said freely have ye received freely give. Elisha told Gehazi his servant in 2 Kings chapter 5 verse 26, is it time to receive gifts while multitude are heading blindly into hell. Unfortunately, modernity has now taken over the church of God and everything is about materialism (Jeremiah 6:16, Galatians 5:7-9). The motive of many for ministry is impure. Some are out merchandising the gift of God and like Balaam expecting gains of divination (Numbers 23:17) because those patronizing them are ready with diviner's fees in their hands (Numbers 22:7). In their way of thinking and operating a ministry, nothing is free. Others are those who are desperate for God 's power without sincere intention like Simon the sorcerer who said "Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.
In this generation, the devil has raised many false prophets and ministers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). The trickery of men, cunning craftiness and deceitful plotting that ensnares are everywhere these days (Ephesians 4:14). The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been bastardized by these crooks, bunch of liars, who are fond of saying the Lord says when the Lord is actually saying nothing. We have a lot on our hands because the rate at which these fake ministers and ministries are now multiplying is alarming. Henceforth, everyone needs to take heed on how he builds on the foundation laid by Jesus because everyone's work will be tested by fire.(1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Remember, the number assignment of believer is to fight a good fight to make heaven and every other thing comes after, ministry or no ministry. Other evil acts so rampart now in these strange ministries are sexual immorality of all kind and sorcery. This two are intricately linked together because anywhere there's witchcraft or sorcery there will be every form of immorality (sodomy, lesbianism, polygamy, adultery, lust, fantasy, masturbation and the likes (Exodus 34:13-16). There is strong correlation between idolatry (witchcraft, sorcery, occultism etc.) and whoredom (immorality). Whenever God speaks of harlotry, it's always perceived as both spiritual and physical (Jeremiah 23:10-11). To worsen it all is the sin of pride. There's need to take caution against boasting and pride because it destroys work and walk with God. John the Baptist told those who came to him in John 3:27 that "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from above." So, if all spiritual giftings we claim to have is given from heaven, why boasting. Paul the Apostles knew the gravity of his ministerial calling and the danger of pride, he said that he disciplined his body and bring it to subjection lest when he has preached to others, he should become disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27). Human strength (ability) will fail and that's why nothing tangible can be achieved by human effort (Psalm 147:10). In 2 Samuel 6:1-17, Uzza's sudden death was as a result of his unguided zeal and presumption (human tendencies). He hastily performed the duty of the priests as he tried to keep the ark from falling when the oxen stumbled.
