14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17  Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

I.  Ministry Mindset

Phil 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

A. Humility

Ministry for the sake of others is not temporal, self-centered status nor ego-enhancement

Mt 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

B. Inconvenience

                The narrow road is never convenient. 

C. Suffering

                We have not begun to serve like Christ like Christ did unless we share in His sufferings (Rom 8:17 suffer=reign)         

D. Death

                Death to self for a more worthy objective is the first step of discipleship (and last, and all the ones in-between)

II. Ministry Method

A. Commonality and Identification

                Commonality reduces threat; identification enhances communication

B. Deliverance from bondage and sins

                Ministry is to produce change rather than unloving comfort

                Love is choosing to do what is in another’s best interest. God’s love is self-sacrificial

C. Reconciliation (& Utilization)

                Ministry brings about internal and external peace (security and cessation of hostilities)

III. Ministry Manners

A. Merciful

                Mercy understands another’s frailty and pain

B. Faithful

Faithfulness is loyally doing what’s best until the job is done

Faithfulness to God supersedes faithfulness to man

Faithfulness to man expects the best and is always open to repentance

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Is ministry: saving souls? meeting felt needs? real needs? helping others become like Christ? loving others? What’s your definition?

2. What are some common motivations for ministry? What was Christ’s mindset for ministry? How does it match ours?

3. How important is identification? Why? How important is a person’s desire to change? Why?

4. At what point does faithfulness border on enabling? Mercy border on maudlin? How does one achieve a balance?

5. In what ways has someone significantly ministered to you? In what ways can you minister to others? What do you need to minister?