The Sufficiency of Christ for Life and Ministry

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Edgar Dawson
5 years ago
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1 The Sufficiency of Christ for Life and Ministry

2 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

3 Paradigm for Life and Ministry 1. Christ-Centered Centered 2. Grace-Driven 3. God-Glorifying Glorifying

4 Paradigm for Life and Ministry 1. Christ-Centered Centered because by default I tend to be self-centered 2. Grace-Driven 3. God-Glorifying Glorifying

5 Colossians 1: For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all all things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent.

6 Wrong Goals Christ-Centered Centered Goals Feel Better Self-Control Self-Respect Self-Esteem Relief of Pressure Gain Back Lost Relationship with Person Get God/ Spouse/ Parent/etc. Off Their Back Be Holy (Sanctification) God-Control God s s Glory God Esteem Grow from Pressure Gain Back Broken Fellowship with God Reconcile & Forgive With Distanced Party

7 Work/School Ministry CHRIST WORK Relationships Family

8 Paradigm for Life and Ministry 1. Christ-Centered Centered because by default I tend to be self-centered 2. Grace-Driven - because there is a little bit of legalism in all of us 3. God-Glorifying Glorifying

9 Ephesians 1:7-8 In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.

10 Practical Definition of Legalism Basing our relationship or standing with God on our own performance

11 Paradigm for Life and Ministry 1. Christ-Centered Centered because by default I tend to be self-centered 2. Grace-Driven - because there is a little bit of legalism in all of us 3. God-Glorifying Glorifying because we tend to desire self-gratification

12 1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

13 What does it mean to glorify God? Spread His fame and cause people to consider the weight and importance of who God is and what He does

14 How to Glorify God in Your Life and Ministry Attracting People to God in Such a Way They are Struck by You but not Taken Up with You Brad Bigney (Acts 4:13; 2 Cor. 2:14)

15 Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

16 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

17 Eau De Christ

18 Do you recognize these names? Mike Hughes, John Norman, The Martin Agency

19 Fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance."

20 "The critical question for our generation - and for every generation - is this: If you could have heaven with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven if Christ wasn't there?

21 Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 36:8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

22 Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; ; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

23 Two Ways to Glorify God in Your Life and Ministry 1. Attracting People to God in Such a Way They are Struck by You but not Taken Up with You (Acts 4:13; 2 Cor. 2:14) 2. When You Show Others that Your Deepest Satisfaction is Found in Christ

24 Do you recognize these names? Jack Tinker BBDO Foote, Cone and Belding Mike Hughes, John Norman, The Martin Agency

which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:15 23, ESV)

which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Colossians 1:15 23, ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities