January 30, 2008

  • MARKS GOSPEL [#21]

    Lessons in Ministry
    Mark 6:6-13
    Pastor Dennis Rost

    INTRO:
    • God uses ordinary people to do His work in the world. His strategy is one of winning the lost, training them, and then sending them out to repeat the process.
    • Here, in Mark 6, we have the opportunity to listen in on the last minute instructions Jesus had for His disciples as He sent them out. But first…
          >  He called them unto Himself (to be with Him; Mark 3:14)
          >  They watched Him do ministry.
          >  He sent them out to do ministry
          >  CBC's mission: Know, Grow, Go!
    • ...But how?

    1.  He sent them out in pairs: a lesson in PARTNERING
        • vs 7
        • His plan would be accomplished in relationship with others. By going out in groups of two, they would not be able to minister to as many people, but Jesus continually emphasized the importance of relationship.
          >  You cannot become a MATURE Christian by yourself.
          >  You cannot become an OBEDIENT Christian by yourself.
          >  You cannot become a CONTAGIOUS, FRUIT-BEARING, DISCIPLE-MAKING Christian by yourself

    2.  He sent them out with only minimal provisions: a lesson in TRUST
        • vs 8
        • God says, “You obey, I'll provide.” A lot of “stuff” can be a distraction…

    3.  He sent them out with instructions to find a worthy host and then to stay put: a lesson in CONTENTMENT
        • vs 10
        • To be seeking “greener pastures” could be a distraction as well as an offense.
        • items #2 & 3 apply only to this particular instance... missionaries today are indeed allowed to take "provisions" and find their own home.

    4.  He sent them out with instruction on how to deal with rejection: a lesson in JUDGMENT
        • vs 11
        • this is a vivid gesture.  its says "I am leaving you in the same state as before I arrived".  It is to leave them in their own lost state
        • Once the messenger's responsibility had been fulfilled, those who rejected the message had no excuse (READ Acts 13:51).
        • You are not responsible for the RESPONSES of others.  We are not responsible for results but for faithfulness.

    5.  He sent them out with a specific message (Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand-cp. Matt. 10:7): a lesson in MISSION
        • Jesus is King!
        • In light of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it is essential that every person repent (Phi. 2:9-11; Acts 17: 30,31).

    6.  He sent them out with ability to show compassion: a lesson in STRATEGY.
        • They not only preached, but also touched people at their point of physical need. To minister to physical and material needs of people is not the mission, but it can be an aid in accomplishing the mission. It is important, however, that “the tail doesn't wag the dog.”

    CONCLUSION
    • The very same Jesus that sent them out has also called you and sent you out. So what's holding you back? Get off the bench and get into the game!
    • If your saved its because you've been called, if you've been called its a call to service... God wants to use you, get busy in the work of the Gospel!