Ministering to Others

God has taught us in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that He has reconciled us to God and given us the word/ministry of reconciliation. Since we have the word of God in our hands, and the Spirit of God in our hearts, we have all that pertains to life and godliness, according to 2 Peter 1:3. 1 Corinthians 2 and 3 outline the 3 categories of people as being natural, carnal and spiritual. The words lost, wayward and faithful are conversational words that we use, depicting those 3 positions around the cross. Evangelism is our goal to the lost, exhortation to the wayward, and encouragement to the faithful. Initially, I recommend that you ask God to lay individuals on your heart. Then you would both pray for and begin to minister to a lost lady, a wayward lady, and a faithful lady. The necessary ingredient for a competent ministry to others is KNOWING the Word of God!! Without that, we will not communicate biblical hope effectively! A good method of preparation is to take those 3 categories, and begin to jot down those Scriptures that apply from the heart of God for each area. This effort is, of course, progressive, but it needs to be that upon which we work on a continuing basis, not something that we hope to do or plan to do in the future. It should start today, if it has not begun in our lives before. We are ambassadors for Christ, and are to speak HIS mind, will and purpose from His Word, not our own opinions, ideas, or even general principles that we have extrapolated for our study. Hebrews 4:12 makes this point so very clear, that it is impossible to miss it: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God bless you as you know and use His Word!

(c) 1992 NA Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy