Was really privileged to speak today to some Pastors on the subject of how to survive the ministry. I was unsure how to approach the subject but decided to base the talk on 2 Timothy 2:1-7 a very familiar leadership passage and then finish each section with some AXIOMS that are helpful tweet-sized, memorable proverbs. I am going to blog the talk in three parts.
INTRO: This is Paul’s last letter, written to his spiritual son Timothy. Paul is in prison, literally weeks away from being beheaded. Timothy has been in the ministry for 15yrs, he’s in his mid-thirties, burned out, labouring at a difficult time in difficult circumstances. Basically he’s weary… Paul reminds him that his life matters, that what he’s doing is significant and that he’s on a mission from God to bring God’s love to people. This is a Father speaking to a son, “You then my Son,” he begins, this is how you’re going to make it!
BE STRONG: “You then my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” v1.
People who wilt, crumble, give up, give in don’t make it. To make it, you are going to have to find strength from somewhere. If you’re weak, you are going to have to discover strength. Leaders need strength to deal with sin, with sin in their own lives and the sins that are performed against them. Paul speaks to Timothy about the only way to find the strength necessary for this task, it’s “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
Grace comes in a number of forms, there is saving grace, the unmerited favour and kindness of God. People often think that we are saved by grace and then we must work like mad to pursue and accomplish all that God desires. What we need though is empowering Grace. Paul knew this because he had the revelation from God that, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. Faith requires action but action empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ. Our relationship with Jesus is the key, its the knowing, loving, serving, worshipping and submitting to Jesus that imparts grace and empowers us to lead and serve. There’s enough grace for you and there’s enough grace for me to do what God has called us to do.
AXIOMS:
– Back Yourself: God has called you by his grace he will equip you. if you’re backing anything back yourself empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ.
– Forgive Every Person Everything Everyday:
– Remember the Word of the Lord: Remind yourself of what God has said, what he has promised to do.
– Find Your Rhythm: Don’t let the rhythm of your life be dictated by others, know your rhythm. I love Rick Warren’s Divert Daily, Withdraw Weekly, Abandon Annually.
Paul Benger 