Ministry in a Multi-Cultural and Unchurched Society

Ses s i on 3: Jesus Chr i s t as Lord of the Har ves t 61

2 Cor. 8.9 (ESV) – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 1 Pet. 4.1-2 (ESV) – Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, [2] so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

1. We are good soldiers as we suffer hardship for the sake of Christ and his gospel.

2. We are to become poor in order that others might become rich.

3. We must arm ourselves with a mind to suffer, so as not to lose heart or give up.

D. The response of the apostolic heart: “Lord, I am willing to endure whatever it takes to glorify your name through the gospel.”

VI. As Lord of the Harvest, Jesus Has Predetermined That We Bear Much Fruit That Remains (Effectiveness).

A. Regardless of our ministry effort, only God determines the extent of our fruitfulness.

John 15.16 (ESV) – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.