Recognize true Christian ministry

Topics: Christianity, authentic ministry

I. True ministry supports authentic leaders

A. The Corinthian church showed a lack of loyal commendation!

1. Review 2 Corinthians 12:11-13.
2. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them (Acts 18:9-11).

B. Respect for spiritual authority is a sign of true Christian ministry!

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another(1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13).

II. True ministry nurtures people's souls

A. The Corinthian church showed a lack of genuine appreciation!

1. Review 2 Corinthians 12:14-18.
2. But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again . . . For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you (2 Corinthians 2:1, 4).

B. Loving people with truth is the focus of true Christian ministry!

Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth(1 John 3:18).

III. True ministry stresses repentance of sin

A. The Corinthian church showed a lack of heartfelt sanctification!

1. Review 2 Corinthians 12:19-21.
2. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

B. Humble repentance builds up people in a true Christian ministry!

Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins July 26^th, 2020