“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,” -1 Timothy 1:12

Notes:

I have a nephew who has recently been enlisted into the army. He loves it.  Right now he is out of state going through basic training.  My wife and I receive letters from him often about his progress, his needs, and all that he is doing. In the same way, we as saints have been called to be enlisted into service for the work of ministry.

“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” -2 Timothy 2:3-5   

The same word ‘ministry’ is also rendered ‘service’ in scripture. There is no difference in the original Greek. They can be used interchangeably throughout the entire New Testament. When we hear the common phrase, “They have been called to the ministry”, we automatically think that God is calling that person to be a pastor.  This is not entirely accurate. Every single faithful believer is called for service and work in the kingdom of God.

Thankfully, God puts some in the body of Christ to help us be equipped and trained for our callings and services, and it is our job to submit to their training.  It is the job of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to see that we get properly trained for the work of service. 

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”  -Ephesians 4:11-12

This means that the work of service is not just for the five fold offices listed above, but for every single saint (faithful follower) in the kingdom of God. If a pastor is not equipping and challenging his congregation for their own ministries, then he is not fulfilling his calling. This is the primary function for his pastoral office. 

Willing to Take the Challenge?

Whether we like it or not, we are not called to be passive spectators on a pew, but for service in the kingdom of God.  The Apostle Paul said that God considered him faithful, and then put him into service. Does God consider you faithful?  Do you not know that God has a ministry for you? 

Pray that Jesus would reveal His calling for your life, and then remain teachable and trainable by anointed saints to equip you to fulfill your ministry to the fullest.