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ISAIAH 61:13

"THE TRUE MINISTRY"

Intro: We are all called to be ministers of God. Different ministries. This
       scripture fulfilled in Christ. Example for all.

I. THE POWER FOR THE MINISTRY, "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE THE
   LORD HATH ANOlNTED ME."
        A. The danger of ministering in the flesh.
                1. Joshua - "they took stock of their rituals."
                2. Sometimes we are pressured by people.
                3. Sometimes inspired by people.
        B. The folly of ministering in the flesh.
                1. Wood, hay, stubble, nothing lasting.
        C. Beware of self confidence.
                1. Paul said, "I was with you in weakness & trembling." He did not
                   seek to persuade them with the enticing words of man's wisdom.
                        a. How opposite to today when eloquence is the goal of so
                           many ministers.
                2. You are far more ready for the task when you think you can't do it.
        D. The importance of the Spirit.
                1. He directs the ministries.
                        a. And the Spirit said "separate unto me."
                        b. We assayed to go to Asia but the Spirit forbade us.
                        c. And immediately He was led by the Spirit.
                2. He empowers for the ministry.
                        a. "Ye shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you."
                        b. The Spirit divides the gifts to each man severally as He wills.

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE MINISTRY.
        A. "To preach good tidings to the meek."
                1. The good tidings that God loves you.
                2. The good tidings that He has provided a way for you to come into
                   koinoia with Him.
        B. "To bind up the broken hearted."
        C. "To proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them
           that are bound."
                1. Those hopeless captives of Satan, those that are bound by sin.
                        a. There is deliverance, there is hope.
        D. "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
                1. Now is the day of salvation."
                2. "Choose ye this day."
        E. "The day of vengeance of our God."
                1. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked."
                2. "But the wrath of God shall be revealed."
                3. Hiding in the rocks & dens saying unto the mountains and
                   rocks fall on us."

III. THE RESULTS OF THE TRUE MINISTRY.
        A. "Give them beauty for ashes."
                1. So many burned out lives.
                2. Destroyed by sin.
        B. "The oil of joy for mourning."
        C. The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."

IV. THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE TRUE MINISTRY THAT HE MIGHT BE GLORIFIED."
        A. Never to bring glory or fame to ourselves. "Let your light so shine before men."
                To God be the glory.