Gaining God’s Approval to Fulfill Your Ministry (Santosh Poonen)

Paul gives Timothy a solemn charge to fulfill his ministry (II Timothy 4:1-5). It isn't outward "ministry" that builds the church; ministry serves to equip each member ("set apart" one) to build the church. God tests us in our priorities before He approves us for the work of the ministry. We must have a hunger for a personal revelation of God like Joshua had (Exodus 33:11). We must do our service out of a desire to please our Bridegroom like Paul (Philippians 3:4-8). If you're employed by Christ, you’ll need a sabbatical; if you’re married to Him, life IS a sabbatical. We are not servants of God who worship Him; we are worshipers of God who serve Him (Matthew 4:10).