Divine Service 03102024 Did you miss our Sunday service? No worries, we got you! Title: FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP Luke 16:10 Our passage from Luke 16:10 reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in stewardship, and as we delve into the facets of ministry, let us be guided by the Word of God. 1. *The Foundation of Ministry: CHARACTER* In 1 Timothy 4:12, we are reminded that the foundation of ministry lies in our character. As stewards of God's blessings, it is imperative that we embody virtues such as integrity, honesty, and humility. 2. *The Value of Ministry: SERVICE* Mark 10:45 teaches us that the essence of ministry is service. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ came not to be served, but to serve, we are called to humbly serve others, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in all that we do. 3. *The Motive for Ministry: LOVE* John 13:35 emphasizes that love should be the driving force behind our ministry endeavors. It is love that compels us to reach out to the lost, to care for the broken, and to extend grace and forgiveness to all. 4. *The Measure of Ministry: SACRIFICE* In 2 Timothy 4:7, we learn that the measure of our ministry is found in our willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us, we are called to sacrificially give of our time, resources, and talents for the advancement of God's kingdom. 5. *The Authority of Ministry: SUBMISSION* Ephesians 5:21 reminds us of the importance of submission in ministry. As stewards, we submit ourselves to God's authority and to one another in humility and reverence, recognizing that true authority comes from God alone. 6. *The Purpose of Ministry: TO GLORIFY GOD* Psalm 115:1 declares that the ultimate purpose of our ministry is to glorify God. In all that we do, may we seek to bring honor and glory to His name, recognizing that we are mere vessels through which His grace and power flow. 7. *The Tools of Ministry: PRAYER and SCRIPTURE* Matthew 4:4 and Colossians 4:2 remind us of the indispensable tools of ministry: prayer and Scripture. Through fervent prayer and diligent study of God's Word, we are equipped to effectively minister to those around us. 8. *The Privilege of Ministry: GROWTH in Deepening* Colossians 2:6-7 speaks of the privilege of ministry as a means of growth and deepening in our faith. As we serve faithfully, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, growing ever closer to Christ. 9. *The Power of Ministry: THE HOLY SPIRIT* Zechariah 4:6 attests to the power of ministry through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers and equips us for every good work, enabling us to bear fruit that will last for eternity. 10. *The Model for Ministry: JESUS CHRIST* Finally, 1 Corinthians 11:1 presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate model for ministry. As we strive to follow in His footsteps, may we imitate His love, His humility, and His selflessness in all that we do. In conclusion, let us remember that we are stewards entrusted with God's blessings. As stated in Matthew 25:14 and 1 Peter 4:10, let us use our gifts and talents faithfully, knowing that one day we will give an account for how we have stewarded what has been entrusted to us. May we be faithful stewards, serving with humility, love, and sacrifice, all for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.