Message Notes

YAG 7th Retreat
Session #6
Monday, 19 May 2008
Evening Session
Text: Romans 1:14-16; 1 & 2 Corinthians
Secrets of a Powerful Life and Ministry
A. Candid Self-appraisal

1. The failure we experience in our attempts to Witness

The following may be highlighted:

a) The fact of failure

b) The fear that comes from failing so often

c) The sense of defeat

d) The sense of despair

e) Some success… but limited and sporadic

2. The Challenge to find the Answers to the above problems

a) YAG Retreat – “You shall be Witnesses”

b) In prayer

c) In the Word of God

d) In consecration of our hearts

B. Open Secrets of the Tremendous Success in Paul’s Life and Ministry

1. The Power of Motivation

a) I am a debtor          Romans 1:14

i) Motivation

ii) Mindset

b) I am ready          Romans 1:15

i) To preach

ii) To serve anywhere/anytime

c) I am not ashamed          Romans 1:16

i) Because of certainty of the powerful faith

ii) Because of deep personal experience

iii) Because of obvious transformation in life

2. The Power of Knowing and Experiencing the Holy Spirit

a) The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s theology          (Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 2, 12-14; 2 Corinthians 3)

The Law of the Spirit

Romans 8:2

i) Life-Giver          Romans 8:2, 5,10-11

ii) Seal          2 Corinthians 1:22

iii) Guarantee          2 Corinthians 1:22

iv) Leading          Romans 8:14

v) Teacher          1 Corinthians 2:10-14

vi) Intercessor          Romans 8:23-27

b) The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life and service

i) Writing upon hearts (living epistles)          2 Corinthians 2:3

ii) Glorious nature of the ministry of the Holy Spirit          2 Corinthians 2:8

iii) Transforming work of the Holy Spirit          2 Corinthians 2:18

3. The Power that comes from a dynamic view of Ministry

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart

2 Corinthians 4:1

a) Ministry of the New Covenant

But our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant

2 Corinthians 3:6

b) Ministry of the Holy Spirit

How will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2 Corinthians 3:8

c) Ministry of Reconciliation

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us

2 Corinthians 5:20