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HE IS USEFUL FOR ME IN MINISTRY

Text: TEXT : ACTS 12:25, 13:13, 15:36-41, 2 TIM 4:11
10 August 2008

(I) UNDERSTANDING THE EVENTS OF THE MINISTRY OF MARK

1. Invited to be part of the ministry with Saul and Barnabas

a) Mark was asked to join Saul and Barnabas

“And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.” Acts 12:25

b) He was made their assistant

“ And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.” Acts 13:5

2. Mark initiated a premature departure

a) Mark decided to leave the mission

“ Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Acts 13:13

b) Pre-mature as they had only ministered at Salamis

3. A setback for Mark

a) Much was expected of Mark when he was selected to part of the mission

b) Mark’s departure did become a set back

(II) EVALUATION OF SUCH SETBACKS

1. Should not be considered a failure

a) Setbacks are not failures.

b) Mark did not leave the ministry completely.

2. Looking at what a failure is

a) It is when we completely leave the ministry.

b) The example of Demas

“Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.” Colossians 4:14

“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.” 2 Timothy 4:10

(III) RETURNING TO THE MINISTRY

1. Returning to his roots

“…departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.” Acts 13:13

a) His roots were found in Jerusalem

b) Brought up in the Jerusalem church

“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12

2. A Jewish ministry

a) Mark was probably not used to the Gentile ministry.

b) He was more used to a Jewish ministry.

3. Becoming Peter’s aid

a) Mark would have served alongside Peter

b) He was a spiritual son to Peter

“She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.” 1 Peter 5:13

4. New opportunity to minister

“…And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” Acts 15:39-41

(IV) PROVEN TO BE USEFUL IN THE MINISTRY

1. Useful in the ministry

“Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11

2. Useful in contributing as a writer

“ The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark 1:1