Fragile Clay Jars Message 1

The Ministry of Mercy.

2 Corinthians 4:1 (GW) — 1 We don’t become discouraged since God has given us this ministry through his mercy.

1. Systemic Theology.
   1. Favorite class in seminary.
      1. Systematic theology is a basically organizing of scripture in order to understand the meaning of doctrine.
   2. Example: The attribute of God.
      1. Eternal, Omnipotence, omniscient, omnipresence, holy, love, just, faithful, transcends.
      2. Here are two more. _________________________
2. What Is the Difference.
   1. Mercy and grace are often confused.
      1. Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve.
      2. Grace is God blessing us even though we do not deserve it.
   2. All have sinned.
      1. Ecclesiastes 7:20 ____________________________
      2. Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:12–15 _____________
      3. Psalm 51:1–2 ______________________________
      4. God’s mercy is Him withholding the judgment we deserve and instead grant to us the forgiveness we in no way have earned.
   3. We deserve nothing from God.
      1. God does not owe us anything.
      2. Anything good that we experience is a result of the grace of God. Ephesians 2:5 __________________
      3. Grace is simply defined as unmerited favor.
      4. Rescued from judgment by God’s mercy, grace is anything and everything we receive beyond that mercy.
   4. What should our response be?
      1. Hebrews 4:16 _______________________________
3. The Ministry of Mercy.
   1. The source of ministry.
      1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (GW) — 1 We don’t become discouraged since God has given us this ministry through his mercy.
      2. Your ministry is not your own doing.
      3. In his mercy, God has not only saved us but also entrusted us with a purpose.
      4. This truth is so vitally important because it shifts our focus from ourselves to God.
   2. A Sacred Trust
      1. Your ministry is a sacred trust.
      2. “This perspective helps us see our work not as a burdensome obligation but as a blessed opportunity to serve God and others.”
4. Don’t lose heart!
   1. Ministry can be challenging.
      1. It is easy to become discouraged.
   2. How often do we face trials that seem overwhelming?
      1. 2 Corinthians 4:1 (CEV) — 1 God has been kind enough to trust us with this work. That’s why we never give up.
      2. Your task is too great.
      3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 _______________________
      4. James 1:12 ______________________________
      5. Through God’s mercy, we are empowered to persist.
      6. The road will be tough at times.
      7. We do not rely on our strength but on God’s sustaining grace.
5. God’s sustaining grace
   1. God’s grace will sustain us.
      1. When we are weak, God is strong.
      2. When we are discouraged, God gives us hope.
      3. He is there walking at your side and in your heart!

He will not abandon you.

 

Passage List

Ecclesiastes 7:20 (NASB 2020) — 20 Indeed, there is not a righteous person on earth who always does good and does not ever sin.

Psalm 51:1–2 (NLT) — 1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.

Ephesians 2:5 (NCV) — 5 Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s grace.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) — 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) — 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

James 1:12 (NLT) — 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

1 Peter 5:8 (NET) — 8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.

 

Study Questions

• Why is it important to understand the difference between mercy and grace?
• According to Ecclesiastes 7:20, what is the state of righteousness of every person on earth?
• What is the source of ministry mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:1?
• How can understanding God's mercy and grace influence your daily life?
• What steps can you take to view your ministry as a sacred trust and not just an obligation?