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