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LEARNING TO DO GOD'S WORK LESSON ONE

Introduction

• LESSON 1
• A LIFE TIME INVESTMENT
• BEFORE YOU SAY 'YES'
• A TRUE DISCIPLE
• COMMITMENT
• DEDICATION
• TEST
• ANSWERS LEVEL 1 ASSIGNMENT 1

Lesson 1

Philippians 3:7-11

"But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile-now I've thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ , and become one with him, no longer on being saved by being good enough or by obeying God's law, but by trusting Christ to save me: on faith - counting on Christ alone. Now I have given up everything else - I have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to experience the mighty power that brought him back to life again, and to find out what it means to suffer and to die with him. So, whatever it takes, I will be one who lives in the flesh newness of life of those who are alive from the dead."

WHATEVER IT TAKES

I will not compromise the Gospel because it cannot be brought;
I will always remember that my word is my bond;
I will put character above wealth;
I will possess a will, that is willing to change an opinion while seeking the truth;
I will walk by faith, not by sight, thus willing to take a chance in accordance to God's Word;
I will not just go with the flow to be accepted, but I will stand for what is biblically right;
I will not see my vision as what is in the best interest of me, but what is in the best interest of the Body of Christ;
I will not justify my shortcomings by saying, I am human, thus everybody else does it,' however;
I will not let my shortcomings cause me to walk or forsake my calling;
I will be true to the least in my Father's house while being submissive to those who have authority over me;
I will promote prosperity not adversity in times of question;
I will not be ashamed or afraid to stand for truth when it is unpopular;
I will not put my hand to the plow today and quit tomorrow;
I will be a servant.

Matthew 12:18 Here is my servant whom I have chosen

"BEFORE YOU SAY YES-----?"

A LIFE TIME INVESTMENT

Mark 10: 37-45

Believe you are
Called?------
"Feel Led" to answer the
Call?----
Before YOU say -" Yes Lord,
Use me'---
You should know---

• Ministries DON'T just happen
• You have to work!!
• Work to develop, mature, and grow.
• It's a lifetime investment

God's purpose my mission

"BEFORE YOU SAY YES"

BEFORE YOU SAY 'YES'

Before you say ' yes ' to the ministry there must be a clear understanding in your spirit to do whatever it takes to fulfill the calling that God has entrusted you with. It is easy to commit oneself to the ministry; however, it is another level to dedicate oneself. It goes without saying that the ministry is rewarding. Who doesn't like to see who is bound be set free regardless if it is spiritual, physical, emotional or financial? What joy it is to witness with the natural eye the power of God . If I can be careful in saying this, you must consider the reality of the ministry. Often it puts you in a position that causes you to be alone and a constant resource of giving. What I pray that you gain from this very first lessen is the "seriousness' to your acceptance of becoming a faithful servant.

Luke 9:57-62

"and it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him. Lord , I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, "foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." "and " Jesus said unto him, "let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God." And another also said' " but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house." And Jesus said unto him. " No Man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

There is a cost to discipleship. If you desire to be candidate for discipleship you must have a true understanding of the cost of discipleship. Discipleship soon wears thin on the emotional enthusiasm that may cause you to answer 'yes" to the commitment but fall short on dedication. Discipleship is not just a privilege it is a responsibility that makes you accountable. God Himself will test every part of you being to prove if you have truly made following Christ , living for Christ and doing for Christ as your highest priority.

We will look closer at the difference between commitment and dedication. This is for certain. Loyalty to Christ will always take precedence over all other loyalties. The ministry, God's people, must truly come first. In the above the man was offering Christ an excuse. Death. Not just death, but death of a beloved family member. Certainly, in modern day, Christ's response to would be viewed as callous, not with any compassion.let alone Christian. Surely, we are responsible to bury those who have physically died. The point that Christ is emphasizing here is that those who are spiritually dead are more in urgent need than those who are physically dead. Christ is not promoting you to be insensitive or disrespectful to the natural environment or elements that surround us on a day-to-day basis, but to spiritually alert that halfhearted discipleship eliminates one from God's maximum use. A halfhearted disciple is committed but not dedicated.

"BEFORE YOU SAY YES"

A TRUE DISCIPLE

When entering into the ministry you will have the "thought" that you gave God your life on the day you were born-again. Being active in the ministry will awaken you to the realization that the word "gave" had not been defined. I have always taught that a true disciple of the Lord must be informed, committed and dedicated.

Informed- To be supplied with knowledge and / information which will have an effect on one's character.

Daniel 9:21-23

"Yea, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I have seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of evening oblation (offering). And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show tee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Ephesians 1:17-18

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."

How can you be effective in the ministry if you don't have an understanding of the ministry, its gifts, and their responsibilities, thus your accountability? Too often, the church has operated on emotion and feeling, while knowledge and wisdom were not considered. The average Christian is misinformed of the cost of discipleship. There hasn't been an understanding what it means to say 'yes' to God. A friend asks us to join the choir with them and we answer 'yes.' You observe the adjutants and see their closeness to the Pastor, so you quickly decide, 'yes', this is where I want to serve. You see an announcement in the bulletin that more ushers are needed. It doesn't seem too hard, so you answer 'yes'. This type of answer is for a season, the season of emotional enthusiasm, then the boredom, the drive, the rehearsals, the keeping of the uniforms, the Pastor's mood begins to wear thin on that cheerleader attitude of servitude. This is coupled with your job demanding overtime, your wife/husband complaining where is their time, your body saying that you deserve more time and outsiders reminding you that you have probably lost your mind. Before you know it you have quit, changed churches or worst stopped going to church altogether.

Before you say 'yes' to any calling or position in the ministry, you must be informed.

To be informed is to have the understanding of what is expected.not from man, but from God. This is the mission statement of the School. To inform you through the word of God the calling that God has placed within your life, so that your commitment survives and matures into dedication.

In Daniel the 9 th chapter we read where God sent His Angel Gabriel, back to Daniel to make sure that Daniel had a clear understanding of the vision that God had given him. The key to recognize is Daniel received the information that God was giving him through Gabriel. He (Daniel) wasn't a know-it-all he was humble. It is important to note that Daniel had already received the vision. In fact he had been in prayer seeking God's direction. In any position that we hold in the world we are informed of the responsibilities, the requirements, the hours, the type of labor.etc. The same should holdfast to the ministry. We need to be informed of what it means to evangelize, to usher, to sing, to pastor. Wherever your calling lies, you need to be informed, before you say 'yes'.

We are taught in Ephesians 1:17-18 to pray for spiritual wisdom. This is not something mystical that comes without understanding it is revelation of practical, workable principles, expectations, responsibilities through the Word of God. It is having a clear perception so that your eyes (spiritual) will have an understanding. If you don't understand, how are you going to help or give hope to someone else? Being informed allows you to have an insight into the way God's Word is in ended to work in your life as well as those you are called to serve. Once you are informed, then you can make a sound commitment. It will be your understanding of that commitment that will transform into dedication long after the emotional enthusiasm wears thin. (Read Ephesians 1:1-17)

2 Timothy 1:15

Remain consistent and diligent in your study of the Word.

Neglecting will cause you to become weak.

Hosea 4:6

Close every gateway for the enemy to destroy you.

Don't be fooled the Devil is intelligent.

1 King 3:9-14

Solomon asked for an understanding heart

Solomon didn't want God to do it; he wanted to understand how he could do it.

God works through us; we must be informed hor to do what He requires.

James 1:5 Knowledge + Understanding = wisdom

COMMITMENT

Commitment. It's not popular. It's becoming less and less of value in a society that doesn't want to take risks. It's easier for a couple to 'live' together, then it is for them to commit to one another through vows of marriage. Christians don't even want to commit themselves to being members of a local body. It's easier to say, "I don't commit myself to anything right now, and I'm seeking God's direction." Thus, would it be fair to say that one who is non-committal is selfish? Perhaps, selfish may be too strong to shallow. It being non-committal looking out for one's need first and all others become secondary? Commitment is a necessary seed if one is going to grow into dedication and mature into discipleship.

Commitment. It's dying to oneself. It's coming out of YOUR world, which is centered on YOUR need, YOUR wants, and YOUR desires, to gasp the spiritual truth that is greater to serve than to be served. You have a spiritual understanding that you are no longer the center of your life, but Christ is. Thus, commitment becomes your recognition that you are no longer an individual but part of a body. A Body needs every part of it to function properly and effectively. All of sudden you have a desire to be part of a 'team' effort than being awarded the 'Most Valuable Player'. Truly, there really isn't a most valuable player, for the player that is recognized as the most valuable only could do so if the least member of the team assisted him/her in their effort.

1 Corinthians 12:14

"For as the body is one and hath many members, and all members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. Or by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many."

Commitment is moving from oneness (individuality) to many. It's looking beyond your need to understand the need of others. Commitment is accepting your call however it is not fulfilling of your call. Commitment is answering 'yes', but not the doing of it. Commitment is making the promise/vow. .Dedication determines if you keep your promise or break the commitment confessed to God.

Acts 9:15-16

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, an kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Commitment is NOT comfort

The Call to Ministry is bittersweet

God promised us to be with through the hardships, not to spare us from them

Being called to the ministry is a great blessing from God.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

"Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above all measures, in prisons more frequent in death oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty save one. Thrice (three) was I beaten with rod, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeying often in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils bb heathen, in perils in the city, in perils to the wilderness, in watching often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."

Can you handle the tribulations/trails/lies/persecution?

Times will be difficult and bring humiliation rather than appreciation.

Commitment is the seed that builds spiritual character while strengthening your faith through endurance.

Paul maintained concern for ALL the churches, not just the Corinthians.

Paul informed the Corinthians what it was like to be a disciple of Christ. He was angered with them for falling so easily for the teachings of the false prophets who painted a vision of no pain or sacrifice. Paul wanted the Corinthians and all the young churches to know the cost, the price that was necessary to call oneself a disciple of the Lord.

"BEFORE YOU CAN WEAR THE CROWN

YOU FIRST HAVE TO CARRY THE CROSS!"

DEDICATION

If the preceding pages is just the commitment what possibly could be meant by dedication? Dedication is the action after commitment. . Dedication is your actions speaking louder than your words. Dedication remains long after commitment can hold you as you begin to find yourself in the middle of challenges from every aspect of your being. physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Dedication is commitment held strong under fire. Dedication is going beyond the call, because you are there for the long haul.not just for the season, but out of season as well. Dedication requires you to walk a specific path regardless of the stumbling blocks and hindrances. Sometimes the path is straight, sometimes it is narrow, sometimes it is uphill and curvy, sometimes rocky, sometimes it may even be hidden.but this is when you remember that you are 'informed', and the steps of a good man, have been ordered (not going to.Already have been) by God himself.

When you are dedicated the only answer is yes, there is no 'no' when dedicated.

When dedicated it is to late to worry about family, friends, opinions, trails, test.

You're out on the field as a soldier for the Lord and that's all that matters. There is no retreating.

As I mentioned before God will pass (not the enemy) tests before you. You determine the outcome. God wants you in the ministry because you desire it; you are willing to fulfill the call.not because you have to. Certainly the Word o God offers us many who are dedicated, however, the greatest example is Christ himself. Remember Christ was committed to coming to the earth, leaving his Father, however, when did his commitment turn into dedication? In the Garden of Gethsemane .

Mark 14:36

"And he said, Abba, father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."

Jesus taught us that dedication requires something else besides a promise.obedience. Dedication requires obedience as a demonstration of true faith. Jesus expressed His true feelings yet He did not deny or rebel against God's will, nor did He forsake His commitment. Just as Jesus felt, just as I have felt, you will get tired, you will feel burned out, you will become weak even to the point of fear for tomorrow.but these are the times that being informed must override that which is being felt. This is when the song, "His eye on the sparrow' must be more than mere words but spiritual knowledge that He ( God ) is watching over you without fail.

At this point in the Garden, Jesus commitment defines dedication because it was at this moment that Jesus BECAME AWARE of what 'doing' the Father's will WOULD COST HIM. Jesus was informed! He had the understanding! He knew he was to be betrayed by Judas. He knew Peter would reject him.

He knew he was going to be abandoned by his disciples. He knew he was going be ridiculed by the very ones that had praised him a few days earlier. He knew he was going to be humiliated by his enemy.

But the GREATEST AWARENESS that he knew and felt was the ANGONY OF BEING ALIENATEDFROM HIS FATHER on the cross. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane knew the full cost, the full price to be paid of suffering so that others could be redeemed. HIS AWARENESSWAS SO FIERCE THATHE SWEAT BLOOD , while never saying no. He got p from that position and pressed his way all the way to the cross because he also was aware of the glory that would come by the fulfillment of his commitment .Not to him, but to God .

Isn't that what the ministry is all about.Or should be about/ Giving God all the Glory

Dedication made simple.Before you wear the crown, you first have to carry the cross.

Psalm 22:1 My God , why have you forsaken me?

"before you say yes"

TEST

Name __________________________________________

Level 1 Assignment 1

Before you say yes

DIRECTION: Please read each question carefully. All answers are from the book or scripture.

Refer to mark 10:37-45 for questions 1 through 3

1. The disciples wanted to be recognized for their accomplishments by Jesus allowing

them to _____________next to Him in glory

2. In order to be great, what must you be first? A_________________

3. Christ came to ________________, not to be __________________

4. True or False (circle one)- Commitment and dedication are the same thing.

5. Discipleship is more than a calling it is a _______________which has ____________

and ________________.

6. One has to be _______________ to Christ above all other _________________.

7. True or false (circle one) To be informed one must have a understanding of the

knowledge received.

8. A true disciple needs to be _______________, _______________, and ___________.

9. True or false (circle one) To be informed one must have an understanding of the

knowledge received.

10. True or False (circle one) Wisdom comes from knowledge.

11. The lack of _________________ will destroy God's people, thus it becomes our

responsibility to _______________ the Word of God. When we lack wisdom we

should do as Solomon did and ask God to give us an ____________

______________.

12. Commitment sees beyond one's ___________and recognizes the entire _________.

13. Commitment is the ______________ which builds character while strengthening

your faith though _______________.

14. There is a _____________ to being a disciple of Christ.

15. When you are dedicated there is no ___________.

16. Christ's commitment turned into dedication in the ___________ of ______________.

17. _________________ is needed when one is dedicated.

18. The crossroad of commitment becoming dedication is when you become ________ of

the _______________.

ANSWERS LEVEL 1 ASSIGNMENT 1

1. SET (MARK 10:37)
2. SERVANT (MARK 10:48)
3. SERVE NOT TO BE SERVED (MARK 10:45)
4. FALSE (PAGE SEVEN TO NINE)
5. PRIVILEGE -WHICH HAS-RESPONSIBILITIES -AND -ACCOUNTABILITIES (PAGE FOUR)
6. LOYAL ---- LOYALTIES (PAGE FOUR)
7. TRUE ( PAGE FOUR)
8. INFORMED-COMMITTED-DEDICATED (PAGE FIVE)
9. TRUE ( PAGE FIVE)
10. FALSE (PAGE SIX)
11. KNOWLEDGE--STUDY - UNDERSTANDING HEART (PAGE SIX)
12. SELF-BODY (PAGE SEVEN)
13. SEED-ENDURANCE (PAGE EIGHT)
14. COST (PAGE EIGHT)
15. "NO" (PAGE NINE)
16. GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE (PAGE NINE)
17. OBEDIENCE (PAGE NINE)
18. AWARE-COST (PAGE NINE)