I. Gifted mentors equip
* The gifts of the Spirit are for the enrichment of the Church!
1. And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
2. Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4).
3. Like a shepherd, He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes (Isaiah 40:11).
II. Faithful believers serve
* The work of service is the responsibility of every Christian!
- For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).
- All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
- Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
III. Healthy churches mature
* The goal of ministry is the spiritual maturity of each person!
- Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13; see Hebrews 5:11-14).
- Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20, 21).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, September 14th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
All believers are ministers
An important Guideline of Life Groups: With Christ's victory over death, over depravity and over the devil, we have resurrection power to minister and serve one another. As you gather as a Life Group, make sure each person is heard, involved and ministered to by one another.
Getting Started:
- How have you been equipped for the work of service by gifted mentors?
- Are you personally mentoring someone in their spiritual development? What does this passage teach you about this process?
Discussing Truths:
- What are some of the crucial roles that a biblical pastor should be filling (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 3:16-4:2; Acts 6:4; 20:28-32; John 21:15-17)?
- How should church members respond to their pastor/teacher (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13; Hebrews 13:7, 17, 18; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Acts 17:11)?
- When is a season of Healing or Restoration gone on long enough so that the person can reengage in personal ministry and building up the body of Christ?
- Why is hearing, reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on Scripture so vital to your spiritual maturity (Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:16, 17)?
- How has the Holy Spirit nudged you or directed you to reach out to someone? Don't miss divine appointments and opportunities to minister step out in faith! Remember, if you are a believer, you are a minister!
Now What? Application:
- Where are you serving the Lord? We never retire from ministry even though we may retire from a vocation. Continue to pray and trust God to use you in your ministry to others.
- What practical steps will you take to enhance your spiritual maturity (Philippians 1:6)?