Author Archives: Ministry Tools Resource Center

In Some Cases Knowledge Really is Power

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The phrase “knowledge is power” often really means that knowledge leads to power, but only if it’s used. So, in the worldly scheme of things, knowledge itself isn’t really power. There’s a very real sense in which knowledge isn’t power unless applied to life in the spiritual realm as well. Head knowledge alone won’t cause us to bear fruit. Notice the flow in Colossians 1:9-11 from knowledge to understanding to applying that knowledge to then bearing fruit and getting to know God even better. — “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

Power Through Our Knowledge of Him
Yet, for us a believers, there is a very real sense in which knowledge “is” power as “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

How Knowledge is Power in the Spiritual Realm

We have power to live a godly life (2 Pet. 1:3), an empowered life that’s fruitful, one that makes an eternal difference (Jn. 15:1-5). To claim knowledge as power for us as believers depends on two factors:

1) It depends on how we define knowledge.

When 2 Peter 1:3 equates having divine power “through our knowledge of Him” it uses the Greek word epignosis which Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines as “full, or thorough knowledge, discernment, recognition”. It’s the kind of knowledge wherein we’re so intimately in tune with Him that we recognize His voice and actions above all others like sheep that know their shepherd’s voice and only follow him (Jn. 10:2-5). It’s the kind of knowledge that has firsthand experience with who God is so that like Job we say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) It’s the kind of knowledge that puts us in awe of God, what Scripture refers to as the fear of the Lord which “is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Prov. 14:27).

2) It depends on the subject of that knowledge.

2 Peter 1:3 goes on to say we have divine power “through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”. Such power is possible when we know the glorious King of kings and Lord of lords, the Great and Almighty God of whom there is none greater (Eph. 1:19). It’s about knowing the good and loving Savior who is full of mercy and grace, whose love is better than life itself (Ps. 63:3). It’s about knowing the reliable One who keeps His promises which are “very great and precious” (2 Pet. 1:4). His promises are great because of His glory and precious because of His goodness. This God must be the subject of knowledge, not a god of my own design. Otherwise we have an anemic god in whom there is little or no power.

The Results of Such Knowledge

Knowledge of this God, as described in Scripture, results in power that gives us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Pet. 1:3). Here’s how it tends to go:

The more we get to know God for who He really is, the more we will revere and trust Him in all we do. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10)

As we trust this Almighty, Great, and Awesome God to work in and through us, we can’t help but get excited about Him. It’s what makes Romans 12:11 possible: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” This makes a big difference in ministry.

And, seeing His power at work in and through us, we won’t be able to help but worship and praise Him. He is the Great I Am, the One of whom there is none greater, worthy of our love and adoration. Worship truly focuses on Him.

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“What If” Questions for People in Ministry

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We tend to ask “what if” questions like “What if I had done xxx differently?” or “What if xxx hadn’t happened?”. Sometimes answering those kinds of questions can propel us forward but sometimes it can pull us down.

Constructive Versus Destructive Asking of “What If”

When we ask this question for evaluative purposes, so we can learn for the future, it can be a very constructive process. When, however, it merely leads to bemoaning what could have been, it has a destructive effect.

If we ask “what if” about choices and conduct over which we have the ability to change, it can be a positive learning experience. When we keep focusing on circumstances over which we have little or no control, it tends to produce needless anxiety and stress.

“What If” Questions for People in Ministry to Ask

“What if” you did things different in your walk with God and ministry? What kind of difference would it make? Here are some “what ifs” to think about that could potentially revolutionize your ministry:

  • What if you spent more time daily communing with God in His Word and through prayer?
  • What if you cared more about what God thinks than what people think?
  • What if you spent more time listening to others than trying to promote your own agenda?
  • What if you acted with a little more grace toward those who stand in opposition to you?
  • What if you spent more time responding than reacting?
  • What if you expressed your appreciation and gratitude for people more often?
  • What if you tried to get people more involved in the process rather than doing it yourself?
  • What if you stopped and prayed before every decision you had to make?
  • What if you thought outside of the box more often rather than doing it simply because “we’ve always done it that way”?
  • What if you put more emphasis on Jesus than on programs and your own image?
  • What if you were as good of a role model for your own children as you act in front of others?
  • What if you acted like you really believe what you teach or preach?

To answer these questions we need to honestly assess our current practices. Rather than sensing condemnation in our reflection, understand that God wants us to learn and grow, to press on to do better through the power God provides. None of us have arrived but we can all press on (Phil. 3:12). Remember these verses:

Power to Press on through Christ in Response to What If Questions
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

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ASK for Wisdom Needed in Ministry

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Ministry can be wrought with unknowns as well as obstacles. We must sometimes make decisions for which we have no precedence. God offers to give us the wisdom we need but we must ASK Him for it.

Ask God for Wisdom

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ASK God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

An Acrostic of Wisdom Needed in Ministry Reminding Us to Ask for It

No matter how we serve, we need God’s wisdom in these three areas. Take time to ask Him the suggested questions.

A – Application of truth

ASK: How does the truth of God’s Word relate to my responsibilities, attitudes, and decisions?  (Col. 1:9-12)

We need to get beyond simply “knowing” truth. Knowledge must be coupled with insight. The implications and application of truth bring relevancy to God’s Word. We will be more fruitful in ministry when we pull on His wisdom and strength.

S – Stewardship of time and resources

ASK: How can I make the most of every opportunity God gives me?  (Col. 4:5)

We need to know how to juggle our schedules and budget purposefully. We can get consumed by the “tyranny of the urgent” and that which seems to cry out to us the loudest. We will find ourselves making practical, common-sense decisions that effectively use what we have and at the same time make a difference when we exercise His wisdom as we serve.

K – Keeping on the path

ASK: What must I do to stay within God’s will? (Prov. 3:5-6)

We need a big picture perspective that helps us understand how what we do fits into God’s eternal scheme. Our own understanding will be limited in scope. We will be more purposeful and persevering when we seek and apply His wisdom.

Asking for Wisdom in All We Do

We’ll be more prone to ask for wisdom in ministry when praying for it is a part of every facet of our lives. Perhaps we need some resources to remind us of its importance. Click on the links below for help . . .

learning to personally walk in wisdom,

teaching others to walk in wisdom.

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Source of Truth

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Source of Truth
God wants us to know His Truth so truth is important. He makes it known through a variety of means but not all ways are as reliable as some. All sources must line up with God’s written Word to be considered His Truth. Even Scripture must agree with itself. Otherwise, it is merely our understanding or interpretation.

Reliable Sources of Truth

  • Scripture which is inspired by God and used by Him to sanctify and equip us (Jn. 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)

We need to use the Bible as the grid through which we evaluate everything else.

  • Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life who leads us to God the Father (Jn. 14:6)

We need to look at Jesus through the eyes of Scripture. We cannot make up our own version of Jesus, picking and choosing what traits we wish to believe.

  • The Spirit of truth who testifies of Christ and guides us into all truth (Jn. 15:26; Jn. 16:13; 1 Jn. 5:6)

We need to remember that the Spirit will never contradict God’s Word. We are not the ones to determine how the Spirit operates.

Unreliable Sources

  • Nature

Creation is enough to get us on the path toward God (Rom. 1:18-23) but not sufficient to “thoroughly equip us” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We need to worship God because of what we can learn about Him through nature but never let any created thing become a substitute for Him and His Word.

  • Pastors, Teachers, and Others

If even the prophets of the Bible needed to be tested (Deut. 18:22; 1 Thess. 5:20-21; 1 Jn. 4:1), so the teaching of those today who speak of God needs to be examined. Like the Bereans, we need to examine the Scriptures to see if what is said lines up with it (Acts 17:11).

  • Our Interpretation

We need to get to God’s intent when studying Scripture, not what we want it to say. Even those who wrote down the words of Scripture did not write what they wanted to say but were guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

The logical conclusion to all of this is that we need to read and study God’s Word so we are familiar with what is Truth. How else will we discern the veracity of other sources?

If you or those in your sphere of ministry need help getting started, check out this resource: New to Bible Reading Discipleship Tool

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Importance of Truth

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Importance of Truth
Truth, as found in God’s Word, is important for everyone.

God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the TRUTH” (1 Tim. 2:4).

Truth is Important to Salvation as well as Life in Christ

Truth is vital to eternal salvation.

  • Do you want to come into a relationship with God?

You must hear “the word of TRUTH, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13) and believe “in the truth” as the Holy Spirit works in you to make you presentable to God through Christ Jesus (2 Thess. 2:13).

  • Do you want to lead others into a saving knowledge of the Lord?

You must help people “understood God’s grace in all its TRUTH” (Col. 1:6).

Truth is vital to Christian living.

  • Do you want to worship in a way that is pleasing to the Lord?

You must worship “in spirit and TRUTH, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (Jn. 4:23-24).

  • Do you want to be set free from sinful habits, addictions, self, and anything else that enslaves you?

You must know the truth for “TRUTH will set you free” (Jn. 8:32)

  • Do you want to be more Christ-like, holy in your conduct, attitudes, and words?

You must get into the Word for we are sanctified by the TRUTH and His “word is TRUTH” (Jn. 17:17) for it is “the knowledge of the TRUTH that leads to godliness” (Titus 1:1).

  • Do you want to keep standing in the midst of spiritual battles?

You must put on the armor of God with the “belt of TRUTH buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14).

  • Do you want to love as God loves?

You must not only say you love people but show love “with actions and in TRUTH” (1 Jn. 3:18).

  • Do you want pure motives in reaching out to people?

You must purify yourself “by obeying the TRUTH so that you have sincere love for your brothers” (1 Pet. 1:22).

Church Leaders, click on the links below for articles about your role in helping people understand …

Christ-likeness: The Importance of Truth
Christ-likeness: Requires Alignment with the Truth

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Back to the Basics

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We cannot neglect fundamental principles in ministry and expect to make a difference for eternity. We might put up some good appearances but in time what we do will suffer. We need to keep going back to the basics.

Why Remembering the Basics of the Christian Life Are So Important

How well we remember the basics can determine how well we stand and persevere. The basics form the foundation of all we do. A faulty foundation and eventually we crumble. A firm foundation and we can stand no matter how difficult life becomes. (Read Luke 6:46-49.)

How well we remember the basics can determine how well we flourish. Roots need good soil. Toxins, chemical imbalance, or excessive weeds can weaken or destroy what started as a good plant. Hard or rocky soil can keep things from growing. (Read Luke 8:12-15.)

Church Leaders May Need to Get Back to the Basics of God’s Purposes, Design, and Mission

Back to the Basics of Life in ChristEverything church leaders do needs to be firmly rooted in the basics of life in Christ like God’s purposes, design, mission, heart, and power for the Church. When leaders have a good grip on God’s intent for the Church, their own roles become more obvious, as well as the heart and means needed to fulfil that role.

Check out the church leadership training division of Ministry Tools Resource Center, TrainChurchLeaders.com, which devotes a section to getting leaders back to the basics.

Also check out the downloadable resources to help leaders steer the church in these directions.

All Believers Need to Remember and Live in Accordance with Who We are and What We Have in Christ

We all, regardless of ministry roles, need to get back to the basics in order to walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus (Eph. 4:1). We need to remember some key spiritual truths:

  • We are sinners saved by grace, cleansed from sin because of Jesus’ death on the cross. — Are you remembering that it is all about what He has done for you?
  • We were taken out of darkness to live in the light of His truth. — Are you living like a child of the light?
  • We are new creatures in Christ Jesus. — Are you growing more and more into the likeness of who you are in Christ Jesus?
  • We were placed into a Body of believers to be members of one another. — Are you taking time to fellowship with and serve other believers?
  • We are to be salt and light in this world. — Are you a testimony for Jesus in a bland and dark world?

Let’s guard against complicating the Christian life and what the Church is about. If we remember these basics we will be used by God to make a difference for eternity.

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