To be trustworthy in the eyes of God, His servants must demonstrate faithfulness to the Holy Spirit, the wisdom and power of God. This requires trust action at two levels: First is to study the word of God for ministry, but more important is to seek God to discern His will and purpose in His word, which is Spirit. (John 6:63). And second is to allow oneself to move in the power of the anointing.

5.1 Discerning God’s Purpose in His word

By the Grace of Jesus, our confidence is not in ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, “but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life”. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

Brethren, the “wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” therefore we must covet the Holy Spirit which is from God, given to help us know the things that are freely given to us of God. To enjoy a perfect ministry, servants of God must not rely on that which “man’s wisdom teaches” or on the “Spirit of the world”. Instead they must seek to be led by the Holy Spirit which “searches all things,” including “the deep things of God”. He can also help them compare spiritual things with spiritual things to discern the purpose and will of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 3:19; 1 John 2:27).

Ministers can demonstrate faithfulness to mission and gain the trust of God, if they study and know His word; and by His power – the Holy Spirit – to seek to obtain understanding to interpret it accurately and to reveal his purposes through them for us. Ask God for the gift of wisdom without wavering and walk in the wisdom of God in Spirit (2 Timothy 2:15; John 14:26; James 1:5).

5.2 Moving in the Power of the Anointing

God’s elect can show trust in the Holy Spirit by allowing oneself to move in the power of the anointing (i.e. any discernible gifts of ministry) to achieve the purpose of God. For example, we can observe this when the apostles “were all filled the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

To move in God’s power will in faithfulness to mission will require servants of God to concentrate on the weightier matters of their calling – communion with the Holy Spirit. The apostles demonstrated this faithfulness by choosing to engage themselves with ministry of the word and prayers than to serve tables.  They instead appointed honest people full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom whom they appointed over the daily business of serving tables (Acts 6:2-4).

Moving in the anointing of the Holy Ghost can give ministers boldness to demonstrate or defend their faithfulness to God’s mission. Peter boldly dispelled accusations from the men of Israel that they were drunk; he preached Christ fearlessly, and yielded about three thousand saved souls on that day (Acts 2:14-41). Also, when Peter and John were threatened by the Priests and Sadducees for healing the lame man and warned not to speak in the name of Jesus, they asked the rulers to judge whether it was right to listen to them or to God (Acts 3:3-7; 4:8;13 & 17-19).

Similarly, Philip preached Christ to the city of Samaria and saved many, working miracles and healing the sick and demon-possessed. (Acts 8:5-7). However in the case of the converts in Samaria, it was only after the Apostles Peter and John came and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost, and laid their hands on them that they received same. (Acts 8:14-17).

Thus, ministers of God should be aware that, although one may receive the word and be saved and baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, they may not always receive the Holy Ghost immediately. It is also to note that the gifts of ministry may not be automatically dispensed with every chosen vessel of God. One may need to seek God and ask to be endowed with specific gifts; and of course God will consider the need and trustworthiness to so oblige.

Next week by grace, we continue to examine the remaining traits for service trustworthiness including productiveness in delivering the service, spiritual maturity in the ways of God, and patience in waiting on God.

PRAYER

Almighty God, thank you for your word and for thy faithfulness to all thy children.

We give you praise for the privilege of the Law and the GRACE of Jesus Christ by which you have called us to tend Your vineyard.

Gracious Father help us to be faithful in your service, relying on your wisdom and power of the Holy Ghost to guide us, and perfect your will in us.

Dear Lord, during threats, grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness we may speak thy word.

I make this prayer in JESUS NAME. Have a Sabbath of Peace.

Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG), 08 February 2018.