Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

1. Personal ministry is a calling for all believers, not just professionals

God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others.

Every Christian is called to minister. The Bible portrays a model where all believers are equipped to help each other grow and change. This is not limited to formal counseling or pastoral roles, but extends to everyday relationships and interactions.

Ministry happens in informal settings. Most personal ministry occurs outside of formal church programs or counseling sessions. It takes place in conversations between friends, family members, and fellow church members. These informal interactions are often where the most significant growth and change happen.

We are all instruments in God's hands. God uses imperfect people to help other imperfect people. This means that we don't need to have all the answers or be completely mature ourselves to be used by God in others' lives. We simply need to be willing to be used by Him and to point others to Christ.

2. The heart is the target: Understanding human behavior and motivation

The Bible says that our core problem, the fundamental reason we do what we do, is sin.

Behavior stems from the heart. The Bible teaches that our actions and words flow from our hearts - our inner thoughts, desires, and motivations. To truly help someone change, we must address heart issues, not just external behaviors.

Sin affects the heart. The fundamental problem all humans face is sin, which distorts our desires and motivations. This affects how we interpret situations, relate to others, and make decisions.

Change requires heart transformation. Lasting change comes not just from modifying behavior, but from a transformation of the heart. This involves:

• Recognizing wrong desires and motivations
• Repenting of sin and idolatry
• Realigning our hearts with God's purposes and desires

3. Entering someone's world: Building relationships through empathy and understanding

Personal ministry is about connecting people with Christ so that they are able to think as he would have them think, desire what he says is best, and do what he calls them to do even if their circumstances never get "fixed."

Genuine care precedes effective ministry. To help someone, we must first seek to understand their world - their experiences, feelings, and perspectives. This involves:

• Active listening
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Showing empathy and compassion

Look for "entry gates." These are opportunities to engage with someone's struggles in a meaningful way. Entry gates might include:

• Expressions of emotion
• Statements about beliefs or interpretations
• Self-talk or "God-talk"

Build trust through understanding. When people feel truly heard and understood, they're more likely to open up about deeper issues and be receptive to guidance and truth.

4. Speaking the truth in love: Confrontation as a form of care

Confrontation flows out of a recognition of our identity as the children of God.

Loving confrontation is biblical. The Bible calls believers to speak truth to one another, even when it's uncomfortable. This is an act of love, not hostility.

Confront with a redemptive purpose. The goal of confrontation is not to condemn, but to lead people to repentance and growth. It should always be done with the person's best interests in mind.

Use wisdom in approach. Effective confrontation involves:

• Choosing the right time and place
• Speaking with gentleness and respect
• Focusing on specific issues, not generalizations
• Offering hope and pointing to Christ

5. Clarifying responsibility: Helping people understand their roles and God's

God changes us not just by teaching us to do different things, but by recapturing our hearts to serve him alone.

Help people see their responsibility. Many people struggle because they're unclear about what they're responsible for and what they need to entrust to God. Clarifying this can bring freedom and direction.

Use the "Circle of Responsibility" concept. This involves helping people identify:

• What God has called them to do (their responsibilities)
• What they need to entrust to God (His responsibilities)

Encourage active trust and obedience. People should be encouraged to faithfully do what God has called them to do while trusting Him with the things outside their control.

6. Instilling identity in Christ: The foundation for lasting change

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Our identity in Christ is transformative. Understanding who we are in Christ - forgiven, adopted, and empowered - provides the foundation for lasting change.

Combat false identities. Many people define themselves by their problems, failures, or circumstances. Help them see their true identity as children of God.

Remind people of gospel truths. Regularly point people to truths about:

• God's love and acceptance
• Their new nature in Christ
• The power available to them through the Holy Spirit

7. Accountability: Supporting growth through ongoing encouragement and challenge

Biblical accountability is not fearful, abusive, or intrusive. It is loving, sacrificial, ambassadorial, incarnational, and holy.

Accountability provides structure. Regular check-ins and follow-ups help people stay focused on their goals and commitments.

Offer guidance and encouragement. Accountability partners should:

• Ask thoughtful questions
• Offer biblical wisdom
• Provide encouragement and support
• Give loving warnings when necessary

Focus on heart change, not just behavior. True accountability goes beyond just checking if someone followed through on tasks. It involves examining motivations, attitudes, and desires.

8. The gospel as the core of personal ministry: Comfort and call to change

The gospel gives us three essential perspectives on the human struggle.

The gospel provides comfort. It reminds us of God's love, forgiveness, and acceptance, which gives us hope and security.

The gospel calls us to change. It not only offers forgiveness but also empowers and obligates us to live differently.

Apply the gospel to all of life. Help people see how the gospel relates to:

• Their sense of self (identity in Christ)
• Their view of God (His character and work)
• Their understanding of life's purpose and process (sanctification)

Last updated: January 23, 2025