What is the balance between our part in ministry and God’s part? This question is an extension of the issue of our part and God’s part in sanctification. The latter is addressed in Philippians 2:12,13:

“Therefore, my beloved…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling [it was already “in-worked” at regeneration by grace -Titus 3:5]; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure [He expresses His power through us; we need to work out the evidence and maturation process in our soul as we cooperate].

Bob Hoekstra describes the cooperation of God ministering through Paul. Notice this avoids the extremes of passivity (God not requiring my participation) and also the extreme self-effort.

Yes, Paul “labored…abundantly.” In another letter he wrote: “To this end I also labor, striving” (Colossians 1:29). Elsewhere he stated: “For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day…we preached to you the gospel of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). As he wrote the believers in Corinth he recalled: “Are they ministers of Christ…I am more: in labors more abundant…in journeys often…in weariness and toil” (2 Corinthians 11:23, 26-27).

How startling to learn that Paul was not the cause behind this wondrous effect. This is seen in his confession: “yet not I.” Paul exerted himself for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can a man labor strenuously and yet not be the cause of it all? The answer is in the remainder of his testimony: “yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” God’s grace at work in Paul’s life was the effective dynamic that brought forth such godly labor here on earth. “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” If we put our hope in the Lord, His grace will prove effective in our lives as well, giving us a testimony similar to Paul’s: “and His grace toward me was not in vain.”

– Day by Day by Grace 2/14

At Christmas time we especially remember the incarnation of the Son of God. Although the virgin birth is a unique miracle, there is a similarity between the Son of God developing in Mary (according to His human nature), and the Spirit of Christ residing in the life of the new covenant believer. The apostle Paul described his ministry in this way:

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” (Col. 1:27-29)

The song, Be Born in Me voices a prayer that echoes Mary’s. See a video of the music by Francesca Battistelli here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPHkvbdOpw

I recently received a replacement copy of a book that was a blessing in explaining the “not I, but Christ” life. The Key to Triumphant Living heralds the meaning and implications of verses such as Colossians 1:27:  “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The author, Dr. Jack R. Taylor, testifies that when his emotional and spiritual life was at a low ebb, the Holy Spirit illumined to him the personal significance of the indwelling Christ. His web site summarizes an important chapter of his ministry:

In 1970, God moved in revival in the congregation that Jack Taylor was pastoring.  In six months over 3000 people came to know the Lord.  Jack was launched from Castle Hills First Baptist Church in 1974 in to a worldwide ministry through his speaking and writing.  Now at 80 years old, he continues to preach predominantly in the United States in churches of many denominations, with trips to Canada, England, Tanzania, West Africa, Germany, Austria and Latin America.

Jack also served as a board member of Grace fellowship International and recorded an endorsement of the Exchanged Life Conference and training available through GFI:

Audio link here

As pastors, we tend to identify ourselves my our ministry status. But how is that affected by the ups and downs of attendance, congregational favor/disfavor, and change? This short video from Worship House Media reminds us of how our spiritual identity in Christ can be source of stability and encouragement.

–> click here

One of a pastor’s challenges is the unrealistic expectations of many in the congregation. This short film is a spoof on the stereotypes of the traditional image of clergy 24/7/ 🙂

A Day in the Life of a Pastor from John Woodward on Vimeo.