The Cost of Ministry

2 Corinthians 4:8–12: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you.

Dr. John Henry Jowett said, “Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing.” He was right. A pastor friend and I once heard a young man preach an eloquent sermon, but it lacked something. “There was something missing,” I said to my friend; and he replied, “Yes, and it won’t be there until his heart is broken. After he has suffered awhile, he will have a message worth listening to.” The Judaizers did not suffer. Instead of winning lost souls, they stole converts from Paul’s churches. Instead of sacrificing for the people, they made the people sacrifice for them. The false teachers did not have a treasure to share. All they had were some museum pieces from the Old Covenant, faded antiques that could never enrich a person’s life. ¹

Personal Application

• Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. How will God strengthen you in your weakness?

Godly Encouragement

• If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. –1 Peter 4:14

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

The faucet of grace is turned on when I have nothing left to give. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, thank You for bringing life out of desperation and discouragement.