Appropriate preparation is essential to maximize our effectiveness in ministry. Jesus did not send out the twelve on the first day of their discipleship; and He did not send them out without detailed, specific instruction. At least five aspects of preparation are needed to ensure victory upon being sent out into the darkness:
1. Equipping
-
Training
-
Practice
-
Confidence
-
Availability
We examined Preparation Piece 1: Equipping in the last newsletter. Let’s go on now to look at the 2nd Preparation Piece in a little more detail.
Preparation Piece 2: Training
Training involves Bible-based instruction from wise teachers who are experienced in Holy Spirit-led ministry.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”—Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
Jesus and the Apostle Paul also made it very clear that power, anointing, and enthusiasm are not enough.
We are instructed by the Apostle Peter that we should, by “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge”—2 Peter 1:5 (NKJV).
“I bear them witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge.”—Romans 10:2 (AMP)
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”—Matthew 10:16 (NKJV).
Choose Wise Teachers
Some of this wisdom will come through experience over time, but studying under the watchful care of wise, experienced teachers and mentors can accelerate the acquisition of wisdom.
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.”—Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV).
“Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].”—Hebrews 13:17 (AMP)
Do Your Homework
Church leaders can provide us with excellent training, but as individual disciples, it is essential for us also to reinforce that training with individual study and application of Scripture.
Our teachers may have a clear and thorough understanding of the principles of successful ministry, but that does not help us much until we internalize scriptural truth ourselves and gain firsthand understanding through our own study and practice.
We must be diligent in our personal study of the Scriptures so that we receive our own revelations of truth directly from the Holy Spirit.
“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”—2 Timothy 2:15 (AMP)
“He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].”—Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)
