Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“Who has SAVED us and CALLED us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose” – 1 Timothy 1:9a

IMPACTFUL MINISTRY is built upon the foundation of Divine Calling: “Who has SAVED us and CALLED us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began” (1 Tim.1:9). Salvation precedes calling, which is not about the individual but about joining God in His Work. It is “not according to our works” but God’s eternal purpose. Every believer has a purpose and is called to serve and live a righteous life, while some have specific, leadership-focused callings which are however sustained by: sincere faith, the gift of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, unashamed courage to suffer for the gospel, and trust in God's faithfulness. 

Impactful Ministry often stems from sincere or genuine faith, as seen in Timothy's spiritual heritage: “I thank God...when I call to remembrance the GENUINE FAITH that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (vv.3-5). Genuine Faith is authentic, unhypocritical, deep-rooted trust, not a superficial display; an inward conviction that is expressed through outward actions, manifesting as love from a pure heart and a good conscience.

Impactful Ministry stirs up the Gift of God: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (v.6). By reminding Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God,” Paul was encouraging a vibrant, impactful ministry. This gift, which was a specific endowment from God for ministry, not just salvation grace, required active use to grow and be effective. To have an impactful ministry we must use our God-given gifts, not let them lie dormant; continuously develop them through practice, courage, and commitment; and constantly nurture them through training to carry out God's work. 

Impactful Ministry thrives by the empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit – expressed in power, love, and a sound mind, that overcomes fear and enables bold service: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (v.7). Impactful ministry also involves unalloyed commitment and unashamed testimony to sharing the gospel and being willing to suffer for it: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (v.8).

Finally, an impactful ministry trusts in God’s ability to protect what is entrusted to Him, which provides assurance and enables faithfulness: “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (v.12b).