Those Who Want to be Like Me in Ministry Should Expect These Things - Pastor John Anosike

Summary

In this powerful sermon, the speaker reflects on the spiritual journey of patience, obedience, and deep faith, using the biblical story of Jacob and Esau as a metaphor for God's timing. Emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation, the speaker highlights that true growth in ministry and life takes time, and that outward success often overshadows the necessary inward development. With personal testimony and deep wisdom, the speaker stresses that obedience to God's will, even when it feels slow or hidden, is essential for lasting spiritual fulfillment and success.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Patience and Time**: Spiritual growth and building a solid foundation in ministry require patience and time. Rushing can lead to collapse.
• 😀 **God’s Timing is Key**: God’s plan often unfolds slowly, and you must trust in His timing rather than seeking quick success.
• 😀 **Obedience to God**: Obedience is a foundational principle. Disobeying God’s instructions can disrupt your entire life and future.
• 😀 **Slow Growth is Necessary**: Just as skyscrapers require deep foundations, spiritual growth demands slow and steady development.
• 😀 **Foundation Before Expansion**: Avoid branching out too quickly without a strong foundation. A weak foundation leads to eventual failure.
• 😀 **Personal Discipline**: The speaker's life story emphasizes the importance of discipline in following God’s will, including resisting temptation and remaining faithful.
• 😀 **Avoid Comparing to Others**: Success in God’s eyes doesn’t rely on how others perceive you or compare your ministry to others. Stay authentic.
• 😀 **Spiritual Success Over Appearance**: True success is measured by faithfulness to God's plan, not by external achievements or popularity.
• 😀 **Life Choices Are Guided by Faith**: Life decisions, including relationships and ministry paths, should be guided by faith and God’s word, not by personal desires or external pressures.
• 😀 **Obeying Early Saves You Later**: The speaker reflects on how obedience at an early stage in life prevented potential pitfalls, such as falling into the wrong relationships.

Q & A

Why did God choose Jacob over Esau despite Esau being the firstborn?

The choice of Jacob over Esau was part of God's sovereign plan to establish the covenant. It demonstrates that God's calling and promises are not bound by human expectations or the natural order. Even though Esau was the firstborn, the calling went to Jacob, showing that God’s will is beyond our understanding and operates in its own divine timing.

What is the significance of building a strong foundation before expanding in ministry or life?

Building a strong foundation is critical to ensure that what is built later can endure challenges and pressures. The speaker emphasizes that ministry, like a skyscraper, requires deep and solid roots to withstand external pressures and avoid collapsing under the weight of public expectation or success.

What does the speaker mean by 'slow growth' and why is it important?

The speaker refers to 'slow growth' as a process where patience is required to build something enduring and solid. Quick expansions or visible success might look appealing initially, but they often lack the depth needed to withstand challenges in the long term. 'Slow growth' ensures that a foundation is established for lasting impact.

How does obedience relate to the success of one's journey in ministry and life?

Obedience is crucial because it aligns one's actions with God's will. The speaker highlights that disobedience or taking shortcuts can derail one's destiny, potentially leading to personal and spiritual crises. Every step taken according to God's guidance strengthens the journey, ensuring it remains aligned with His eternal plans.

What role does faith play in living supernaturally, according to the speaker?

Faith is the foundation of living supernaturally. The speaker stresses that living supernaturally isn't about constant visible excitement or external validation but about trusting God's principles. Faith ensures that decisions and actions are aligned with God's will, guiding one's life with purpose and clarity.

Why does the speaker believe that many ministers fail or collapse in their ministries?

The speaker believes many ministers fail because they do not have a strong foundation to support their vision. They may seek quick success or rush into expansion without first ensuring that their spiritual and organizational roots are deep enough. This lack of preparation leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and eventual collapse under pressure.

What is the key message about relationships in the context of faith?

In the context of faith, the speaker emphasizes that relationships, especially marriage, should be based on shared faith in Christ. Choosing a partner outside of this shared faith can lead to serious spiritual and relational problems. Faith and obedience are the guiding principles in making such decisions.

How does the speaker distinguish between true success and worldly success?

True success, according to the speaker, is not about public recognition or outward achievements but about following God's will and remaining faithful to His timing. Worldly success often involves chasing fame or fortune, while true success focuses on spiritual depth, obedience, and long-term faithfulness.

What personal experiences does the speaker share to illustrate the importance of obedience?

The speaker shares personal stories from their youth, particularly regarding relationships and decisions about marriage. They recount how God guided them to remain celibate and obedient in their youth, avoiding relationships that could have derailed their ministry and spiritual growth.

What is the speaker's perspective on handling pressure and external expectations in ministry?

The speaker advises against succumbing to external pressures or measuring success by the approval of others. Instead, they focus on obeying God's will and building a solid foundation. They highlight that true strength comes from knowing and following God's guidance, not from responding to public or peer pressure.