Don Carson - Biblical Exhortations to Faithfulness in Ministry (EMA 2016)

(1) Aim for faithfulness not numbers - Is 6 esp vv9-10; Jn 8, "because I tell you the truth you do not believe"

(2) Think eschatologically - Is 6v13; ch 11; 1 Pt 1:3-5

(3) Expect opposition - Jn 15v18ff; 2 Tim 3 & 4; Acts 5v41

(4) Expect difficulties from within the church - 2 Cor 11; Col; 1 Cor etc!

(5) Frustrate Satan - Rev 12-14; 1 Pt 5:8-9; Job

(6) Discern at least some of God's purposes in your suffering - James 1v12, v2f; 2 Cor 12

(7) Reflect on your privileged position in God's evangelistic purposes

Mt 11v11 - A discouraged Baptist; A defended Baptist

(8) Identify with the cross - 1 Pt 2v21; Phil 1:29

(9) Recognise that trust in God is more important to God than your cognitive satisfaction - Job

(10) Fight relentlessly against the green-eyed monster - Jn 21; 1 Cor 4 esp. v5