Lesson 2: Developing the Inner Life of a Minister
Strengthening Your Spiritual Roots for Lasting Fruitfulness
By Apostle Howard Tundu
Scripture Reading
John 15:4–8; 1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Timothy 1:6–7
1. Why the Inner Life Matters
Before God entrusts us with public influence, He first works on our private devotion.
Key Thought:
The strength of your ministry depends on the depth of your relationship with God.
Example: David was anointed long before the throne—years of hidden devotion shaped his heart before his crown. The same can be said about early Apostles, Paul and others.
Reflection: What does your private life say about your readiness for public ministry?
Scripture Anchors:
Proverbs 4:23 – "Above all else, guard your heart."
Matthew 6:6 – "When you pray, go into your room and close the door."
2. Cultivating a Daily Walk with God
Ministry without intimacy becomes performance.
Key Practices:
- Prayer: Not just petitions, but communion.
- Word Study: Daily feeding and meditation (Joshua 1:8).
- Worship: A lifestyle, not a moment on stage.
- Fasting: To quiet the flesh and sharpen the spirit.
Challenge:
Build a consistent routine—even 30 minutes of sincere daily devotion strengthens the inner man.
3. Dealing with the Hidden Enemies of the Soul
Young ministers often fail not for lack of calling, but for lack of self-mastery.
Common Inner Battles:
- Pride: Thinking you are indispensable.
- Offence: Letting bitterness choke your grace.
- Lust: Losing focus through moral compromise.
- Discouragement: Growing weary when results delay.
Cure:
Daily repentance, accountability, and humility before God.
Scripture Anchors:
Psalm 51:10 – "Create in me a clean heart."
James 4:7 – "Submit to God. Resist the devil."
4. Spiritual Authority and Submission
Every anointed person still needs help and to learn from others, especially elders.
Principle:
God works through order—submission does not reduce your anointing; it preserves it.
Practical Lessons:
- • Honour your spiritual leaders and mentors and listen to them.
- • Learn to receive correction without offence.
- • Avoid the spirit of independence—it destroys many young callings.
Scripture Anchors:
Hebrews 13:17 – "Obey your leaders and submit to them."
1 Peter 5:5 – "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble."
5. Stirring Up the Gift Within You
You already carry a divine deposit—but it must be stirred, not stored.
How to Stir the Gift:
- • Prayer and laying on of hands (2 Timothy 1:6).
- • Continuous use of your gifts—serve even when unnoticed.
- • Fellowship with other believers who sharpen your fire (Proverbs 27:17).
Warning:
Neglected gifts grow cold. Steward your grace faithfully.
6. Endurance and Growth Through Testing
God can test before He trusts.
Key Lesson:
Delays are not denials—they are preparation.
Biblical Examples:
- • Joseph was tested in the prison before the palace.
- • Moses spent 40 years in the desert before leading Israel.
- • Jesus faced temptation before launching ministry.
Reflection:
What current season might God be using to shape your endurance?
Scripture Anchors:
James 1:3–4 – "The testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Galatians 6:9 – "In due season, you will reap."
7. Practical Assignments for the Mentees
Daily Devotion Log: Keep a short record of your prayer, Scripture reading, and lessons learned.
Personal Reflection: Write down one area of your life that needs spiritual discipline and plan steps to improve.
Service Action: Volunteer for a humble task in the church this week—do it with excellence and joy.
Closing Charge
"Public power flows from private purity. Let God work deeply in you before He works greatly through you."
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my inner man. Teach me to love Your presence more than the platform. Help me to be faithful, disciplined, and pure in every season of my calling. Amen.