In today’s study, we shall look at another key area of our lives we are to see to. In Colossians 4:17, we read that “Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.” This is not a message that was exclusively written for Archippus but for us all since everything that was written aforetime was written four our instruction (Romans 15:4).
Now, when Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven, the Bible says He gave gifts to His people (Ephesians 4:8). The Scriptures in multiple places also affirm the the truth that there is not a single Christian without a spiritual gift (e.g. Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Peter 4:10). These gifts are neither toys for us to play with nor are they to merely decorate our lives. They are graces or divine enablement to accomplish the work or ministry God has for each one of us (cf. Romans 12:6, Ephesians 2:10). We are called to be good stewards of these gifts (1 Peter 4:10) and “it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). So it is not a question of whether you are called and have a special gift or not but what you have done with the gift and call God has given to you. It is your responsibility to be faithful in stewarding your gift and in this way see to it that you fulfill the ministry you have received in the Lord.
No one is born a fully matured being and this is exactly so when we are born again. You may hardly start your journey in Christ with a good grasp of the specifics of God’s prefect will and gifts and callings for you. You are going to discover these as you renew your mind on God’s word. The Scriptures teach that it is when we renew our minds that we are able to discern God’s will ( Romans 12:2). The Bible also teaches that God gives His gifts and ministry to us to serve one another and edify or build up His church (1 Peter 4:12, Ephesians 4:16). Even so, to discover and grow in your gift and calling, have the heart to serve faithfully in the body of Christ in whatever position or capacity you may start out with. As you remain faithful in your service, God Himself will work on you, pruning you to bear more fruits and directing you and your paths into His perfect will (John 15:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 25:12 ). It is the same truth Jesus shared when He said “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him” (Matthew 13:12).
So, you have a charge to keep: “see to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it” (Colossians 4:17). From this text, we also learn that we are able to fulfill the ministry we have received in the Lord when we see to it, i.e. pay attention to it, make time for it, and make it a priority. This is your responsibility, and you must get to work now. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, and our work will be tested by fire to reveal what sort of work we have done. And we shall each receive our due reward from the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25:14-30).
To be continued.
Kwadwo Omari, PhD
November 23, 2021.
A Very Important Message
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. Pray the prayer below to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, for the Bible says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be discipled to grow in the ways of God. You can also email me ([email protected]) and I will be happy to grow together with you in Christ.