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Understanding Ministry

Text: Colossians 1:25

The apostle Paul had a very deep understanding of his ministry. He wrote about his ministry in at least three different texts.

“Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship
from God which was given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God.”
Colossians 1:25

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…”
Colossians 1:1

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God…”
1 Timothy 1:1

1. Three different aspects shared

a) They are inter-related.

b) They complement each other.

2. “A minister”

a) The word chosen is a humble one (Greek “diakonos”).

b) This is the root word where we derive the word “deacon”.

c) It describes a person who is prepared to do menial work.

3. “According to”

a) There was a basis for Paul to become a humble minister for the Lord.

b) Two bases are offered:-

i) “According to the stewardship from God” (Colossians 1:25)

The focus here is on God’s plan.

ii) “By the commandment of God” (1 Timothy 1:1)

The focus here is on God’s authoritative command.

c) Both are valid

i) In God’s plan He determined that Paul would serve Him.

ii) This plan was backed up with Divine authority or command.

4. The will of God

a) This thought was also included.

b) God’s plan and commandment are well within the will of God.

c) Each aspect dovetails till we have a complete picture.

Paul’s consciousness of his ministry for the Lord was deeply profound. This deep understanding helped him immensely to faithfully serve the Lord with great efficacy.