Tag: Ministry

The Pastoral Heart

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 2:1–5 (ESV): 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

EXPLAIN

Paul began describing his ministry to the church in Colossians 1:24. These verses complete his thoughts. Paul explained how his suffering for Christ was a participation in Christ’s sufferings, his ministry to the church was a stewardship granted by Christ, and the effort he expended in ministry was due to the power of Christ flowing through him.

In our highlighted verses, we now see both Paul’s pain and Paul’s pleasure in ministry. In Colossians 2:1-4, Paul noted his struggle in ministry for these believers was a passion for three things.

Paul did not expressly state how he struggled for the believers. As he clearly noted, he had never met these Christians. He did not serve in their community. Therefore, it would seem best to understand his struggle as one that occurred primarily in prayer and was expressed in both his feelings of love and anxiety for this church.

What was Paul’s struggle in prayer for this church about? His passion was that they might

1. Be encouraged in their faith, v. 2.

Colossians 2:2 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged

Paul’s desire for their encouragement begs the question, “Why might the believers be discouraged?” There were several possible causes of discouragement. First, the pressure and difficulties of living in a sinful world can sap our energy and joy. Second, the attacks of the enemy of our soul can drive fear and desperation. Third, the false teaching of that influential individual(s) who tried to persuade the believers that Christ alone was insufficient hope for salvation would rob the believers of their joy. If we resort to any foundation for hope besides Christ, we will lose our joy of living. But even if we remain grounded in our faith, combating those who teach spiritual error can lead to discouragement.

Therefore, Paul struggled, praying, desiring, hoping, seeking assurance that these believers would be encouraged in their faith, emboldened to live for God in a threatening, dismissive world.

Today as then, the Church of God desperately needs encouragement in the faith. The sources and avenues by which the enemies of God seek to discredit the gospel have only grown in the past couple thousand years. Furthermore, while followers of Jesus are actively persecuted around the world, even in the western world there seems to be a rising intolerance and even hatred for the Christian.

Furthermore, the distractions of the world have increased, and when we do not focus on Christ for our satisfaction and joy we can easily lose our way and become greatly discouraged. We should recognize that this discouragement may not be marked, at least at the first, by sadness and despair. Rather, we can be discouraged from living passionately for Jesus, staying vitally connected to the Vine, supported by the fellowship of the Church. Then, over time we find ourselves like a ship without a rudder, driven and tossed by wind and waves.

Paul struggled in prayer, desiring that the believers be encouraged in their faith and that they would also…

2. Be united in their faith, v. 2.

Colossians 2:2 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love

When I was young, I remember some crocheting frames that my mom had us boys put yarn into to make handmade potholders. As I grew older, I learned how to very clumsily sew a button back onto a dress shirt. Fortunately for my thumbs, that knowledge has not been tested too often. Needle pricks can hurt! To me, how a sewing machine inserts thread into a garment is a mystery, and I have witnessed how it can become a huge mess if interrupted from its proper functioning.

Like thin threads of cloth intertwined together become a strong bond that securely fastens various pieces of fabric together, the individual Christian is much weaker on his or her own than when inserted, surrounded and bonded with a band of believers.

I recently listened to a podcast in which the guest astutely noted that the COVID pandemic has devastated relationships within the church and without in part because we began to look at everyone, even family and friends, as a potential “enemy”. Could they be carrying this deadly, invisible virus?

The pandemic, however, is only one of several causes for fraying faith fellowships today. Paul struggled in prayer for a church threatened from without and within, seeking God’s grace to unite the church in love… that they might be knit together in love. Even so, our passionate prayer should be the same. We must pray that less important doctrinal and practical matters do not hinder us from unity on essentials. We must wrestle in prayer than politics might not supplant our love for God and for other people. We must strive in prayer, asking God that the myriad of opportunities for our careers and for pleasure available to us in the world today do not dilute our passion for the people of God.

How might our world be changed if the local church were to be knit together in love! The individual believer would be strengthened by his band of brothers who care, challenge, and correct one another. The family would be strengthened in a community of families and individuals all striving to love God and help each other overcome the challenges of life. The church would become a greater fellowship, as its meetings focused on loving and serving each other, rather than merely a passive time of sitting and watching a few perform for God. The different local churches would see the vital ministries of their sister congregations. Rather than operate in silos, they would band together to impact their communities with the love of Jesus.

Spiritually, we have a great enemy who would seek to tear us apart. Culturally, the headwinds of a post-pandemic, individualistic, personal techology-driven world discourage deeper fellowship with others. Economically, our time, energy, and money may be adversely impacted if we pursue developing bands of brothers and sisters. Yet, the benefits of such Christian fellowship are so rewarding. Therefore, Paul struggled in prayer for the believers to be knit together in love.

In prayer, Paul also sought that the believers might…

3. Grow deeper in the assurance of their faith, vv. 2-3.

Colossians 2:2–3 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The occasion for this letter was an influential individual(s) teaching the believers that there was some hidden mystery, some secrets to the gospel that could not be known by merely placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Devotion to that teacher and his teachings was necessary for full salvation.

Today, the believer faces a similar temptation and delusion. Knowledge and understanding is highly valued. We think that if we can somehow learn another truth from God’s word, another secret, another practical tip, our lives will be changed for the better.

Of course, we should grow in our knowledge of God’s Word. There are lessons and tips that may help us in our faith. The danger is that our faith becomes all about spiritual knowledge rather than Christ. Scripture memorization is vital, but hiding God’s Word in our heart should not become a substitute for knowing the God who wrote the Word. Biblical history and facts can greatly aid our understanding of scriptural truth, but we miss the point if we do not grow in our knowledge of the God of the ages.

Paul prayed for the believers to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.

The full assurance of understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery is Christ. Ephesians 3:6 notes that the mystery of the gospel is that Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Colossians 1:27 says that the riches of the glory of the mystery is Christ in you. Now, Paul emphasizes the God’s mystery is Christ.

For the detail-oriented person, this might seem like a contradiction or a moving target. But the general truth is that the mystery is Christ’s salvation offered to all freely.

In Colossians 2 Paul thus prayed for the believers to gain full assurance and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. He would warn them in the following section of his letter not to allow anyone to mislead them and ensnare them spiritually by philosophy and tradition. The secret to spiritual growth is not understanding spiritual truth better or by following rituals and regulations. The secret of flourishing spirituality is knowing Christ deeply!

Indeed, Paul continued in Colossians 2:3 (ESV), saying: 3 in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Anything and everything you need spiritually is found in Christ. Christ is not the beginning point of a fulfilled life. Life in Christ gives lasting fulfillment.

Some might feel, however, that simply knowing Christ as Lord and Savior is not enough. There has to be more, they think. The truth is, simply making a profession of faith in Christ is not enough.

Do not misunderstand. I am not saying we need to work for our salvation or somehow gain knowledge that is not found in Christ to truly be spiritual. This was precisely the error of those in Colossae, Galatia, etc. who sought to lead the Christians astray.

By saying that a profession of faith in Christ is not enough, I am simply saying there follows a life of faith in Christ that must be lived! 3 in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Have we plumbed the depths of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ? I know that I have not! Colossians 1:27 (ESV): The riches of the glory of this mystery … is Christ in you. Are you fully enjoying your spiritual wealth afforded by the abiding presence of Jesus within you? I know that I have not!

Therefore, our longing and prayer should not be for some secret that we can find through philosophy, science, or some other field. Rather, our deep desire should be to known and be known by our Lord and Savior more deeply and intimately than we have ever before experienced.

Paul’s Joy

Colossians 2:4–5 (ESV): 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

While Paul struggled mightily in prayer for the Colossians Christians that they might be encouraged, united and have a greater assurance in their faith, Paul also expressed great joy. Despite the attempts of this influential individual(s), the Christians kept good order and remained firm in their faith.

This church did not allow the novel teachings of a few to destroy the unity of their church or undermine their leadership. They refused to cast away their hope in Christ. Rather, they sought the apostle’s confirmation of the Gospel.

Their example is a powerful testimony to us of how to respond when certain individuals or teachings seek to make inroads in the Church, teaching “new” ideas. Instead of casting away our faith quickly or allowing chaos to reign, we must carefully study God’s Word to confirm what is truth. If the teaching highlights truth that had been hidden before, we should accept it in its proper place; if these ideas are in opposite to clear, biblical doctrine, we must reject them.

APPLY

For those of us called to ministry, this scripture speaks to us powerfully about the conflict in prayer required for God’s people, regardless of whether the people in one’s setting are in danger of being deceived by false doctrine or if they are merely under the attack of our spiritual enemy, as all believers are.

We must pray for encouragement in the faith, unity, and a greater assurance through a deeper knowledge of Christ himself. We should also rejoice as we see those under our care and ministry standing firm for Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to us your mystery, which is Christ. Help us to devote our lives to a greater knowledge of your Son. Encourage our faith. Unite us in our love for you. May our assurance of faith be like a great shield protecting us from all fiery darts of those who oppose you. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Why, What and How of Ministry

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 1:25–29 (ESV): 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

EXPLAIN

Paul never visited Colossae. The church in this city was started after one of their own, Epaphras, had traveled to Ephesus, was converted under Paul’s ministry there, and then returned home.

The introduction of Paul’s letter, then, served to build bridges so that he could challenge the people in their faith and correct a concerning doctrinal fallacy. Paul began by expressing thanksgiving and prayer for the church, demonstrating his keen interest in their welfare. Paul followed that with the overarching theme of this letter which, if accepted, would correct the doctrinal fallacy being spread in their midst: Christ is preeminent and must occupy that place in our personal lives and in our church. Paul then explained his apostleship, suffering, and ministry to the church.

Why Paul was a Minister

25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

Why did Paul become a minister? He became a minister because he was called by God. His ministry was a “stewardship from God.” The Greek for “stewardship” is oikonomia which refers to the “administration (of a household or estate); specifically a (religious) “economy”: – dispensation, stewardship” (Strong’s).

To serve as a minister of the Gospel is to be given a huge responsibility before God. As James 3:1 notes, the teacher of God’s Word bears greater responsibility before God. Of course, a minister of the gospel may serve in a variety of ways including but not necessarily limited to, missionary, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

The greater point is that such a person receives both authority to minister and is accountable for ministry… to God. Dangerous things happen when the minister either 1) forgets or neglects his stewardship responsibility before God, or 2) succumbs to the whims and dictates of the local flock of God, the wider church, or surrounding community.

It must be noted also that one receives this stewardship of God by accepting it, actively choosing to serve God as a minister. 1 Timothy 3:1 (ESV) says: 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. There is a degree of aspiration on the part of the person who becomes a minister… to serve God in this noble occupation. Indeed, some looking on could fault such a person for their ambition, but such sanctified desire should be commended. I am reminded of the evangelist who stated that he had never received a “call” to ministry like so many have, yet he felt compelled to share the Gospel. God validated his ministry with great fruit.

Why did God call Paul to serve him in ministry?

to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

As we consider what it means to make the word of God fully known, we remember Paul’s defense of his ministry: he preached the full counsel of God. Acts 20:27 (ESV): 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Paul preached till God’s Word was spread fully in the region where he was.

Paul preached God’s Word – both the parts of scripture that were easy for people to receive and those elements that were not acceptable to his audience. Is it no wonder that Paul was often received initially with fanfare, only to be cast out, beaten and persecuted later on?

Paul later charged his mentee, Timothy, to…

2 Timothy 4:2–5 (ESV): 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Often the phrase in verse 2 “in season and out of season” is interpreted to mean that a preacher needs to be ready to preach the gospel both for planned and unplanned preaching opportunities. In other words, an unreasonable burden is placed on the preacher if he or she is expected to have a sermon at all times whether the person adequately studied God’s Word and prayed… or not.

This is not to say that a preacher should not take advantage of such opportunities. Rather, it is to question if any other profession or calling would be held to a similar standard. Good exposition of God’s Word is the result of careful, faithful study.

Furthermore, the idea of “in season and out of season” may refer more accurately to “convenience” and “inconvenience”… NOT of the disposition of the preacher, but rather of the content of God’s Word.

Notice again the context of Paul’s instruction: 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

In other words, Paul was not telling Timothy to be ready to enter the pulpit whether he had three days of study prep or three minutes. No, Paul was Timothy to preach God’s Word regardless of how his audience would react to the Truth!

What Paul Sought to Accomplish as a Minister

26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Paul described God’s plan of salvation – the gospel – as a mystery that had been hidden for ages and generations. Indeed, as we study the Old Testament we find God’s plan of salvation was revealed incrementally.

In Genesis 3 when God cursed the serpent, we find the first prophecy of Christ. In Genesis 3:15 (ESV) God said: “15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” At the time, the meaning of God’s word must have seemed vague. The prophecy is clear now only because of Christ’s fulfillment.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find images, types and figures that point to Christ – the serpent hung on the tree that provided healing for the Israelites’ sin when they looked upon it, the presence of God symbolized by the Ark, the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

We also see the priests who were the go-between God and the people, mediating God’s forgiveness and direction. Yet the priests demonstrated a woeful inability to be holy as God is.

We observe kings who were supposed to serve as delegates of God the king, but who repeatedly failed to administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Numerous prophecies gave great detail about the coming Messiah, but when the wise men from the east came searching, the religious leaders rightly indicated the place of the Savior’s birth (Bethlehem), but showed no interest in going there. Then, when Jesus made his claim to be God clear, most rejected him.

The idea of God’s plan of salvation being a mystery finally revealed is important for yet another reason. In the Greek and Roman world, mystery cults flourished. Indeed, from what we understand about the Colossians situation, Paul was trying to head off the false teaching of an influential person who was using a mix a Jewish traditions and mystery cultic ideas to mislead the people.

To those who sought to know the mystery of spirituality, Paul wrote here that God’s mystery had been revealed! God’s mystery was revealed to his saints. The object of God’s revelation could be glossed over, yet it is key. While God’s plan of salvation had been spread throughout the world, the mystery of God’s salvation was known truly by those who received his salvation. There is a difference between hearing the basic elements of the salvation message and actually comprehending and enjoying salvation; this is explicitly stated at the end of verse 27.

At the risk of being redundant, however, let us consider this again. You can explain to someone that…

  1. All have sinned and are separated from God,
  2. God is holy and just and will not tolerate sin, but also is loving and merciful and wants to provide us a way of redemption,
  3. God sent his son Jesus to become flesh and live a holy life among us and then to suffer, die for our sins, but be raised to life on the third day,
  4. Through Jesus’ death and life, we can now receive forgiveness of our sins as we place our faith in him.

These basic truths of the Gospel may be explained academically to one unbelieving person, but to their unenlightened heart, the words will seem like gibberish.

Yet, by the power of the Holy Spirit’s conviction, another sinner accepts the truth, repents of their sin and trusts in Christ. This latter person thus comprehends the mystery of the gospel, which is revealed to God’s saints – those made holy by the blood of Jesus.

Paul, apostle to the Gentiles, makes an even more explicit application of the revelation of the gospel mystery in Colossians 1:27. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

A huge factor in the mystery of the gospel is that Gentiles were included in God’s plan of salvation, along with Jews, the chosen people of God. Gentiles are not second class citizens in God’s kingdom, but rather share in the riches of the glory of this mystery.

As the Church has become predominantly Gentile for hundreds and thousands of years now, this factor may seem less important, yet it truly should amaze us, and cause us to bow our knees in gratitude to God. How wonderful it is that God has grafted Gentiles into the Vine of Jesus Christ.

Yet, as Paul wrote in Romans, this is not something we should boast about or take for granted, for if God would graft Gentiles into the Vine, how much more does God care for his chosen people, the Jews?

The way Colossians 1:27 is written, it would first suggest that the mystery of the gospel is that Christ is in the believer. However, when we compare this text with Ephesians 3:6 (ESV), the mystery, per se, is that Gentiles are fellow heirs with Jews, God’s chosen people.

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Looking at Colossians 1:27 again, it would appear that Christ in you, the hope of glory is the riches of the glory of this mystery This phrase, I believe, is the key to the whole letter of Colossians.

Recall that Paul wrote this letter to address the false teaching of an individual(s) who apparently mixed Jewish mysticism and pagan beliefs to say that faith in Jesus Christ was not sufficient for salvation. Rather, there were days, rules, and regulations that must be observed.

Paul began his letter with a prayer for the Christians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s wisdom so that they could walk worthy of the Lord, being fruitful in everything they did and being strengthened with all power.

Paul then began the content proper of the letter by exalting the supremacy of Christ. After talking about his ministry to the church in Colossians 1:24-2:5, Paul challenged the people saying that as they had received Christ, they should walk in him, rooted, built up, and established in the faith (2:6-7). They had received the circumcision of Christ, buried with Christ in baptism and raised with him to new life, thus removing all guilt of the past life of sin (2:11-14).

Therefore, they must put off anything that remained of the old life of sin and put on the new life of Christ which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creators (Colossians 3:10), by which they could experience the peace of Christ [ruling] in your hearts (Colossians 1:14). They were to let the word of Christ dwell in them and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Simply put, the glory of the gospel is not merely that God has chosen all to be saved from sin who will turn in repentance to him, that God would love and forgive us despite our transgressions, that Christ would not merely abide with us, but that Christ has chosen to live in us!

Looking at Ephesians again, we find this breathtaking prayer:

Ephesians 3:14–19 (ESV): 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

God wants to fully dwell in us!

No, this is not the same as the Near Eastern or New Age concepts that all is God or we are part of God. No, this is not to suggest the believer is or can be or should be some super spiritual person because they have “God running in their veins.”

Rather, this truth is mind-blowing because it presumes that God can take sinners who are lost without hope and so change them that they become His vessels, filled fully by God.

This truth is startling because we find that God does not merely want to clean us up and have us live a better, even a good, moral life. Rather, God desires to inhabit us.

This truth is humbling because we so often live below the level the riches of the gospel afford us, dabbling with temptation, fearful of full commitment.

Paul not only sought to make the word of God fully known, but also… Colossians 1:28 (ESV): 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

The purpose of preaching in the Church often seems to be misunderstood today. There is a massive drive for entertainment and motivation as the end result of gospel presentations.

That a sermon would entertain and motivate the congregation is not necessarily bad. I personally love to tell stories, whether illustrations to highlight the truth of God’s Word, or to tell the story of Scripture itself. Furthermore, if one finishes a gospel message and the people wonder, “What’s the point?”, one must wonder if they have missed the point of preaching!

However, entertainment and motivation are easily taken too far. A huge, necessary part of preaching is acting in the two roles Paul noted above: prophet and teacher. The prophet role of preaching is not so much about foretelling the future as it is forth-telling God’s Word, and the consequences of either accepting or rejecting God’s Truth. The teacher role of preaching is necessary also to adequately equip people for life and ministry as God’s servants.

As Ephesians 4:11-16 note, Christ gave the functions of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher to the church in order to equip believer for ministry so that the church would be built up in unity and maturity.

Thus, Paul’s role and purpose as a minister was not merely to get people saved or even to start churches. He sought the spiritual maturity of all those who chose to serve Christ.

How Paul Served as a Minister

Colossians 1:29 (ESV): 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

The grace of God is gloriously free, and could never be earned or repaid by our works. Yet God is not opposed to our good works, done out of gratitude and a desire to glorify his name. Indeed, as Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Paul provides a powerful example of how a responsible, dedicated follower of Jesus should engage oneself in God’s work. Some might suggest his example is extreme. Paul recounted some of what he experienced in ministry in 2 Corinthians 11:24–28 (ESV):

24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Yet Paul’s point was not that he was a super-spiritual Christian. Rather, he pointed to his weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV): 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Note, then, that Paul toiled in ministry for God, but notice also that he was Colossians 1:29 (ESV): struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

The effectiveness of the Christian who serves for God’s glory is accomplished through Christ’s power. Yes, we must be disciplined, obedient, determined, and dedicated in service. Even so, we rely on the power of Christ surging in our veins to accomplish the tasks set out before us by the Holy Spirit.

Thus, we should at once strive to be laborer who works hard for Christ while also resting fully in the grace and power of God.

APPLY

Paul presents the gospel minister as one who has been called by God. Our responsibility is to fulfill the charge God has given us, regardless of how people respond.

Our charge as ministers to reveal the mystery of the Gospel, which is that God has chosen each and every person to be saved from sin, who will turn in repentance and faith to him. The riches of this glorious mystery is that God takes up residence in us. This mystery we proclaim fully so that all those who receive Christ might become mature in the faith.

Our task as ministers is laborious. No one should enter ministry believing this calling is an easy job. But our confidence in the difficult labor of calling people to repentance and discipling them in the fight is that God works powerfully in and through us, changing lives by his amazing grace!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the calling to ministry. Help me to fulfill your charge, revealing your mystery to those who are confused and blinded by sin and Satan. Give me your strength to perform your task. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

The Faithful Servant

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 1:7–8 (ESV): 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

EXPLAIN

It is believed that Epaphras, a native of Colossae (Colossians 4:14) traveled to Ephesus while Paul ministered there, was converted, and then returned home, starting the church in Colossae.

Epaphras now had traveled to Rome to report the faith, love and hope of Colossae Church, but also the presence of some who were teaching false doctrines.

In Colossians 4:12, Epaphras is described as a prayer warrior, struggling in prayer for his church. In Philemon, a personal letter sent to an individual who lived near Colossae and may have been delivered at the same time as Colossians, Paul described Epaphras as a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus (v. 23). Thus, Epaphras’ efforts to minister to Paul may have led to his own arrest.

APPLY

Of all the descriptions Paul could have used for this fellow minister of the Gospel, it is interesting to note what Paul called Epaphras: faithful. Epaphras was a successful church planter. Epaphras was a prayer warrior, which Paul did note at the end of his letter. But how did Paul describe this fellow preacher and pastor?

Faithful.

In a world driven by the search for success, followers of Jesus must take note of God’s values.

Even in the church world today, we tend to highlight those who can grow a church to large numbers, or at least pastor a large church, who make a name in their community for various reasons, are published authors, etc, etc. We often rate a preacher by how dynamic his sermon delivery is, how polished and energizing the worship service feels, among other factors.

God values faithfulness.

Notice also of whom Epaphras was a servant: “a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf” (Colossians 1:7). The minister of the Gospel serves Christ… on the behalf of people.

The pastor is not a politician, seeking to please a constituency. The pastor is a servant of King Jesus. The pastor shares the Good News to his community.

The message of the Good News is God’s love and grace, but the gospel is also a warning of God’s judgment upon those who will not repent. Therefore, the pastor’s work is not merely of being a messenger, but also a prophet.

The pastor’s faithfulness is seen in his ministry to his congregation, but the gauge of his faithfulness is Christ Jesus.

As an aside: it is interesting to consider that the people-gifts Christ gave the church (Ephesians 4:11) are more about roles of gospel ministers than titles of offices. If so, we would then see that apostles are those who bring the message of the Gospel to people, prophets proclaim God’s grace and judgment, evangelists passionately seek to convince people of Gospel truth through the work of the Spirit, and pastor-teachers expound the truth of the Gospel for the growth in grace of God’s people.

The ESV margin notes that in some Greek manuscripts “your behalf” (v. 7) is “our behalf.” If this rendering were preferable, the stress of the accountability of the gospel minister would be even less to the local congregation, as Paul would appear to note Epaphras as a missionary sent from his apostolic team to Colossae Church. Or, Paul could have been seeking to emphasize Epaphras’ pastoral authority by appealing to his own apostolic authority.

Regardless, Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ on the behalf of Colossae Church. Epaphras reported to Christ, but he did serve the local church. Therefore, he was responsible to minister well to the people.

The significance of all this is the tendency of many local churches today to regard the pastor from a secular, business-like mindset. The pastor is hired as “CEO” and is expected to produce for and please the local congregation.

If the pastor’s messages are not deemed encouraging or exciting enough, if attendance does not grow, if the worship services are not polished and riveting, if the people do not feel “cared for” enough, the pastor is called on the carpet by the board of directors, and expected to turn around the “trajectory of the church” or be subject to threats of pay cuts or dismissal.

In adopting this model of the church, a local church robs itself of the blessing that Christ gives to it. God calls “gospel ministers” in order to share the Good News… in light of the menacing reality of sin. God forgives, redeems, and pardons the repentant, but those who persist in rebellion against him are doomed to an eternity of separation from God and terrible punishment for their sin! Thus, a pastor who acquiesces to spoken or unspoken demands to only preach a positive message, never challenging people for error, is truly an unfaithful minister of Christ!

Furthermore, the pastor is called by God to this ministry. If he begins to answer to people, rather than God, he takes orders from the wrong entity. The pastor cannot lead people in the will of God by following the will of man, whose heart is deceitful, and desperately wicked.

We must also remember the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). In a real and vital way, God has called every single follower of Jesus to be a minister of the gospel. God has given us different gifts, according to Christ’s grace, but he has given us all the responsibility to serve. As Ephesians 2:10, we are his worksmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.

As Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11-13, God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers (whether one understands that as roles or functions of “gospel ministers”) to equip the saints to do the work of ministry, whereby the church will be built up and mature in the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

Does this mean the pastor has no responsibility to grow the local church? Should he be excused if week after week his messages do not sound “inspiring” to the congregation or seem disconnected from God’s Word? If the pastor is a minister of Christ Jesus, what is his responsibility to the local church?

These are only a few of the possible responsibility/accountability questions for the pastor. But firstly, Jesus himself said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Thus, the church’s growth ultimately is due to the work of Christ, but we must also note that the pastor and congregation are responsible to cooperate with and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit in this endeavor. A pastor who refuses to act in faith or to follow God’s will may be a leading factor in a local church’s failure to grow, but the same is true of a congregation unwilling to act and serve in faith or to follow God’s leading.

Jesus told two parables that, on the face of it, are very similar, yet upon great reflection have different implications and applications. In Matthew 25, Jesus told the story of a master giving three servants different amounts of money – the Parable of the Talents. Two invested their money and doubled the principal. The third hid away the money, unwilling to work for his master. In this parable, application is clear: a faithful servant will work hard, taking risks by faith, and will experience both a return on his endeavor and the commendation of his master.

The Parable of the Ten Minas, recorded in Luke 19:11-27, is deceivingly similar, but has different, important implications. In this parable, the master calls ten servants and gives them each one mina. Whereas in the other parable, some might argue the first two servants had an advantage over the third, in this parable each servant is given the same amount of money.

Furthermore, in this parable of the ten minas, the first servant does not merely double his master’s money. Instead, he greets his master with ten times the original amount! The second servant also does not merely double the money entrusted to him, but returns with five times the original amount! Also, unique to this parable is the fact that the earnings of seven servants are never reported.

Consider this application to faithful ministry in the church: some pastors are enabled by God to have a ministry with exponential results. They see their church grow to thousands, and oversee multiple ministries as they seek to make disciples who make disciples. Other pastors are blessed by God, but their results are somewhat muted, as they pastor a church in the hundreds, and have less ministries, even though these ministries are a powerful expression of God’s love to a lost and dying world.

But the vast majority of pastors labor in churches where the growth is not spectacular, where possible ministries are limited, and they often receive little widespread notoriety.

The 2020 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study of more than 15,000 U.S. religious congregations revealed that 7 in 10 U.S. churches have 100 or fewer weekly worship service attendees, while 7 in 10 U.S. churchgoers attend a church with more than 250 each week. (https://research.lifeway.com/2021/10/20/small-churches-continue-growing-but-in-number-not-size/)

70% of U.S. churches have less than 100 in their weekly worship. Does this mean that the pastor or congregation are unfaithful? No! Rather, it means the norm of churches is a small congregation! Huge churches are the outliers.

The issue is not the size of the church. The master’s overriding concern in the servants’ report was not how much they had gained him; he was pleased that they were faithful!

Matthew 25:23 (ESV): 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:26–27 (ESV): 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.

Luke 19:17 (ESV): 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

Luke 19:22–23 (ESV): He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’

What does it mean to be a faithful minister, a faithful pastor? Both 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 give the qualifications for the elders – the pastors of the church. For the sake of brevity, I will only include 1 Timothy 3 below:

1 Timothy 3:1–7 (ESV): 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

If you were to boil down all of these qualifications to one, what would it be?

Faithfulness.

Do you see it? The pastor must be above reproach – faithful in everything. The pastor must be the husband of one wife – faithful in marriage. The pastor must be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable – faithful personally. The pastor must be hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money – faithful in his dealings with others. The pastor must with all dignity keep his children submissive – faithful in his home.

Sometimes, churches hold ridiculous expectations for their pastors. Consider 25 Unbelievable Things Search Committees Said to Pastoral Candidates as a few examples.

God’s expectation is faithfulness. Jesus expects his undershepherds to be faithful in every area of their lives. Jesus commands us to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), to preach the word both when it is a good time to share and when it is not (2 Timothy 4:2). Epaphras is a great example of the pastor’s care for his congregation, and of intercesory prayer (Colossians 4:12-13). The pastor’s role is to equip God’s people to do ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Each pastor will have different strengths and emphases in ministry, but each face a key expectation: to be faithful to God, others, and oneself.

Some might be afraid that such a standard of faithfulness for the pastor would mean that their church would never grow, that they would be “condemned” to bad sermons or uninspiring services … etc. But such thinking misunderstands God’s expectation of faithfulness. God does not call or require any pastor to be “successful”, but he does call us to be faithful!

We tend to judge, examine, and critique ministry by worldly standards. We must not be mistaken. God requires faithfulness. Speaking of his own ministry, Paul wrote, 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. James also cautioned, James 3:1 (ESV): 3Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

We tend to measure faithfulness and spiritual success by the wrong standards!

I was saddened to read yet another article recently of a pastor who, it has been revealed, over several years has acted unfaithfully a couple of times. There were some contributing factors, medicine and alcohol, yet that should not be an excuse for his dishonoring of his marriage and his call to ministry.

My understanding is that these two incidents were not recent, but happened somewhat isolated over a period of time. The reason why these indiscreet moments have come to light, it seems, is due to more than one other pastor in his church who have also been disgraced due to infidelity, and the accusation that this pastor had failed to disclose sexual abuse by a close family member.

Why didn’t all of these issues result in correction by the church much sooner? The two incidents referred to before were known by the church board some time ago, and they even took steps to address these issues. Why is it only now that the board has asked for the pastor’s resignation? It could be argued that all of the various factors have finally reached a critical point in which change had to occur.

Yet we should not overlook the fact that the church this man pastored is a huge megachurch, and has been a great “success” with huge attendance numbers, incredible expansion, powerful influence on the worldwide Church through its worship ministry, and more.

By the factors most eagerly sought by many in the church world today – magnificent buildings, healthy budgets, and large attendances, this pastor was a success. But Christ calls his pastors to be faithful, and this man appears to have had a significant slip-up in that calling. May God grant grace to this pastor to find healing and restoration and continue to be used as a faithful servant of Jesus! Truly, we should hope for God’s grace to forgive, change and restore this man spiritually and even for his ministry calling.

But the point is obvious: we must be careful not to judge by the wrong standard of “success” for the ministry: God calls us to be faithful.

I write these words, however, with some trepidation. It is my fear that someone reading this might think I am giving an excuse for the pastor to be mediocre: sloppy in sermon preparation, half-hearted in pastoral care, uncommitted in outreach to the lost, failing to equip believers for the work of ministry. This is not my intention, at all.

Rather, the pastor must committed to excellence in all these areas. Surely God desires his pastors to have a holy ambition. Both of the parables mentioned above should attest to that. Selfish ambition is not of God; but a holy ambition to spread the Good News, equip the saints for ministry and glorify the King of kings is desperately needed in Christ’s Church.

Yet we should also recognize that every pastor will have certain strengths and weaknesses in their ministry. One may be an excellent expositor, yet not the greatest in delivery. One may deliver dynamic messages, but truly need to focus more on the scripture. One may be excellent in visiting the sick and bereaved, another may be better in teaching. One may have a great prayer ministry; another may excel in outreach.

We must not expect a pastor to “be the best” in every aspect of ministry; we must require him to be faithful in ministry, remembering that his job is truly to equip the rest of the church to serve alongside him in ministry. The pastor himself (or herself) must always strive to grow their skills.

Colossians 1:7–8 (ESV) again say: … Epaphras our beloved fellow servant … is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Paul described Epaphras as a fellow servant. The Greek for “servant” here is doulos. Epaphras was a bond servant, a slave of Jesus. He belonged to Christ, not to man. He faithfully served Christ on the behalf of Colossae Church. In doing this, Epaphras expressed this church’s love for Apostle Paul. Epaphras traveled some distance to talk to Paul about an issue that threatened the church. He was faithful to guard the church he served from those who would harm it. Epaphras served faithfully, even though it apparently meant imprisonment (see Philemon).

Epaphras was a faithful pastor of Jesus Christ. May each one of us who are called to this ministry follow his great example!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the life and example of Epaphras. Thank you for the call to ministry. May I serve you faithfully on behalf of others, wherever you send me, in whatever capacity you have for me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Called by God

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 1:1–2 (ESV): 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

EXPLAIN

It is believed that Paul never visited Colossae, but that during his ministry to Ephesus from AD 52-55, a Colossian named Epaphras was converted in Ephesus and went back home sharing the gospel. When this letter was written, Epaphras had come to Paul in Rome and shared the news that a dangerous teaching was threatening the church.

Over the years, what scholars believe this heresy was has changed. It was once considered to be early forms of Gnosticism, but it had many distinctively Jewish elements. Most likely, the false teaching was a mixture of local Jewish and pagan folk beliefs.

Probably the best understanding is that a “a shaman-like figure within the church had attracted a following and was presenting himself as something of a Christian spiritual guide” (ESV Study Bible). Paul now wrote the church to emphasize the supremacy of Christ over all and remind the believers of their new identity in Christ.

APPLY

Paul was an apostle by the will of God. Paul was called to ministry by God, not by men. He was not elected or appointed by popular vote of the people. Neither did he assume his call due to his own initiative and determination. Similarly, in other places Paul wrote that the gospel he preached did not come from man nor did he preach by the okay of men. He did go to visit elders of the church at one point for reassurance, but even then Paul wrote that he did not back down from the gospel he preached, of which the acceptance of Gentiles into God’s plan of salvation featured prominently.

As a minister of the gospel, similarly, my call did not come from men or even myself, but from God. A formative experience happened to me the summer before I became a high school senior when I went to Mexico on a short-term missions trip. Up to that point, my dreams were of the Air Force and aerospace engineering. That experience pointed me toward ministry as I pledged “Make a Servant” in the commissioning service before we set out on the trip. Yet I still did not feel God’s call to ministry.

During my senior year, I gradually exchanged my dreams of the Air Force for a country gospel guitar-singing ministry. I entered college as a music major.

But God arranged various chapel services and General Camp messages at the end of the school year to awaken in me a call to ministry. I accepted that call from God one summer day of 1995 in Antioch Park.

I later applied for a minister’s license with the Church of God (Holiness) and was granted one as a recognition of God’s call on my life and my preparation to serve in ministry. Then in 2018 after nearly 20 years in ministry, I was ordained by the Church of God (Holiness), again as a recognition of God’s call on my life as a minister.

After eight years in the pastorate, I served for two years as a teacher in Bible college, during which time I married the love of my life. We then served a church in Missouri for five years, before going overseas for six and a half years as missionary pastors. Returning a year ago to the U.S., Zenia is working on her master’s degree in education and I am supporting her. But my calling to ministry remains, and I have been serving various churches in supporting roles – camp meeting, fill-in preaching, teaching Sunday School, and leading worship songs.

These principles guide me: I have been called by God, not by men nor by my own imagination and I serve God, not for men’s applause nor for personal success. I am an ambassador of Christ, entreating all I can to be reconciled with God, changed forever by the grace of Jesus Christ.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your call upon my life. May I live and serve you faithfully in whatever role you have for me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace to Abound

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HIGHLIGHT

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

EXPLAIN

In 2 Corinthians 8-9 Paul talks about the collection for the needy in Jerusalem. Corinth Church had begun this collection a year before; now, Paul urged them to complete it.

He told them that now in their time of abundance they could supply what was needed for those who had lack. In the future, they themselves might have need and receive from those they were giving to now.

Paul did not feel like Corinth Church was unwilling to give, but he wanted to remind them so that when he came to receive the collection they would be ready, and not be embarrassed.

Paul then encouraged them with the principle of sowing and reaping, saying that God loves a cheerful giver. And so God provides grace so that we can abound in every good work.

APPLY

It may seem like a lack of faith for us, at times, to give largely to God’s work. But if God has prompted us to do so, we can trust that God will give us the grace to accomplish the work. This should give us confidence in attempting greater things for God!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the encouragement that you provide the grace we need to do the ministry you have set before us. Help me to be faithful in serving you. Amen.

Your labor is not in vain

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

EXPLAIN

After correcting abuses in worship in 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul transitioned to address a fallacy in what some were teaching in Corinth Church: that there is no resurrection of the dead.

Paul forcefully shared the gospel, which is capped off by Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Then Paul engaged the people with logic, asking if there is no resurrection of the dead, then how could Christ have risen from the dead? And if Christ did not rise from the dead, then what basis do we have to believe the gospel?

Paul continued to speak of the resurrection, explaining that when we are raised we will have a new body, an immortal body. Thus, while death stings today, death will one day be swallowed up in victory.

Therefore, we must remain steadfast in the work of the Lord.

APPLY

This scripture is an encouragement to us, firstly, because we can know that we have hope of eternal life. Christ rose from the dead and by his power we will also be raised.

This scripture is also an encouragement simply from the standpoint that while in ourselves we might be discouraged at times, wondering if our attempts to serve God were bearing fruit, we can know that just as God had the power to raise Christ from the dead, God has power to use our feeble efforts for his glory.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to live faithfully for you, serving you with confidence knowing that you receive my “living sacrifice” as acceptable worship, using my life for your glory. Amen.

Compelled

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Corinthians 9:16 (ESV): 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

EXPLAIN

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul began addressing the controversy of eating meat that had been offered to idols. Some understood there is only one God and did not see anything wrong to eat such meat. Others felt like they were sinning against God.

Paul laid down the principle of not doing anything to encourage or lead another person to sin, even though that might mean giving up one’s freedoms.

So in 1 Corinthians 9 he used himself as an example. Though he had the right to expect the believers to support him in his ministry, he refused to demand this and worked to supply his own income.

That he might have to work to provide food for himself did not discourage his passion in proclaiming the gospel. Rather, he felt compelled by his call from God to preach.

APPLY

While ministers of the gospel are often supported today, our calling comes from God. We preach, teach and proclaim the good news because we are compelled by the love of God. It is not wrong to receive something in return, but our passion is not wealth. Our passion is to share the love of Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the compelling passion to share the good news of your kingdom. Help me to be faithful in spreading your love today. Amen.

There is One who gives the growth

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Corinthians 3:7–8 (ESV): 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

EXPLAIN

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul noted that he did not come to Corinth with lofty speech or wisdom. Rather, God’s power was evident through his ministry. Paul then noted that God’s wisdom is much greater than the wisdom of the world, but those of the world believe God’s wisdom is folly.

Paul then noted in 1 Corinthians 3 that he could not address the believers in Corinth as spiritual people, but as carnal. Even though they were Christians, they were acting much like the world, when they divided into competing factions, identifying themselves with various preachers.

So Paul noted that he and Apollos were merely servants. They were not the ones to be applauded for their ministry. Rather, God was to be glorified for the work he was doing in the people’s lives.

APPLY

This scripture should be both a comfort and a challenge to us. This scripture is comforting because in the world’s eyes – and in even many Christians’ eyes – one follower of Jesus may be more “important” or “successful” because of their ministry. But our text reminds us that God gives the growth.

This scripture should challenge us because we often are tempted to take credit for what only God can accomplish. Or, we accept praise that belongs to God.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to serve you faithfully, not worrying about who gets the credit or how successful others may believe me to be. Rather, through my efforts to serve you, may you accomplish your purposes. Amen.