…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,(Colossians 1:25 – ESV)
Now we are all servants of Christ and His body, but our role is not something we choose so much as God chooses it for us. Galatians 1:15-16 – God begins to reveal His grace to you in subjective experience thorough the object revelation of the Word and through prayer. We may follow our desires if they are informed by a godly conscience, but we can remember that where God places us He graces us. He decrees from eternity, we discover in time. It is between God and us, but it will be confirmed by others and leaders (Galatians 1:24, 2:9). This ministry isn’t for us; it is for others, by God to you, through you, for them. Find out who your “them” is (2 Corinthians 1:4-7).
1 Peter 4:10 – be a good steward of God’s grace to you. For Paul it was to make the Word of God fully known (Galatians 1:8-9). The more we fulfill our ministry, the greater the benefit to other people, and our treasure in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:58). Imagine if everyone were going after it full tilt? Of course, Paul will explain that it isn’t how hard we work, but Christ.
His main ministry was to reveal the mystery of Christ in His church, and the Gentiles included in that (Colossians 1:26-27). There were aspects that were not clearly revealed in the OT times, but we can see them more clearly in light of the NT revelation. To the saints he has revealed this mystery of Christ in us (Ephesians 1:8-14). His power not ours.
We cannot impart what we do not possess, and we must impart more than knowledge and even wisdom. We must impart Christ, and to do that He must possess us. I would pray that I might be so fully with Him that the Holy Spirit would be gracious to allow the beauty of Jesus to be imparted to people by my witness, that they would see a person who loves Jesus Christ fully, and that they would want this for themselves, realizing that Christ is the most beautiful "thing" they could have, and that they can "possess" Him, they can have Him, and He can have them. That is our ministry mandate.
4 comments:
You will find it interesting that of my "them" is a Jesuit medical school full of those who believe only in science or in the ability of Mary to intercede for them with her son that they just don't quite get.
I have so little opportunity to speak truth; so please pray that the very words I do speak, even academically, exude a sweet savor that draws rather than alarms.
I will...
"that they would want this for themselves,"
Amen.
The heart is cut by the sword of the Spirit, and some say,"What must I do?", and others say, "I don't need you, in fact you offend me".
Very nice post. lot of good stuff here. Keep on.
Amen!
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