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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).
Considering my ministry, I’ve learned how to be a good steward of the gifts and calling of God in my life from reading Colossians chapter one — over and over and over. In this chapter, Paul explains how he stewarded his gifts and calling, so that at the end of his life, he could write…
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
On the Day of Judgment, I’m sure the Lord Jesus will look at the Apostle Paul and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want Jesus to look at me and say the same thing. How about you? Let’s learn from Paul how to be good stewards of our ministries.
Paul Never Diminished Jesus
Our view of a powerful Jesus at the beginning of our ministry (or Christian walk) can, because of trials, confusion about why events happen, and maybe the encroachment of liberal theology, diminish over time, our belief in the power and Lordship of Jesus.
One of the Bible’s best descriptions of Jesus can be found in Colossians 1:15-16…
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Paul Never Lost Hope
Paul’s life had been changed by Jesus, and he knew God could change the lives of those who professed Jesus. Paul didn’t allow defeat and despair to dominate his thinking, teaching, or preaching. Paul writes…
If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister (Colossians 1:23, ESV).
Paul Rejoiced in Suffering
There’s a difference between enduring difficulties and rejoicing in our trials. Paul writes, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church” (Colossians 1:24).
Ministry means suffering — through which our suffering will, just like Christ’s suffering did for all of us, release grace into the lives of those that we love and serve.
Paul Relied on the Power of God
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:29).
The word “stewardship” in Colossians means “faithful administration of your gifts and calling,” and we should not attempt to do the miraculous work of overseeing our gifts in the energy of our flesh.
Jesus + Hope + Suffering + Power = Well Done, Faithful Servant!
Paul prayed for the Colossians and us today…
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:9-12).
Amen.
Amen!