Our Ministry

Paul wrote the the Colossian church, whose members he had not met, to remind them what their ministry would involve.

1:24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 

1:25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 

1:26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.

1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 

1:29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

2:1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 

2:2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 

2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

2:4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

2:5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Colossians 1:24 – 2:5

This passage clearly explains the features of those who are involved in Christian ministry, whether this is a full or part-time role. This should be all Christians!

1. It will involve suffering. v. 24

2. It involves serving others, not Lording it over them. v. 25

3. We are all commissioned by God for this role. v.25

4. We are all prophets whose role is to pass on the whole message of Scripture to others. v. 25

5 Recognise that most people the Christian message that salvation from sin is only available to those who submit to the Lord Jesus is a mystery. v. 26

6. All Christians have been chosen to make this ‘mystery’ known. v.27

7. This will involve talking to non-Christians about Jesus. v. 28

8. Our goal is not to help people just to make decisions but to help them become mature Christians. v. 28

9. This will involve much hard work. v. 29 and 2:1

10. The goal is a united team of local Christians who live for Christ. 2:2

11. This goal will be reached as people come to fully understand the mind of God as revealed in Scripture. 2:2

12. False doctrines and priorities abound and must be taught against. 2:4

13. Our goal is to produce a united will trained, disciplined church team. 2:5

14. Honouring the Lord Jesus by action and word in all we do is the key. 2:5