Colossians 1:28-29
Introduction
On the road to Damascus, Paul had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ that radically changed his life and set him on a path of ministry that would impact the church forever. He wrote many letters to churches like the one at Colossae to instruct them in their faith. He sought wholeheartedly and unreservedly to accomplish the mission of stewardship that Christ had placed on his life. Following Paul’s example, we should passionately pursue God’s divine calling and purpose for our lives. Being a part of God’s church and ministry means that we also need to show others how to live out their God-given purpose. The goal of ministry is to bring every member of the body of Christ to spiritual maturity. The church’s mission is to disciple believers by teaching them to see things from a heavenly perspective. Ultimately, the goal is to prepare every believer for the judgment seat of Christ by helping them live a victorious Christian life.
The method of ministry involves the proclamation of Christ and truth. We hear the truth of the Bible preached in church, but we must respond to the truth by sharing Christ with others in our community. Ministry also entails teaching what it means for us to be united with Christ. We need to desire to continually grow in our faith, not being satisfied with the “milk” and elementary principles we have already learned but digging into the “solid food” of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12). We also need the admonishment that comes with ministry, which is both encouragement and rebuke. This is not merely information; instead, admonishment comes from connecting with godly people who can move us in the right direction.
Ministry is hard work that requires a determined spirit and divine assistance. Paul kept striving and fighting to ensure that his goal was accomplished, but he knew that he could not complete it in his own power. He was dependent on the power of God, which was working mightily through him (Colossians 1:29). Nothing could be more vital than recognizing our need for complete dependence on God. If we do not rely on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit, then we have failed as a ministry. If people are not becoming more like Christ so that they are victorious when they stand before God, then we have again failed as a ministry. In order to succeed, we must keep our ultimate goal in front of us at all times: to build kingdom disciples who are making a kingdom impact.
Getting Started
- How do people often define ministry?
- Where has ministry succeeded and where has it failed in our society today?
Let’s Get Personal
- In light of this message, how would you define ministry? What new truths about ministry did you learn?
- In what areas do you need help to mature spiritually? In what areas are you helping others mature spiritually?
- What is God’s calling on your life? How are you living that out now?
Take the Next Step
- Do you have someone in your life who is helping you grow in spiritual maturity? If not, pray about whom the Lord would want you to ask to come alongside you in your walk with Christ.
- How can you begin discipling others and making ministry a part of your day-to-day life?
- How could you be more effectively living out your God-given calling?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Colossians 1:28-29; Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16; 1 John 2:12-14; Acts 28:30-31; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:4-11; 2 Peter 3:18; James 1:19-25.
Renew Your Mind
“We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
Colossians 1:28
