Called to Serve the Lord

Colossians 4:15-18

[15] Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. [16] And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. [17] And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

[18] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

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As Paul concludes, and we conclude our time studying Colossians, he makes a plea, if not a command, for one important thing to take place. Share this truth of God with others. Paul asks for this letter to be read in the church of the Laodiceans. Read aloud to the whole assembly, I might add, a function of how Scripture was handled back then. The good news of Jesus Christ is not shared with us for our enjoyment or stimulation, but so that we might be sent, sharing the Word of God with others.

The Gospel

This is our ministry. Paul stated in his letter to the church of Corinth, we have been given a ministry of reconciliation.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Much like Archippus, our ministry is not something of our own making but a charge that we receive from the Lord. Sharing the gospel is more than an obligation that needs to be fulfilled; but where we will find the fulfillment of our calling. Paul encourages Archippus because he desires to see him live in the good works that God has prepared for him.

This is exactly why Paul is writing this letter. In his own handwriting, Paul is living in the good works God has prepared in advance for him, including being imprisoned for the gospel. Paul is assured in this, which is why he tells the Church to remember his chains. It is not to gloat in his hardships but to encourage others to have the same attitude he has in Christ. Regardless of his circumstances, he knows what he has received the most from the Lord… grace.

Paul lives continually being matured and assured in the unmerited favor of God’s mercy on his life. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has paid for a new life for Paul. Stripped of the chains of his sins by Jesus’ atonement, Paul is now free to live in the grace of a resurrected life with Jesus.  Paul can joyfully share the good news because he lives in it every day. And so no matter what may take place, Paul chooses in whatever he does, in word and in deed, he will do in the name of Jesus Christ.

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Questions

Q: Do you know of a ministry or good works that God has prepared for you to fulfill?

Q: Like Archippus, do you need a reminder to fulfill that ministry you have received from the Lord?

Q: Is the good news not something we all are called to proclaim?