ministering to christ

by Graeme Tearle

Colossians 1v21-29:  Ministering to Christ.
 
 
How do we serve Christ?
 
Is it the things we do?
Or is it the attitudes we have?
 
 
Ministering to Christ.
 
Paul has some specific things to say about how he serves Christ in these verses.
 
He uses the Greek word ‘diakonos’ twice, in v.23 and v25.This word has the area of meaning ‘to serve with the focus on getting the job done, the functions and outcomes of what that job entails.’

1. He is a minister of the gospel, v23, which through faith generates hope, and has brought reconciliation to God for us from our estrangement.
2. He is a minister according to the ‘divine office’ – that special area of responsibility and focus given to him from God.
3. Paul “completes what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions,” v24 – this does not imply any inadequacy in Christ’s sacrifice, but that as His servants, we have the role of continuing service for His body, whatever suffering and cost that may entail.
4. Paul’s ministry was “to make the word of God fully known” v25 – God’s plan had been hidden, but now made manifest, meaning that it is apparent and can be understood by mankind.
5. Paul “toils and strives energetically,” v29 – this expression indicates exhaustion, agony, but only with the strength which God inspires within him.

 
We observe here a glimpse into the heart and soul of Paul, rejoicing at suffering, and working long and hard to proclaim the truth about Christ.
 
 
Maturity in Christ.
 
Paul’s goal is to present every person “mature in Christ” – v28.
 
There are some aspects to this which he emphasizes in these verses:

1. Warning, v28, - part of the message of the true gospel is that there are false teachings about the way of salvation, as there was at the time of his writing this letter.
2. Revelation, v27, - God has made known:
3. The riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in us, v27.
4. Teaching, v28, - to lead to the true wisdom from God.
5. Full reconciliation, v21-23: the outcome of a stable steadfast commitment to God, and continuing in our faith, is that we will be presented before God blameless and irreproachable.

 
Maturity is more than just age, knowledge, and capability.
It is commitment, endurance, and close following to Christ.
 
 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
 
Commit yourself to seek full maturity in Christ, so as to serve and minister with enthusiasm and energy.