"Making The Most Of Our Ministry” Series

“And say to Archippus, ‘See to it that you fulfill [carefully the duties of] the ministry which you have received in the Lord.’” - Colossians 4:17 (Amplified)

Every Child of God is called to full time ministry. We saw that last week as we considered Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” - Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified)

1) Who does God call to the work of ministry? Every believer.

2) When? The moment they are saved.

3) Why? To bring Him glory and us fulfillment.

4) What? Minister as God made us and matures us.

A) We need to discover our SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences).

B) We need to discover the Scriptures.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

5) Where? Where He has placed us (1 Peter 5:2; Acts 17:26 - “He determined the exact places where they should live.”).

“Father, where shall I work today?” And my love flowed warm and free. Then he pointed out a tiny spot And said, “Tend that for me.” I answered quickly, “Oh no, not that! Why, no one would ever see, No matter how well my work was done. Not that little place for me.” And the word he spoke, it was not stern; … “Art thou working for them or for me? Nazareth was a little place, And so was Galilee.”

6) How? That brings us to our text for today.

It is right for us to look to Paul’s example for two reasons:

1) Because we share the same calling.

There is no such thing as Christians who are called to “ministry” verses those who aren’t. All are called to ministry. The minister’s calling just differs from everyone else in what they are called to do and where they are called to do it. Otherwise, we have no different calling from Paul.

2) Because Paul sought to follow Christ.

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Let’s see what we can learn from Paul’s example about how to make the most of our ministry.

1. Paul’s determination - 1:28-29

A. Paul’s purpose in ministry - v. 28

Paul’s used proclamation. The focus here would be telling the lost about Christ. He used warning. He no doubt warned unbelievers of God’s judgment and believers against having a saved soul, but living a wasted life. And he used teaching. He shared with others out of what he was learning as he followed Jesus. And he did all this with the wisdom provided by God. Paul’s stated purpose is to use everything necessary to reach people for Christ and grow them up in Christ.

“I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” - 1 Corinthians 9:19b; 22b (ESV)

It’s been said there are those who enter a room saying “Here I am” and those who enter a room saying “there you are.” Paul was the latter kind of person. His attitude was one of service not “serve us.”

“A question often asked of veterans on a job application is: “Did you receive training in the military that’s relevant to what you’re applying for?” One applicant answered, “To wake up and go to work.” It’s no accident that we refer to those in the military as being in the “service.” The first lesson learned is that you’re not there to be pleased, petted or served. It doesn’t matter if you like the food, the bed, the drill sergeant, or the time you have to get up. You learn to submit to authority, obey orders, work with others, and that it’s not all about you.

At this moment, 100’s of 1000’s in our military are waking up and going to work. They’re sacrificing things from comfort to convenience to close proximity to family and loved ones. And yes, some are making the supreme sacrifice made by many before them. Many Christians need to learn from those in the service: wake up and go to work.” - Pastor Dan Gulley

B. Paul’s power for ministry - v. 29

Paul mentions his person labor and struggle, but notice what was the focus of his labor and struggle - to depend on God’s energy, allowing His power to work through him.