Colossians 1:21-2:3 Paul Tells Them About His Three Ministries

"The Colossians received a letter from a man they'd never met, who was a prisoner, accused of being a troublemaker.  Paul now wrote to explain his ministries."

Sharing The Gospel:  "His was a ministry of reconciliation, revealing to them their past alienation ... estranged from God ... their present reconciliation ... where God took the initiative to bring them to Himself through the cross ... and their future glorification ... at our Lord's return ... Paul was saying, 'If you are truly saved, and built on the solid foundation, Jesus Christ, then you will continue in the faith and nothing will move you."

Suffering for the Gentiles:  "The false teachers made much of the fact that Paul was a prisoner of Rome ... Instead of being ashamed of his suffering, Paul rejoiced in it.  Paul rejoiced that he was counted worthy to suffer shame for His name ... and he was the chosen apostle to the Gentiles ... He was also suffering for the sake of Christ's body, the church.  Paul did not ask as do some believers, 'What will I get out of it?'   Instead he asked, 'How much will God let me put into it?' ... The Head of the church in heaven feels the sufferings that His people endure."

Striving for the Saints:  "Now we meet Paul the prayer warrior, striving in prayer for the individual saints that they might mature in the faith.  He not only preached, but he also warned ... It is necessary to warn God's people against the lies of the enemy ... We must also teach them the positive truths of the Word of God ... the basic truths of the Christian life.  He wanted them complete and mature in Christ.  This would be evidenced in their lives by encouragement, endearment, enrichment, and enlightenment.  The mature believer has assurance in his heart that he is a child of God.  The spiritual knowledge that he has in Christ constantly enlightens him and directs him daily ... Paul interceded for them, laboring to the point of exhaustion, agonizing in prayer ... Paul exerted his spiritual muscles the way a Greek runner would exert himself in the Olympic games."

What a way to pray!  "The Spirit gives us divine energy for prayer, in spite of the way we feel."

Father, help my ministry to be like Paul's.  Lead me to share the gospel more, to rejoice as I suffer for You, and to teach the saints.  Keep me stoked as a prayer warrior, laboring and agonizing in prayer as Paul did!

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford