Scripture to Read: Colossians 1:25
God had Paul mention “the church” in Colossians 1:24. The body of Christ is His church (Ephesians 1:22–23, Colossians 1:18) and Christ uses His church (His body) to fulfill His ministry—that is why Christ told us, as His followers, not to be surprised when we suffer. The world hated Christ, and we represent Him; therefore, the world is going to hate all followers of Christ (Matthew 24:9, John 15:18–19, 1 John 3:13). Paul knew what God had called him to do, and we read it in Colossians 1:25, “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.” Paul knew God had given him the responsibility of serving His church by proclaiming His message to those who believed and to those who still needed to believe. Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded each of us in Matthew 28:19–20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” We must lead others to know and follow Jesus just as we do. We may not be called to be a “minister” but we’ve all been called to be disciple makers. Just as God called Paul to carry out the preaching of His Word, we’ve been called to proclaim Christ and lead others to know and follow Him.
Challenge & Application
All Christians are part of Christ’s body, His church; so, how are you fulfilling your role in Christ’s body?
What’s the most challenging thing you have faced in fulfilling what God has called you to do?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!