In Colossians 4:17 we read, “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.” Here the apostle Paul exhorted Archippus to “fulfill” the ministry that the Lord had called him to. (Note: In Philemon 2 we also find that Paul addressed Archippus as a “fellowsoldier“.) For Archippus to fulfill the ministry that the Lord had called him to would require Archippus to “take heed to the ministry“. This would require Archippus to put the ministry foremost always, and to give himself wholly unto it. It should also be noted here that the focus of “take heed to the ministry” is found in the “fulfilling” of it – as opposed to giving oneself to a ministry in name only.
Though Archippus may very well have been a “minister”, one might conclude that Paul’s exhortation was just for “ministers” – such as Paul exhorted Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. However, from a careful study of Scriptures, as in Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13, we find that God has designed a divine plan [a ministry] for every born again, baptized, church member. Therefore, this same exhortation would apply.
The problem that many church members face is, “not knowing the [ministry] that the Lord has called them to.” Too often, the method of “trial and error” is applied – without ever seeking the Lord’s will through prayer, study and meditation upon God’s Word, and seeking the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, this “method” leads one to either abandon their service unto the Lord out of frustration, to “invent” a ministry for self-fulfillment or self-gratification, and/or to “encroach” upon someone else’s ministry. But if we would follow the Biblical direction, one will come to clearly understand the [ministry] the Lord has called them to. Philippians 4:6 states,
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
2 Timothy 2:15 states,
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
And 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect [complete], throughly furnished unto all good works.”
If New Testament church members will truly seek the Lord’s divine plan [ministry] for their lives, they will find that the Lord has equipped and enabled them for the ministry. Note what the apostle Paul stated in 1 Timothy 1:12,
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”
Philippians 2:12-13 states,
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
If we will allow the Lord to work through us, we will understand the ministry we are to serve Him in.
The question now must be asked, “Have you [a born again, baptized, church member] sought the Lord’s divine plan [ministry] for your life?” If you have, “Have you given yourself wholly unto it?” If you haven’t, “What are you waiting for?” When we take heed unto the Lord’s ministry that He has enabled and equipped us for, we will then be able to truly realize the impact of His promise found in Philippians 1:6,
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Prayerfully, in the end you will be able to state as did Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8,
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Seek to wholly fulfill thy ministry unto the Lord.
