The Ministry of Paul
In every job I ever had, I knew clearly what my purpose was in it. I knew what was expected of me.
The same is true when it comes to my calling in the ministry. I know my purpose. I know the message I am to carry in the core of my being. I understand that, at times, it may cost me to do so. However, I am compelled from within by the Holy Spirit to speak what He reveals to me from the Scriptures.
My hope of glory is Christ Jesus, not the praise of men. That does not mean I preach messages of condemnation to the church. In fact, it seems that if you wish to be persecuted by some in the church, not preaching condemnation is the quickest way to get there. You might be labeled a heretic for it.
When I look at what Paul said to the Colossians, it resonates with me.
Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Paul suffered in his flesh through threats against his life, beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, rejections, snake bites, and persecutions. He did this for the sake of the body of Christ. Jesus called Paul to minister to the church, and in order to fulfill God’s will, Paul knew he needed to preach concerning the mystery that had been hidden before.
What mystery? Christ in you, the hope of glory! What was Paul’s goal in preaching this mystery now unveiled in Jesus? To warn and to teach in all wisdom in order to present every man as perfect. How is every man to be presented as perfect? In Christ Jesus!
What we can learn about Paul from Scripture and history shows that he fulfilled his calling. Paul attributed his work ethic and his determination to the working of God within him, which worked mightily. In another place, he referred to this as the grace of God working in him. It will wear out an opposition to try and silence a truly called man of God filled with grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. They carry a message with them until death; they are compelled from within to do so.
Are you compelled to do or to be something? What works within you? I know what works within me, and it drives me to speak, to write, and to desire to bring the good news to others concerning Jesus Christ. To tell them who He was, what He did, and how that is meant to give them the hope of glory should they choose to believe in Him. The hope of glory is not your best life now. It is found in the person of Christ.
