Colossians 1:25-27

Yesterday, we considered the attitude that Paul had concerning the ministry to which he was called. Paul rejoiced in his calling, even in the midst of suffering.

Today, we look at what Paul considers his primary task in ministry, preaching the word of God to all people.

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25-27 NIV

Paul views his primary task in ministry to preach “the word of God in its fullness”. Paul emphasizes preaching the entire word of God in all its power. Paul is admonishing us to not pick and choose which parts of the Bible seem to fit into our beliefs but rather to boldly preach every verse. By boldly preaching the “entire revelation” of Scripture, the power of the word of God can transform hearts and lives for Christ “the hope of Glory”.

With the coming of Christ, that which had been “hidden” from the world is now revealed to God’s people and able to be presented to the whole world-even to the Gentiles!! (Gentiles are any people who are NOT Jewish by birth.) In the ancient world, Jews and Gentiles had a mutual disdain for each other so for both to now be included in the church would be both a miracle and a mystery for all to see.

Here in the 21st century, it is easy for pastors to get distracted from the main task to which they have been called. Churches fill their calendars with a myriad of meetings, programs, and activities all of which are good for the building up of the body of Christ. If the pastor spends more time in these endeavors rather than preparing to preach the word of God to the people each week, the church will suffer. (There is a balance-time should be spent both in preparation to preach and in pastoring!) If the pastor only preaches what the people will agree with or enjoy, the church will suffer. As a pastor, it is my passion to preach the cover off my Bible, preaching what God has laid on my heart for the church to hear. It is my prayer that the “mystery” of the Gospel will be revealed to the hearts of all people through the preaching of the whole Word and the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Questions to consider…
What is your primary expectation of your pastor? Do you look to your pastor to boldly preach the word of God to you each week?
Do you want to the pastor to preach messages that challenge your soul and makes you think about your walk with Christ? (Or would you rather hear messages that are always encouraging?)
Ask God to bless your pastor with a passion to preach the whole word of God and give you a heart to receive each message.