The Mystery of Ministry

Colossians 1:24-29

1. Ministry – the kind that results in lasting transformation – is costly and priceless (vss. 24-26).

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” - Acts 9:15–16 (ESV)

Acts 14:19-23

Acts 20:17-38

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.   - Romans 8:16–17 (ESV)

  A. Such ministry is of infinite value because it results in regaining what we lost in the Fall (vss. 27-28).

Genesis 17:1-8

Isaiah 11

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.   - John 1:14, 18 (ESV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.   - Romans 5:1–2 (ESV)

2.  Such ministry will require our very lives, but is enabled by the limitless power of Jesus (vs 29).

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.   - John 15:4–5 (ESV)

II Corinthians 4:7-18

Ephesians 1:15-23