⏱ 4 min read

• You’ll be super blessed by this anointed word from Minister James Deke!

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” ~ Colossians 4:17 (KJV)

While imprisoned in Rome, the Apostle Paul sent Tychicus to deliver three of his epistles to the Ephesians, the Colossians, and to Philemon and to accompany a runaway slave, Onesimus, back to his master in Colosse (Col. 4:7–9).

• Philemon, the master of Onesimus, was a prominent member of the Church in Colosse, and historical accounts suggest that church gatherings were held in his home.
• Philemon had a son, Archippus, with Apphia. It is to this Archippus that Paul directed his personal charge in Colossians 4:17: 

“Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.”

---

Although this instruction was given specifically to Archippus, it carries a timeless message to every believer; to faithfully carry out the ministry we have received from the Lord. As Jesus said in Mark 13:37, “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.”

• It is worth noting that every believer or Christian has received a ministry, and this ministry is in the Lord.
• We must take heed (to be careful, vigilant, and pay close attention) to the ministry and fulfill or complete it (Eph 4:11-12).

What is ministry?

The word ministry simply means service. It is derived from the Greek word, “diakonia”, meaning to serve or attend to the needs of others. In essence, ministry is performing responsibilities as a servant of God. 

• Every believer, therefore, has a responsibility or duty in the Lord and must be faithful in fulfilling it. 
• Jesus Himself, our perfect example, lived a life of complete service. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).
• His entire earthly ministry was one of humility, compassion, and obedience to the Father’s will (John 9:4; Luke 22:27, John 17:4).

"I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do." ~ John 17:4

---

"I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." ~ John 9:4

The Threefold (3) Ministry of the Believer:

The ministry of the believer can be categorized into three, ministry to the Lord, ministry to the body, and ministry to the world. These groupings are defined based on the recipient or beneficiary of the ministry rendered.

In order to fulfill the ministry as commanded in Col 4:17, we must clearly understand what the ministry entails. Let’s briefly look at the threefold ministry of the believer.

a. Ministry to the Lord:

The first ministry of the believer is unto the Lord Himself. Apostle Peter shows us in his first book that we are a royal priesthood:

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” ~ 1 Peter 2:9.

• One of the primary responsibilities of the priesthood in the Old Testament was to minister to the LORD (Eze 44:15-16).
• This is the primary ministry of the believer, and we must prioritize it above all else (Acts 13:1-2).
• We minister to the Lord through adoration, which includes praise, thanksgiving, and worship in deep reverence. 

In fulfilling this ministry, it is all about Jesus; it is a ministry of the heart and from the heart (Psalms 27:4,8, 2 Chronicles 16:9, John 4:23-24).

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” ~ John 4:23-24

---

I strongly believe this is the ministry of ministries, upon which all other ministries can be clearly identified and fulfilled. It is the premise for intimacy with God. Beloved, it’s time to fulfil your ministry! ~ Minister James Deke

Activy: Take time to minister to the Lord through adoration, which includes praise, thanksgiving, and worship in deep reverence (You can use the AWG Worship playlist below to get you started).

Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
☆ IG/X/FB: @awg_devotional