peace to live by

The Freedom of Ministers & Missionaries, Part 1 (TMF:2589)

Thursday, April 10, 2025
Peace to Live By: The Freedom of Ministers & Missionaries, Part 1 (TMF:2589) - Daniel Litton
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       “…[F]or the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known” (Colossians 1:24, ESV). It is interesting how Paul calls himself a minister of the church. We often think of him as a missionary, and rightfully so, for he even mentions that in saying “to make the word of God fully known.” (Word of God representing the Gospel rather than the Bible as might come to our minds here in the twenty-first century when hearing that phrase). Paul then is both—a minister and a missionary. What is of key focus is what he says this calling from God means, and that he has been entrusted with the job. He has a stewardship. That invariably implies that God is not meticulously controlling Paul, as might be presumed. Rather, Paul has been entrusted with the work. It implies freedom. Ministers and missionaries are more free than they a lot of times realize. Free to make good choices which will benefit the kingdom of God—good choices on where to lead, and even what to focus on.