Say to Archippus • Deshen Daily

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

Say to archippus image showing a scroll and a paper

The Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians with an instruction to deliver an intriguing message to a brother called Archippus. He says “say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfilled it.” Paul called Archippus a fellow-soldier in Philemon 2, which implies Archippus was involved in the work of the ministry.

Paul reminded him to be careful to fulfill the ministry he had received in the Lord. We do not know the details of what this ministry entails, but the lesson for us is the most important. Whenever we receive a ministry or a task to serve and do something specific for the Lord, we should not take it lightly. Ministry is not a job. Neither does it imply starting a Church. It is not merely “church work.” Some might be employed in a position because of our current system of functioning to fulfill their ministry. However, the job and the ministry though related should not be made synonymous. Ministry is a commandment from the Lord Himself that gives us both the ability and the responsibility to carry out a specific task. It is not some charity work we do in our leisure moments. It is a serious spiritual responsibility.

We will be accountable for the gifts God has given to us. The Apostle Paul says “take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.”

MEDITATE

What does the Lord do when he gives us a specific ministry to fulfill? ( 1 Tim. 1:!2). Declare that “ I have been supernaturally enabled to fulfill the ministry that I have received in the Lord.”

APPLY THE WORD

We have made the mistake of equating ministry to ” Church or missionary work.” Ministry is a divine mandate, whether in a formal religious job position or not. Be careful not to get into heaven with nothing other than the salvation Christ gave you. Occupy till the Master comes back.