Daily Devotional

-June 15, 2021-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

-Take Heed To Our Ministries To Fulfill Them-

“And say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’”

(Colossians 4:17).

Everything that Paul said, did, and wrote had a purpose for the salvation of souls and the building up of the saints in the Lord. There were times he had to rebuke and reprove, exhort and encourage. Today’s verse is such a time. He mentions Archippus specifically. He exhorts him to “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

The word exhortation is defined as, “An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.” This is exactly what Paul did in referring to Archippus. His goal was not to shame or embarrass him, but rather to help and encourage him.

Many biblical scholars believe that Archippus was the son of Philemon, one of Paul’s dear friends. Philemon was a leader in the church in Colosse, and he and his family hosted a church in their home. Paul wrote in Philemon 1:1-2, “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house.” Apphia was likely Philemon’s wife and Archippus his son.

We do not know what happened to Archippus, but something did. He may have gotten discouraged, or suffered some malady. The Bible does not tell us. One thing we know is that he needed some encouragement to fulfill his ministry that the Lord called him to. Anytime we work with people it is not going to be easy. Paul loved Archippus and wanted him to take his responsibilities more seriously. Coming from Paul this carried a great weight.

Paul also exhorted two sisters in the church in Philippi, Euodia and Syntyche, who were not getting along. Philippians 4:2-3 says, “I implore Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.”

It is important for us to recognize that it is God that calls us to serve Him, equips us, and brings forth the results. He needs us to be faithful and take our ministries very seriously. As more churches reopen we will resume our ministries at church that we could not do during the pandemic. We also need to get back to attending church again. The devil will fight against us, as will the flesh and the world. We need to pray for each other.

Paul was like a spiritual coach. He knew his players and what motivated them. The NBA and NHL playoffs are going on right now, and MLB and other sports. The best coaches know which players need to be challenged and exhorted and which ones need encouragement.

May the Lord help us to take heed to our ministries and fulfill them faithfully in Jesus’ name and for His sake. All of us need to learn and grow so we can be the best we can be in the Lord’s service. Let us be committed to our spiritual commitments.

Have a blessed day serving the Lord. Time is short and there is much to do. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean