Proclaimer Blog
Paul’s Ministry: Notes on Colossians part 7
What strikes home here is the implicit rebuttal of ‘triumphalism’. Paul presents a pattern of ministry very different to that of the Elitist.
- For the church’s sake Paul endures suffering (joyfully!) exemplified by his prison chains (4:3-18). Consider Philemon 1:9, 10, 13, 23. The pain of being treated ‘like a criminal’ (2 Tim 2:9) is shared by many leaders of the worldwide church today.
- For the believer’s sake Paul endures a struggle, the result of bringing spiritual babes to maturity. 1:29 remains a significant N.T. definition of ‘power for service’. Here the energy of the Risen Christ is powerfully at work in Paul’s apostolic labours, the proof of which wonderful endowment is… exhausting toil willingly endured! The Christian Pastor is a ‘working man’, a labourer. See O’Brien pp. 90, 91.
- For Elitism, the power of Christ’s resurrection raises one above struggle and frustrating suffering into the realm of ‘magical’ ministry. Reflect on 1 Cor 4; 2 Cor 4; 2 Cor 11.