Colossians 1:1-2 are a small portion of the opening verses of the book of Colossians, a wonderful book written under inspiration by the Apostle Paul. If you are like me, many times as I start reading a book of the Bible, especially in the New Testament, I can at times find myself reading the greeting portions quickly in order to get to the “good stuff.” This time, however, the Lord used the greeting portion of this book to stir my heart about my own pastoral burden and responsibility and I wanted to take a moment to share these thoughts with you.
The Setting
The majority of the churches to whom Paul wrote letters were churches where he had ministered personally. There were a few churches to which he wrote having never been there or having met the believers in person. The books of Romans and Colossians are two such examples.[1] I find this setting interesting in many ways, namely because Paul was writing to a group of faithful believers that he had never met. In order to have a close relationship and address the things that Paul addresses with these believers, you would certainly have had to be there in person and probably for a good deal of time. Yet, Paul hears of a problem facing this church and his pastoral burden for these people leads him to write this epistle under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first reminder about a pastoral burden and responsibility hit me…sometimes pastors have to be sensitive to a burden and be willing to face problems head on. This is easier said than done of course! Paul did not even know these folks but they knew him and his pastoral burden shows as he writes to encourage these dear believers in the things of the Lord. Pastor friend, are you willing to do this? Christian, are you willing to allow your pastor to do this?
Paul the Apostle
Paul the Apostle
In these introductory remarks, Paul identifies himself as an apostle. Melick writes, “The office of apostle included several elements. Primarily, an apostle had to know Christ personally and have witnessed the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22). Paul claimed that he had seen the risen Lord (1 Cor 9:1) and, therefore, had witnessed the resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). Further, Paul’s message came from divine revelation with no human intermediary (Gal 1:15–17). At times he argued forcefully that his apostleship was equal to the other apostles and was, therefore, to be received by the churches. His address to the church at Colossae came because of his apostleship and the supervisory responsibilities it entailed.”[2] Paul uses his position as an apostle to remind these believers of the authority he has to write what he is about to write to them. The second reminder about pastoral ministry is that the authority of any pastor is Christ and not himself. There was no other reason that the church at Colossae needed to listen to him other than the fact that he was writing to them by God’s authority. Pastor, you don’t have the right to proclaim your own agenda. Your responsibility is to be God’s mouthpiece at all times. Christian, be willing to accept the proclaimed truth of your pastor as long as it is tied to and squares with the Word of God. There is a reason why preaching is superior in the New Testament.
An Apostle by God’s Will
Immediately after stating that he was an apostle, Paul very quickly writes that he was an apostle by God’s will and no one else’s. God had called him to do what he was doing and because this was God’s calling for his life, he could do nothing else but follow through on what God told him to do and how God told him to minister. Here I find the third and final reminder about pastoral ministry. The position of elder or pastor cannot fill a man with pride rather; it must serve to keep him humble for he is doing God’s work. Pastor, God has a way of overruling our pride and bringing us low. Don’t allow yourself to be taken over by pride for it will destroy your soul and your ministry. Christian, you too must guard against a pride that would cause you to not follow your God-called pastor. Hebrews makes it clear that elders are given to watch for your soul. Allow them to do this!
I was reminded about a great deal of truth about the ministry from these two introductory verses. I am thankful for that. My hope is that these truths will be a blessing, encouragement, and even a conviction to you as they were to me.
To God be the Glory!
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