Encouragement to faithfulness

Colossians 4:17

I. THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE CHURCH TO THE MINISTER.

A. They were to be and authorized to take interest in his work.

B. They were to encourage him.

C. They were to keep him sharp.

II. THE DUTY OF GOD’S MINISTER.

A. They are first, stewards.

1 Corinthians 4:1 (KJV)1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Titus 1:7 (KJV)7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

B. They have been given a charge.

C. They must persevere and see it through.

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS DUTY.

A. There is no plan B with God.

B. There is no room for failure.

IV. THE RECEIVING OF THE DUTY.

A. Comes as a direct call, as in the case of Paul the Apostle. (Acts 13:1-3)

B. Is seen when there is an awareness of a lack, and you realize that you have what is needed to fill it.