Colossians 1:25-27 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;… I. THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY IS A DIVINE INSTITUTION. 1. The Christian minister is divinely commissioned. "Dispensation" involves the idea of stewardship. 2. The true minister is charged with the most complete proclamation of the Divine Word. II. THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY DEALS WITH A THEME OF PROFOUND SIGNIFICANCE AND INEFFABLE WORTH. 1. It is designated a mystery. The gospel is still a mystery to the unconverted. 2. It is a mystery unveiled to those who are morally fitted to understand it. "To His saints." God chose His own time for making it known. Like all the Divine procedures, the development was gradual, increasing in clearness and completeness as the fulness of time approached. It is an axiom in optics that the eye only sees what it brings with it the power to see: and in spiritual things the soul comprehends the revelation of God only as it is fitted by she Spirit. 3. The revelation of the mystery was an act of the Divine will. "To whom God would make known." There was nothing impelling Him to unfold it but His own good pleasure. 4. The revelation of the mystery endowed humanity with a vast inheritance of moral wealth. "What is the riches of the glory of this mystery."(1) This inheritance enriched the most needy. It was exhibited "among the Gentiles."(2) This inheritance includes the hope inspired by the indwelling Christ. "Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."Lessons — 1. The Christian ministry involves solemn responsibilities. 2. The transcendent theme of the Christian ministry is divinely revealed. 3. Personal experience of the grace of God endows man with the clearest insight into its mystery and the most satisfying possession of its spiritual riches. (G. Barlow.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; |
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