Take Heed to the Ministry Which You Have Received in the Lord, That You Fulfill It

This passage is the message the apostle Paul sends by letter from prison in Rome, encouraging the believers and his co-workers in the church at Colossae. Even in his suffering and imprisonment, Paul stresses the role of believers who pray so that he may fulfil his mission of spreading the gospel, and urges believers to act wisely and purely in the world. In particular, he exhorts them to take on an attitude that is wise as serpents and harmless as doves, to protect themselves from spiritual attacks, and through the role of salt to show words and actions that bring life to the world.

The sermon points out that a believer's life must be consistent inside and outside the church, and warns that wrong behaviour can hold back the gospel. Believers must carry out their ministries humbly, devote themselves beginning with small things, and follow the wisdom and fullness God gives. It also explains that they must discern Satan's cunning, keep a pure faith without pride, and not miss the opportunities given to them, striving through good effort to gain a reward.

The sermon asks how believers should live wise and pure lives in the world so as to become instruments for saving souls. It also leads us to think about what we must prepare in order to carry out with reverent fear the ministry each of us has received in the Lord, overcome Satan's attacks and give glory to God.