COLOSSIANS 4:17

“Tell Archippus, ‘See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.’”

I am nearing the end of my ministry season. I began it back in 1979 when I served as a part-time Music and Youth Director at Bishop Baptist Church located outside of Athens, GA where I attended college at the University of Georgia. My ministry years have seen me in six states and numerous countries internationally. What a ride. I want to finish well.

As Paul ends this letter to the Colossians, he asks them to deliver a message to Archippus. He tells him to watch after the ministry he has “received in the Lord so that” he “may fulfill it.” I want us to camp out today on that last phrase – “may fulfill it.” What did Paul mean by that? Why did he tell Archippus this in particular?

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon says this about the Greek word for “may fulfill.” “The verb pléroó primarily conveys the idea of filling something to its full capacity or bringing something to completion.” Paul was telling Archippus to bring his ministry to completion. It’s interesting that Archippus means “Master of horses.” It was a name which represented strength. Maybe that is why he became one of Paul’s “solidiers” (Philemon 1:2).

Jesus used the word in Luke 4:21. “Now He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’” Just as Jesus fulfilled His ministry on earth, you and I have a mandate from Him to fulfill ours. Wait a minute, Carl. I am not in full-time ministry. Oh really? Are you a believer? Do you claim to be a follower of Christ? Francis Chan said (and I am paraphrasing), “The trouble with calling yourself a follower of Christ is you don’t follow Christ.”

What is your ministry? How do you fulfill it? You fulfill your calling by continuing every day to put Christ first in all your interactions with people or circumstances. All we know of Archippus is his mention in two verses. That’s it! But he obviously had a ministry which Paul was concerned about him finishing. Jesus wants us to fulfill our ministry with Him also. Will you do that? Finish the course! Keep fighting every day!

Father God, I want to finish well! I give You praise for the ministry to which You have called me.