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But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
The Apostle Paul took personal responsibility for the Gospel. The Gospel to him was a sacred trust. He affirmed this in his epistle to Timothy, when he said,
“According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:11).
In 1 Corinthians 9:16, he said, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” Again, in 1 Timothy 1:12, he declared, “…I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” He knew he had to fulfil his ministry in the Gospel.
God has counted you faithful and committed the Gospel to your trust; therefore, fulfil your ministry in the Gospel. See the spread of the Gospel around the world as your sacred responsibility, and be passionate to do all it takes to fulfill it. Always remember that you’re fully responsible for those in your world, to bring them the message of salvation.
The Apostle Paul encountered several obstacles and challenges in the course of preaching the Gospel, but he remained undaunted. Even when the Holy Ghost expressly testified that he was going to suffer afflictions and be imprisoned as he preached the Gospel (Acts 20:22-23), he remained resolute and focused. His response is what we read in our opening verse. He was determined to finish his course with joy; very inspiring!
Your attitude should be the same. Refuse to be moved by the problems and the difficulties that you might face in preaching the Gospel. Always remember that God counted you faithful and that’s why He’s put you into the ministry. So, like the Apostle Paul, be determined to fulfil your ministry in the Gospel, and finish your course with joy.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for setting me on the path of success, glory, victory and divine destiny in the Gospel! I’m steadfast and unmovable, walking in preordained pathways, and mightily helped to fulfil my ministry in the Gospel and finish my course with joy, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25
Ezekiel 29-30
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 14:1-9
1 Chronicles 23
FURTHER STUDY:
Mark 16:15-18
1 Corinthians 9:16-17
