Pastor Josh White opens with a question that stumps many of us: what did you want to be when you grew up? As kids, we dream big—firefighter, professional athlete, business owner. Then reality sets in. But God has given every believer a job far more significant than any earthly career. In this message from Colossians 1, Pastor Josh walks us through the stewardship God entrusted to the Apostle Paul, and what it means for each of us today as members of the body of Christ.
Saul’s Unexpected Job Assignment
When Pastor Josh asked the congregation what they wanted to be as kids, hands went up—firefighter, NFL player (Steve Largent, specifically), business owner. But when Josh surrendered his life to Christ at a junior high campfire, his response to God was telling: “I will do whatever You want me to do. Just not a pastor.” And yet, that’s exactly what God called him to.
The same kind of divine redirect happened to Paul. As a young man, Paul had his career mapped out: best Pharisaical student under Gamaliel, advancing well beyond his peers, building a reputation as a zealous defender of the law. He was climbing the religious ladder with distinction. Then, on the road to Damascus, everything changed.
“As he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.'”
— Acts 9:3-5
Imagine Paul’s face in that moment. He had spent his life persecuting what he thought was a false sect—and now the risen Christ Himself was standing before him. Everything Paul believed, everything he had built his career upon, suddenly collided with reality. Jesus was the Messiah. And now Paul had a new job.
Paul’s Divine Stewardship
In Colossians 1:25, Paul describes his new role using a word that sounds familiar to our ears: oikonomia—a stewardship, an administration. It’s where we get the English word economy. A stewardship comes with responsibilities: you’re given something to manage, rules to follow, and an account to render at the end.
“Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you to make the word of God fully known.”
— Colossians 1:25
Pastor Josh illustrated this with the Parable of the Steward in Matthew 25. A man going on a journey entrusts his property to three servants—five talents, two talents, and one talent—according to their ability. The first two invest and multiply. The third buries his in the ground. When the master returns, the question is simple: What did you do with what I entrusted to you?
But alongside the stewardship, God gave Paul something else: new information. This is what the Bible calls a mystery—not something spooky, but a truth previously hidden that God now reveals. Paul was blessed with the responsibility of receiving and delivering new revelation from God.
The Mystery Revealed: Christ in You
Paul unpacked this mystery in verse 27:
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
— Colossians 1:27
Before Paul’s conversion, God had been working primarily through the nation of Israel. Through the law. Through the temple. Through the prophets. But now, through Paul’s apostolic ministry, God revealed something staggering: Gentiles would be fellow heirs, members of the same body, partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus—on equal footing with Israel (Ephesians 3:6).
But there’s more. The Old Testament prophesied about a coming Messiah, but it never revealed how intimately God would relate to His people. Christ wouldn’t just be among them—He would be in them. This is progressive revelation: God revealing more and more of His plan as redemptive history unfolds.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
— Galatians 2:20
And Romans 8:11 gives us the promise:
“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
— Romans 8:11
Salvation isn’t just forgiveness—it’s intimate union with Christ Himself. That’s the mystery. That’s the hope.
Your Assignment: The Ministry of Reconciliation
Here’s where this gets personal. The mystery wasn’t just given to Paul so we’d know interesting history. It was given so we’d know our job. God has placed every believer in the body of Christ during this age of grace for a specific purpose: the ministry of reconciliation.
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Pastor Josh asked the congregation to pause: when you read “entrusted to us,” who comes to mind? Billy Graham? missionaries? pastors? The answer, of course, is you. God has entrusted the message of reconciliation to every Christian—not just professional clergy.
We practice this ministry both corporately (as a church that gathers to study, worship, and fellowship) and individually (in our daily lives). And just like in the parable, God will ask us one day: What did you do with what I entrusted to you?
What Has God Entrusted to You?
Pastor Josh laid out several areas where every believer serves as a steward:
- Spiritual gifts — God has given each of us a gift to build up the body (1 Peter 4:10). Are you using it faithfully?
- Relationships — Parenting, marriage, friendships, neighbors. God has put specific people in your life. Are you being a faithful steward of those relationships for His kingdom?
- Resources — Your time, your money, your opportunities. These aren’t just yours—they’re entrusted to you by God.
- The gospel itself — The message of reconciliation. Will you share it?
And here’s the beautiful part—the part that removes the fear:
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:2
Notice it doesn’t say successful. It doesn’t say popular. It doesn’t say effective by the world’s standards. God doesn’t demand results—He demands faithfulness. Plant the seed. Water it. Trust God for the growth.
Just like Paul could say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,” we too can rest in the One who dwells within us. Our job isn’t to perform—it’s to be found faithful.
Ready to Report for Duty
Every one of us has been given a post to stand at. Some are planting, some are watering, some are harvesting—and only God brings the growth. But we all have a role. We all have a responsibility. And one day, we will give an account.
So here’s the question: Are you being faithful as a steward of what God has entrusted to you? Not perfect. Not successful. Just faithful.
The God who saved you, who placed Christ in your heart, has also placed you exactly where you are for such a time as this. Report for duty. Be found faithful. And trust Him with the results.
Scripture References
- Acts 9:3-5 — Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road
- Colossians 1:25-27 — Paul’s stewardship and the mystery of Christ in you
- Ephesians 3:1-6 — The mystery of Gentile inclusion in Christ
- Matthew 25:14-30 — The Parable of the Steward
- Galatians 2:20 — Crucified with Christ; Christ lives in me
- Romans 8:9-11 — The Spirit of God dwells in us
- 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 — The ministry of reconciliation
- 1 Corinthians 3:5-15 — Planting, watering, and the day of testing
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 — Required: that stewards be found faithful