The devotional for today is not only a continuation of the one that began last week, but is the final devotional of this series about the phrase take heed. As mentioned before, this series began as a part of my daily Bible study routine. While doing my daily reading, the phrase seemed to jump off the page at me. I began to study that phrase and discovered there are only fifteen times, as listed by the Thompson Chain Topics Bible, that the phrase is used in the entire Bible; all fifteen are in the New Testament. In this instance, the words, take heed, mean to pay attention to our conduct or the way we act. I might need to add a note that I use the Authorized King James version for all my devotions and personal readings, so if you are using another version, you might not see that phrase in the verses that I highlight in this series of devotions. For a recap of the first twelve verses containing this phrase, please see The things of which we need to “take heed” (part 3).
These last three verses were all penned under the hands of Paul and Peter, the ones most directly responsible for developing character of the local New Testament church. The first two, by the apostle Paul, focus on those who have been called into the ministry; the verse by the apostle Peter, is similar to the previous verses mentioned because it is applicable to all Christians, regardless if they are serving in the ministry or an active member within the body of Christ.
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Colossians 4:17)
As a student of the Bible, it is important to realize that the letters written by the apostle Paul do contain verses that are either addressed to or mention certain people by name. In this verse, addressed to an early Christian minister by the name of Archippus, Paul is instructing him to take heed – to pay attention to – the ministry where the Lord has called him into service. There are some that will say that these verses that are addressed to certain people are there because it is the only way to maintain the context of the letter. While this is most certainly true, I also believe that there are no idle words in the Bible. There are no verses that simply are no longer applicable today. I believe that every scripture in the Bible is there for a purpose; in fact, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Although this verse was addressed particularly to Archippus, it is still applicable to anyone serving in the ministry today. Regardless of the ministry it is, whether it’s the role of a pastor, missionary, evangelist, Sunday school teacher, or even nursery worker, there are obligations that any ministry requires to be a growing and practical ministry. It means spending time in Bible study and in prayer to prepare to do the work that God has called you to do. All Christians are called into some specific aspect of the ministry – particularly personal evangelism;
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (I Timothy 4:16)
Again, this is another verse written to a specific person, Timothy, who had been called into the ministry and a young man who had mentored under the apostle Paul. There is an interesting parallel in the Old Testament that fits along with Paul’s warning to Timothy: Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul (Ezekiel 33:9). Now what the apostle Paul is telling Timothy is this – as a man of God, as a pastor and preacher, he has an obligation to warn others of the consequences of sin. He has an obligation to tell them the end results of sin.
Continued on next page.
