By John Cole

Three Passages from St Paul

for use in the "Your Ministry and Mine" exercise

"You are the People of God" - just as the voice from heaven affirmed Jesus at his baptism.

Putting on new clothes is an image from the baptism ceremony. St Paul uses it to give the Christians of Colossae a picture of the new life which God is calling them to lead.

"God was making all mankind his friends through Christ.’’ St Paul appeals to his Corinthian readers

a) to see how they are to share in this task;

b) to realise what it costs to be God’s servants;

c) to acknowledge where our strength comes from to fulfil our calling.

God has given, and is still giving us. so much - as a result of Jesus dying and being raised to life.

St Paul appeals to his Roman readers to offer themselves in the same way as a ‘living sacrifice to God’.

This passage spells out what is involved:

a) Spiritual renewal (vv2-3). b) Sharing in ministry (vv4-8). c) Transformed relationships (vv9-18).

For a final meditation read 2 Corinthians 6:3-10