Colossians 4:7-18
Paul - the preeminent theologian of the New Testament and indeed of all time!
He was, as I like to put it, a “Class A Jew”
Philippians 3:4-6 – though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
He had it going on, right?
As far as the religious establishment was concerned, Paul was at the top.
He was Arguably, the most important NT figure outside of Jesus.
However, he wasn’t a prideful person. His focus was clearly fixed on Christ.
In the same passage, right after telling us of his “Class A” status, he went on immediately to say:
Philippians 4:7-9 – But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith
Paul would have been the first to say - I could never do all that needs to be done on my own.
• It is essential for everyone to be using their giftedness to serve Christ and the church so that all the work of the ministry could take place.
True leaders understand that those who serve alongside of them make them more effective.
Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 13:20, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
This passage looks not only at a list of men, but at partners in the gospel. I would hope that as a result of taking a close look at some of Paul’s close friends, we would be encouraged to be more intentional about knitting ourselves together in love as a body of believers here at Fellowship.
John Calvin says about this passage: Let us carefully meditate on these examples, that they may stir us up to an imitation of the like pursuit.
We see eight men discussed:
1. The Servant: Tychicus
Tychicus means “fortunate” - he was fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to serve alongside Paul for quite a few years.
He had likely been with Paul through many of his travels.
Tychicus was Paul’s friend, partner in ministry, and obviously someone Paul trusted - he was trusted with the task of delivering Colossians. He actually carried the original letter from Paul to the church in Colossae.
From Rome to Colosse:
• Cross most of Italy on foot
• Sail across the Adriatic Sea (not on an Italian river cruise)
• Cross Greece on foot
• Sail across the Aegean sea
• 100 miles on foot to reach Colossae.
And he was delivering three letters that were inspired Scripture:
Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians
Paul called Tychicus a:
• beloved brother - definitely a believer, beloved by Paul
• faithful minister - diakonos - someone who serves.
• fellow slave - syndoulos one who is a fellow slave or a slave alongside another slave - of Christ
2. The Slave: Onesimus
Onesimus was a runaway slave. The book of Philemon was written around Onesimus and this situation.
But in the midst of that - he met Paul, got saved, and his life was turned around.
(More about Onesimus starting Sunday, September 2)
3. The Companion: Aristarchus
Aristarchus was from Thessalonica. He was with Paul on at least two of his journeys.
In Acts 19:29 – there’s a riot in Ephesus surrounding Christianity and Paul’s preaching. Aristarchus was recognized by the crowd as someone who was a companion of Paul and he was dragged off by them.
He was someone who was easily recognizable as Paul’s companion because he had been right there beside him through quite a few adventures and trips.
He’s a fellow prisoner - He probably wasn’t actually a prisoner, but he stayed with Paul during his imprisonment. He gave up his own freedom to be with Paul, stay with him, and minister to his needs. Who wouldn’t want a companion like this?
4. The 2nd Chance: John Mark
Remember that a disagreement about Mark (who had deserted Paul when the going got tough) led Paul and Barnabas to split up and go their separate ways. (the first church split?)
But now - Mark had changed. Mark has grown, matured, and has become “very useful to me for ministry.”
This demonstrates that 2nd Chances are certainly available. After causing some trouble, God still used him. I think this was a “you know what - I know there’s some history, but he’s changed - welcome him. I trust him.”
He went on to write one of the four gospels. So God is definitely a God of second chances.
5. The Committed: Justus
We know that he was a Jew. A lot of the opposition to the gospel came from the Jews.
That Justus was a Jew who had so definitively identified with Christ as to be mentioned in Paul’s letter would be a testimony to his commitment not only to Christ, but also to Paul.
He was a helper. fellow worker means helper.
He was also a comfort - encouraging, helpful & comforting.
All of this testifies to his commitment.
This is the kind of person you want to surround yourself with. Someone who is truly committed to Christ.
6. The Leader: Epaphras
Of course Epaphras we know. Here we have the example of a great pastor - no matter how far away he is, he cares deeply about his flock. He was the one who had come to Rome (quite an adventure right?) to tell Paul about what was going on in Colossae.
Ephaphras - a doulos - a slave of Christ.
He’s part of that particular body. A member of that church.
We have more description about Epaphras in this passage than any of the others mentioned.
He greets you - He’s thinking about you.
always struggling - agonizomai - compete, fight - like an athlete competing in the olympics.
in his prayers - he is constant in prayer. And constant in prayer for them. This shows his love and concern for them. If he is struggling in prayer for them like an olympic athlete struggles and puts forth maximum effort, I want to know what he’s praying.
Well, we know - it goes on to say: that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
He wanted to see them growing spiritually.
This is a picture of sanctification.
mature - means complete, fully developed - some translations say “perfect” - it’s spiritually mature.
fully assured - to be completely certain of the truth of something It’s an assurance of who God is. Of what He has done. Of what He is doing.
assured in all the will of God -
• Being obedient to God’s will - obedient to Scripture - leads to assurance and maturity.
He also says
For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
Epaphras had been gone a while. Paul had spent some time with him.
Just a reassurance - he loves you and cares about you. And for those in your area as well.
He’s a good pastor. You are fortunate to have him.
7. The Doctor: Luke
Paul’s personal physician. His close friend. Luke was with Paul a lot.
We believe that after Luke came on board for the second missionary journey - he was with Paul pretty much for the rest of his life. He was definitely educated. He wrote one of the gospels and Acts.
He likely would have given up a good career as a doctor to be with Paul. Again, this is someone who was very committed.
8. The Deserter: Demas
This is the last guy mentioned. He ended up leaving Paul. (2 Timothy 4:10)
Not everyone who starts with you will end with you. Some will depart. We’ve all seen it happen in our own lives and in our churches. It happened to Paul as well.
The two greatest religious leaders the world has ever known or will ever know both had someone in their inner circle leave them.
Jesus - Judas not only left, but also betrayed
Paul - Demas eventually left him
The Conclusion:
Paul is showing his care for not only the church at Colossae, but also the other churches in the area.
There’s another letter mentioned here and there are a variety of thoughts as to what the letter is. It’s certainly possible that it’s a reference to Ephesians. I believe that Tychicus was delivering Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon all at the same time.
• What we see here is the importance and helpfulness of all Scripture.
This letter, even though written to the Colossians, will also be helpful to the other church and vice versa.
And after a list of men who are true slaves of Christ and who are so evidently serving Him and the Church, there’s a reminder - it’s to Archippus, but I think we should all follow this advice.
fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
• We have all been uniquely gifted to serve the church.
We should make sure that we are using our unique gifting to serve both Jesus and the church.
Paul included a handwritten greeting at the end. He closes with:
Grace be with you, which is a summary of Colossians.
• Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ - not a checklist.
Now we’ve been on this theological roller coaster for a few months now.
We’ve looked in depth at Colossians and what it teaches.
But before we get off the ride, I want us to step back and look at the big picture one more time.
The Summary:
1:1-2 Occasion & Purpose
Paul wrote Colossians from Rome. There was a heresy being taught in the area that was very troubling. Epaphras, the pastor, made what really can only be described as an epic journey from Colossae to Rome.
He described the church and the heresy. The Colossian church was healthy. They were saints. They were faithful brothers.
1:3-14 Thankfulness & Prayer
Paul was thankful for this church and how faithful to Christ they were. They had repented and believed in the gospel. They were involved in sharing the gospel. Paul prayed for them in his letter - giving us a beautiful pattern for praying for other believers.
1:15-20 The Christ Hymn
He then writes the Christ Hymn - probably the most beautiful Christological exposition in Scripture. Reminding us that the focus should always be on Christ.
Because Christianity is about Christ!
1:21-23 Reconciliation
He then described salvation with such a wonderful term and told us that we were saved so that we might live holy lives.
1:24-29 What is Ministry?
He talks about his ministry - and in verse 28 lays out one of the great foundations for pastoral ministry and the church.
2:1-5 Love for the Church
He lets them know how much he cares for them. Jesus loved the church, Paul loved the church. We should also have a love for the church. Not just the universal church, but the local church. Specifically, our own church.
2:6-8 Walk in Him
This is the “hinge” that it all swings on. We are told to walk in Him. We go from doctrine to Devotion.
2:9-15 You were Dead (God made you alive)
Then another great description of salvation. The more I study Scripture and salvation, the more convinced I become that I had nothing to do with my own salvation. It’s all about what He did and the more I realize that the more it draws me to love and adore and worship Him in all that I say, all that I do, and all that I am.
2:16-23 The Heresy
Paul does attack the heresy head on. He shows us how ridiculous and ultimately non-helpful it is.
Ironically - it will take you in the very opposite direction from what the false teachers say.
They say - this will get you closer. The truth is - it will take you farther away from Him.
3:1-4 Focus on Heaven
We’re told specifically to do what we see Paul himself doing so often. Focus on heaven.
3:5-11 Out with the Old
We are new creations in Christ. The old has gone. We must get rid of these things. Like old, dirty, nasty clothes that we get rid of. Take them off and throw them away.
3:12-17 In with the New (The New Clothes)
Now we have a real list of the things we should be intentional about and striving toward.
This is both the evidence and the demonstration of our lives. It shows who we are and it’s how we demonstrate it to others.Now that we have taken off the old clothes - here is what we are to put on.
And these clothes are so much better.
Remember: Jesus is better!
3:18-4:1 The Core Relationships
We’re reminded also that living a life that reflects the gospel begins at home with our most important and intimate relationships.
4:2-6 Prayer & Evangelism
Before closing out this letter, Paul reminds us that we must be continually focused on prayer and that one of the main elements that should be included in our prayers is evangelism.
• We must be praying for opportunities to share the gospel.
For Paul, it was all about sharing the gospel. The world’s greatest evangelist ever wants prayer for his own evangelism. For more opportunities. More clarity in sharing.
Wow! What an example to emulate.
Wow! What an example to emulate.
4:7-18 Final Greetings
Finally, we see the importance of what is also taught in other places in Scripture.
We must surround ourselves with other godly men and women. We must be engaged and involved in the life of the body. We must serve the body. Psalm 1 and Proverbs 13:20 tell us so clearly that our companions, those who are closest to us, must be other godly people. I think they should be the people in your own church.
Take a few minutes now to read through the entire book of Colossians. Then spend a few minutes with the reflection questions.
Reflection Questions
• Do you know Christ?
Not data and information about Him. But do you truly know Him?
Have you come to the point where you know that you are a sinner and have repented of your sins and trusted in Christ alone and what He did as the only solution to your problem? If you have and have never made that public, I would love to hear from you!
• Are you walking in Him?
The question you really need to answer is “How are you walking in Him?”
• Are you putting to death what is earthly, taking off the old and putting on the new.
You need to be intentional about this every day for the rest of your life. Kill the sin in your life.
• Is the Word of Christ dwelling in you richly?
Remember what Charles Spurgeon said. We should have so much Scripture in us that when we get cut, we bleed Bible. Are you saturating yourself in Scripture?
• Are you praying for opportunities to share the gospel with others?
If Paul needed prayer for this, we definitely should be praying for this daily.
The final question, if you can truly answer yes, will affect all of the others in a positive way:
• Is He Preeminent in your life?
Is Jesus Christ the central focus of your life? The most important one? If you are a believer in Christ, He must be!
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