Jul 4, 2021. Colossians 4:7-18

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LABORERS OF LIGHT.  Colossians 4:7-18.  07/04/2021.  #14.

Colossians 4:7-18 [New King James Version]

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in [e]his house. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

  1. Paul sends greetings from those with him
    1. Paul was not alone in the Roman jail
      1.  Others were ministering to and with him
      1.  Some were even in jail with him
    1. Tychicus was a faithful companion of Paul’s
      1.  Not only was he with Paul in this 1st imprisonment, but also his 2nd one (I Timothy 4:12)
      1.  We have little information on Tychicus, but Paul’s faith in him speaks volumes (many labor in obscurity, but not before God)
      1.  Tychicus was a news bearer and a comforter
    1. Onesimus = the runaway slave of Philemon whom Paul leads to the Lord and is sending back as a servant
    1. Aristarchus = a fellow prisoner with Paul
    1. John Mark = either Barnabas’ nephew (Acts 12-13) or his cousin (Greek word could merely mean “relative”)
      1.  Mark had come with Paul and Barnabas on first mission trip
      1.  After Mark left early, Paul refused to take Mark on second trip, so Paul and Barnabas split company
      1.  Paul later found Mark faithful (II Timothy 4)
      1.  The Upper Room was in mom’s house
      1.  Author of book of Mark
    1. Justus = one of candidates to take Judas’ place (Acts 1)
    1. Paul mentions Jewish Christians 1st and bemoans the fact that there were so few of them
    1. Epaphras – from Colosse and messenger to and from Paul (called a fellow prisoner in Philemon)
    1. Doctor Luke is with Paul (writer of Luke and Acts)
    1. Demus = still faithful, but will soon leave Paul
      1.  II Timothy 4 Demus loved the world
      1.  Paul did not know that Demus was a false saint
  2. Paul sends greetings to people in Colossae
    1. Greets those in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis
    1. Nymphas hosted the Laodicean church
      1.  Paul wrote a letter to Laodicea that we don’t have
      1.  Revelation 3 later the Laodicea would grow lukewarm
    1. Archippus = pastor of Col. church
      1.  Special admonition = must faithful attend to ministry given to him by the Lord
      1.  James 3:1-2 church leaders are more accountable
  3. Archippus given strict warning
    1. Take heed = lit., “see to the ministry”
      1.  Attend to the ministry given you (diligence)
      1.  Not a casual or light responsibility
    1. All ministries, tasks, and callings are from God (Romans 12:1-13)
      1.  We are stewards (caretakers) of our calling
      1.  Matthew 25 we will be held to account for our tasking
      1.  Luke 12:48 the greater the calling, the greater the accountability for that calling
    1. Arch. is to fulfill his calling (not partially, but in all its aspects of teaching, caring, counseling, managing, prayer…)
    1. Callings are given to us by God
      1.  We do not chose our place in God’s ministry
      1.  We are responsible for our calling even if we would prefer to do something else, or nothing
      1.  Responsible for all aspects of the calling
      1.  We are responsible to not quit or slack off (serious)
    1. There is great loss and damage when we shirk our ministry
    1. Paul signs off with his own hand (remember my bonds!)