Partners in Christ
Reading: Colossians chapter 4 verses 7-18.
• The apostle Paul was a great friend-maker,
• There are more than 100 different Christians (named and un-named);
• Associated with Paul in the Book of Acts and in his letters.
• Ill Romans chapter 16 he names 26 different friends alone!
Paul enjoyed Team Ministry (working with others):
• Obviously you can achieve far more as a team,
• Than you can as an individual.
ill:
Cartoon - It was a picture of two rowing boats:
• One had a man wearing a dog collar, in his hands was a punting pole,
• Also in the boat were rows and rows of people cheering him on.
• In the other boat, the man wearing the dog collar had in his hands a megaphone,
• He was urging on all the others, who were there as rowers and not passengers.
• This boat was obviously flying past the other one.
• The cartoon punch line said: “Which church is yours?”
If you are a Christian:
• Then you are expected to be part of the crew, an active member of your local Church,
• And not just a passenger.
ill:
There are 560 members in our church
But 100 are frail and elderly
That leaves 460 to do all the work
But 74 are young people at college
That leaves 386 to do all the work
But 150 are tired businessmen
So that leaves 236 to do all the work
And 150 are housewives with children
That leaves 86
A further 46 have other important interests
That leaves 40 to do all the work
But 15 live too far away to come regularly
So that leaves 25 to do all the work
And 23 say they have done their bit.
So that leaves you and me
And I’m exhausted - Good luck to you!
ill:
• Once upon a time there were four men named;
• Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
• There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.
• But Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
• Anybody could have done it. But Nobody did it.
• Somebody got angry about it, because it was Everybody’s job.
• Everybody thought that Anybody could do it,
• And Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
• It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody;
• And Nobody did the job that Anybody could have done in the first place.
• At last report, these four men were still arguing;
• And the job they were supposed to do still wasn’t done.
In a local church:
• Or in a para-church ministry (.i.e Counties, YFC, City Mission etc)
• I would suggest to you that team work is the Biblical way of doing things.
• This morning we are going to look at people in a team.
• 9 individuals are mentioned in this passage.
We can categorize these people into three groups.
(A). The Men Who are coming (verses 7-9)
“Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here”.
• Two men are mentioned; Tychicus and Onesimus
• Paul is sending these men to the Church at Clossae
• They will be postmen, Paul chose them to deliver two important letters,
• The letter to the Ephesian (Eph. 6:21) and also the Colossian letter (Col. 4:7-9).
• And they also took Paul’s personal letter to Philemon.
• Later on, Paul was able to send Tychicus to Crete (Titus 3:12),
(1). Tychicus (Verses 9):
• In Acts chapter 20 verse 4:
• When Paul left Ephesus, he was accompanied a team of helpers, among them Tychicus.
Tychicus was a man you could trust:
• As well as delivering Paul’s letters;
• He also helped Paul deliver a collection of money from the Gentile churches;
• To give to the poor believers in Judea;
• (1 Corinthians chapter 16 verse 1; 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9.
Verse 8: Tychicus was Paul’s envoy (representative):
• He was trusted to share with the Colossian Christians;
• The details of Paul’s difficult situation there in Rome.
• Paul wanted his friends in Colossae;
• To know the facts and to support him in prayer.
• Tychicus had also experienced those hardships first hand,
• And had stuck them out, called a “Faithful minister”.
• Instead of choosing the easy option and leaving,
• He stayed with Paul and ministered to him.
Quote:
“Someone has said that the greatest ability in the world is dependability”,
• Paul could always depend on Tychicus.
• He was a man who got the job done.
Verse 7: Tychicus is described as a “fellow servant”.
• Tychicus assisted Paul in his apostolic ministry.
• Paul and Tychicus worked together in the service of the Lord.
(2). Onesimus (Verses 9):
• Verse 9 introduces us to Onesimusus;
• He came from Colossae and is refered to as “one of you”.
He is one of the main characters in the Letter of Philemon:
• He was a slave who belonged to a man called Philemon;
• Onesimus decided to steal some moneyfrom Philemon and runaway.
• He eventually ended up in Rome, and while he was in Rome;
• He met the apostle Paul and was converted.
• Paul sent Onesimus back to his Philemon his master,
• With a letter asking Philemon to receive him and forgive him.
Note:
• Paul does not call Onesimus the runaway slave,
• Instead he calls him “Faithful and dear”.
• Onesimus had been a Christian only a short time,
• And yet he had already proved himself to Paul.
Each one of us is able to start serving Christ the moment we are saved:
• We can learn and develop with the help of other Christians,
• But as we are we all have something we can do for Christ.
Ill:
Busy motorist and the country bumpkin.
(1). The Men Who Stayed (verses 10-11, 14a)
10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me…………..
14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings”.
(A). Aristarchus (verse 10a):
• Is identified as Paul’s “Fellow prisoner” (verse 10),
• And also in verse 11 as Paul’s “Fellow worker”.
The book of Acts gives us various bits of info on him:
(a).
• Aristarehus was from Macedonia & travelled with Paul (Acts 19:29).
• He was originally from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4)
(b). Acts chapter 19 verses 28-41 tell us:
• He was willingly to risk his life when a riot broke out in Ephesus.
• And like Paul he was captured by the mob.
(c).
• And he sailed with Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2):
• Which meant he also experienced the storm and shipwreck;
• That Luke so graphically described in Acts 27.
(d). A voluntary prisoner (verse 10).
• The term “Fellow prisoner” probably means;
• Aristarchus voluntary shared Paul’s imprisonment with him,
• So that he could be a help and comfort to the apostle.
• He was a voluntary prisoner for the sake of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
Aristarchus stayed with Paul no matter what the circumstances were:
• A riot in Ephesus, a voyage, a storm, and even a prison!
• Aristarchus did not look for the easy option.
• He did not run when the going got tough.
• He suffered with Paul and laboured with Paul.
(b). Mark (verse 10b):
Once again a scan through the New Testament gives us more info on Mark:
(a).
• Mark is often called John mark in the New Testament (Acts 12:12).
• He too was a Jew who lived in Jerusalem;
(b).
• Acts chapter 12 verse 12 also tells us that:
• His mother, Mary, kept “open house” for the believers.
(c).
• John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas,
• The man who partnered Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3).
(d). He became the first missionary casualty!
• When Paul and Barnabas set out on that first missionary journey;
• Acts chapter 13 verses 5-13.
• They took John Mark with them as their assistant.
• He probably took care of the travel arrangements, supplies, etc.
• But when the going got tough,
• John Mark abandoned the preachers and returned home to Jerusalem.
Later, when Paul and Barnabas wanted to go on a second journey (Acts 15:36-41):
• Paul refused to take John Mark along with them.
• The argument between Paul and Barnabas was so strong;
• That it caused a division between Paul and Barnabas.
• And they decided to go there separate ways.
Note: The apostle Paul did forgive John Mark and later on, even commend him:
• (2 Timothy chapter 4 verse 11).
• “Take Mark and bring him with you: for he is profitable to me for the ministry”
John Mark is an encouragement to everyone who has failed in his first attempts to serve God.
• He did not sit around and sulk.
• He got back into the ministry & proved himself faithful to the Lord & to Paul.
(e).
• 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 13 suggests:
• Either John Mark was led to faith in Christ through the apostle Peter.
• Or their relationship was so close it was like father & son.
• He was the writer of the second Gospel,
(C). Jesus Justus (Verse 11):
We know nothing about him but his name:
• The name Jesus was a popular Jewish name (i.e. Joshua),
• And it was not unusual for Jewish people to have a Roman name as well (Justus).
Jesus Justus is a good example:
• Of those faithful believers who serve God,
• But whose deeds are not announced for the whole world to know.
Ill:
• Padre on a camp.
• Someone is maintenance office, camp buyer etc.
Jesus Justus:
• Was a fellow worker with Paul and a comfort to Paul,
• And that is all we know about him.
• But the Lord has kept a faithful record of this man’s life and ministry,
• And will reward him accordingly.
Ill:
Body - hidden organs that are most important.
(d). Luke (14a):
(a).
• Was a Gentile,
• The only Gentile to write New Testament books of the Bible (Luke’s Gospel & Acts).
(b).
• He was also a physician, a doctor,
• And was dearly loved by Paul.
• Worth noting, that even though Paul had the power to heal people,
• He travelled with a doctor!
• While God can and does bring strength and healing in miraculous ways,
• He also uses the means provided in nature, such as medication.
Luke joined Paul and his party at Troas (note the pronoun “We” in Acts 16:10).
• Luke travelled with Paul to Jerusalem (Acts chapter 20 verse 5)
• And was with him on the voyage to Rome (Acts chapter 27 verse l).
• Luke remained with Paul to the very end (2 Tim. chapter 4 verse 11).
Luke is a glowing example of the professional man:
• Who uses his skills in the service of the Lord,
• And gives himself to go wherever God sends.
• He was a skilful doctor, a devoted friend and a careful historian,
• All wrapped up in one!
(e). Epaphras (verses 12-13):
2Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
(1).
• You will have already met Epaphras at the beginning of this book Colossians:
• He was the man who founded the church in Colossae (Chapter 1 verses 7-8).
• It seems likely that Epaphras also founded the churches in Laodicea & Hierapolis (vs13).
• Epaphras was probably an pastor and church planter.
(b).
• He had been led to Christ through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus,
• And had returned home to Colossae to share this good news with friends and family etc.
(3). He was a great prayer.
• One of the secrets of the ministry of Epaphras was his prayer life.
• Paul knew about this because Epaphras and Paul shared the same room (Philemon vs 23)
Note: We are given 4 insights into this man’s prayer life?
(1). He prayed constantly (verse l2 “always”).
• Epaphras did not pray only when he felt like it, as do many Christians today.
• Encouraging thing with prayer is, it is not a gift but a discipline (anyone can do it)
(b). He prayed fervently (verse 12—“wrestling”).
• The word used here means “agonizing.”
• It is the same word used for our Lord’s praying in the Garden (Luke 22:44).
• We get the impression that prayer was serious business with Epaphras!
• This Greek word was used to describe athletes as they gave themselves fully to their sports.
Quote:
If church members today put as much concern and enthusiasm into their praying;
As they did into their football games or leisure activities, we would have revival!
(C). He prayed personally (verse 12 “for you”).
Ill:
Shotgun & sniper.
• Some folks prayers have been described as;
• “Praying for everybody in general and nobody in particular”.
• Epaphras was focused;
• He centred his prayers on the saints in Colossae Laodicea, and Hierapolis.
• No doubt he mentioned some of them by name.
• He carried these people in his heart and prayed for them personally.
(4). He prayed purposefully (verse 12 “may stand firm”).
• If you had asked Epaphras. “What are you praying for?”
• He could have told you.
• His great desire was that the Christian believers in those these fellowships
• Might become mature in their Christian faith.
(e). He prayed sacrificially (verse 13 “Working hard” or “deeply concerned”
or “much distress”).
• At times prayer is difficult.
• When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He sweat great drops of blood.
• Paul had “great struggles” as he prayed for the Colossians (chapter 2 verse 1),
• And Epaphras also experienced “deeply concerned.”
Quote:
“Praying that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing.”
All of the men with Paul were named and commended in one way or another,
• But Epaphras was the only one commended for his prayer ministry.
• This does not mean that the other men did not pray;
• But it does suggest that prayer was his major interest and ministry.
• And again I emphasise the encouraging thing is this.
• We cannot all do some of the things these men did;
• But we can all pray, and it was ‘the prayer’ who was highly commended!
(f). Archippus (Verse 17):
17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”
If you compare Colossians chapter 4 verse 17 with Philemon verse 2,
• You very much get the impression that Archippus belonged to the family of Philemon.
• Possibly, he was Philemon’s son,
• We know that the Church met in Philemon’s house,
• Archippus may well have been the pastor or a full time worker in this Church.
Paul’s last words before he signs off this letter:
• Are directed at Archippus;
• He is encouraging him to continue faithfully in his ministry.
• Again if you read between the lines,
• Archippus seems to be discouraged? Why? We are not told why!
• Often pastors & Church leaders face many problems and carry many burdens,
• And they often need a word of encouragement.
Paul reminded Archippus that his ministry was a gift from God,
• Since the Lord gave him his ministry (“Received from the Lord”).
• Then surely the Lord could also help him complete it.
• It is always good to remember that ministry is not something we do for God;
• It is something God does in and through us.
Archippus needed reminding of the message of Colossians:
• That we are complete in Jesus Christ.
• All of God’s fullness is in Him,
• And He has perfectly equipped us for the life that God wants us to live.
• What an encouragement this must have been to Archippus!
(b). The Man Who Strayed (verse 14b).
“Demas sends his greetings.”
Demas:
• Demas worked alongside Paul, he was one of his assistants,
• But one day soon this man will be a great disappointment to the apostle.
Demas is mentioned three times in Paul’s letters,
First: he is called
• “Demas . . . my fellow worker”
• And is linked with three good men: Mark, Aristarchus, and Luke (Philemon verse 24).
• Demas started out well in the ministry,
• He was actively serving God working alongside Paul and the other three good men.
Second: Colossians chapter 4 verse 14:
• He is simply called “Demas,”
• In our list he is the only one with no comment of praise of commendation.
• Whether that is significant or not,
• You can decide for yourself.
The third reference tells what became of Demas:
• 2 Timothy chapter 4 verse 10.
• “Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica”
• And with that tragic statement,
• Demas will disappear from sacred history.
Note:
• As I mentioned earlier, at one point in his life, John Mark had forsaken Paul;
• But he was reclaimed and restored.
• Demas forsook Paul and apparently was never reclaimed.
• His sin was that he loved this present world.
Warning: Each Christians today could also give in to the world just as Demas did.
• How easy it is to maintain a religious veneer,
• While all the time we are living for the things of this world.
• Demas thought that he could serve two masters,
• But eventually he had to make a decision; unfortunately, he made the wrong decision.
Ill:
Rope.
It must have hurt Paul greatly when Demas forsook him.
• It also hurt the work of the Lord,
• For there never has been a time when the labourers were many.
• This decision hurt Demas most of all,
• For he wasted his life in that which could never last.
Quote Old Hymn:
“Only one life, will soon be past,
only what’s done for Christ will last!”
Christians we get side-tracked by 3 main things:
(1). Sin.
Ill:
• On the Caribbean island of Barbados,
• Is the home, the castle of a man called Sam Lord
• At night he got his men to put lanterns in the branches of the trees along the coast,
• Then when a ship having just crossed the Atlantic, saw Barbados and saw those lights,
• It would think that it had arrived at the port of Bridgetown,
• And would turn into those lights, thinking that’s where all the other boats were anchored.
• But it turned into the coral reef and was wrecked,
• That was what Sam lord wanted to happen because he was a pirate.
The attraction of sin:
• How easily we are dazzled and attracted by its bright lights,
• And if we turn towards it looking for enjoyment,
• How often we find ourselves shipwrecked.
(2). Compromise.
Ill:
Life ought to teach us, that deterioration is never sudden:
• No garden is suddenly overgrown with weeds,
• No building suddenly crumbles,
• No church suddenly splits,
• No tree suddenly falls,
• No marriage suddenly breaks down,
• No person suddenly becomes base,
Quote:
“For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For want of a horse the rider was lost,
For want of a rider the battle was lost,
For want of a battle the war was lost!”
(3). False teaching.
As you are no doubt aware, a false teaching was invading the church at Colossae:
• The false teaching was called gnosticism, that word means “to know”.
• i.e. An agnostic claims they do not know, they are unsure;
• i.e. A gnostic claims they do know, they have special insight.
• These Gnostics claimed to have a superior knowledge of spiritual things.
Paul’s main theme throughout this letter is summarised in chapter 3 verse 11:
• “Christ is all in all”. Quote J.B. Phillips: “Christ is all that matters”
• Of the 95 verses in this letter, Christ is mentioned in 80 of them.
• Paul’s second main theme in the letter is chapter 2 verse 10:
• That we are “Made complete in him”.
• Since we are complete in Christ,
• We don’t need Gnostic wisdom, and we don’t need man made rules & regulations.
Verse 16:
16After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
• Paul wants this letter read out publicly,
• Remember these first century Christians did not have a New testament like us.
• Paul wanted them to hear it often, to study it,
• And so to overcome and destroy the false teaching of the Gnostics.
Paul’s main theme throughout this letter:
• “Christ is all in all”.
• Quote J.B. Phillips: “Christ is all that matters”
