Colossians 4:7-18                                                                 It Takes Us All

Kowloon International Baptist Church Kowloon Tong

Harry Lucenay, Pastor                                                         1 October 2006

The end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians presents us with a list of people he wants to mention to the readers. What he says about the people reveals something of the different personalities in the church family. Our church is made up of many different personalities as well. Many are at different places in their faith journeys working with a variety of talents and spiritual gifts even as they work through their unique issues. See if you see yourself in any of the people we study today.

Thoughtful Encourager

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

Jesus – I always do what pleases Him. John 8:29

⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

His greatest ability may have been his dependability.

Transformed Brother

⁹ He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

Can people see Christ in Onesimus or will they simply try to see Onesimus as he was without Christ?

Tested Co-laborer

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings,

He was faithful in good times and tough times.

Tarnished Witness as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)

Mark did not allow the weakness of his past to destroy his future.

Paul was big enough to allow God’s grace to change his negative opinion of Mark because God owned his heart.

Team Player ¹¹ Jesus, 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.

Every great work needs many people who work behind the scenes to make things happen. Such people give great encouragement to leaders.

Tireless Intercessor ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings . . .¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. He is always wrestling in prayer that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Every great church has people who are tireless in their prayer support. Notice the direction of the prayer points to the desire to walk in the will of God.

Treasured Companion ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke, the doctor,

When the battles wear us down the friends who walk with us give us strength through their faithfulness and support.

Troubled Person and Demas send greetings.

Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me 2 Timothy 4:10

Some people start well but fade. Disciples of Christ need to grow in Christ and finish well.

Trustworthy Hostess ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

The early church met in houses. Small groups gave people a safe place to explore their faith and find encouragement from one another.

Teachable Disciple ¹⁷ Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

The lessons of faith require openness to learning throughout the seasons of life.

Tenacious Leader ¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul was seeking to make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5).

The New International Version is the version used in this Bible study.