WEEK 8
Colossians 4:7-11 In yesterday’s passage we noted the importance of gracious speech. As Paul concludes his epistle, notice how this characterizes the way he speaks of five companions and his appreciation of them. Tychicus is the one who brought this epistle to the Colossians just as he did with Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21). These were important assignments and Paul knew he could trust this man who was also a gifted encourager. Onesimus was an unbelieving servant who had escaped from his master Philemon who lived in Colossae. In God’s providence, Onesimus ended up meeting Paul who led him to the Lord. Now Paul was sending him back with a letter asking Philemon to forgive him (see Philemon). It’s Paul’s shortest epistle and presents one of the most beautiful analogies of God’s forgiveness in the entire Bible. It’s also a masterpiece of gracious tact and courtesy. Aristarchus was a faithful companion during Paul’s imprisonment, a great example of Proverbs 17:17. Mark is another recipient of grace. He had abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13) and Paul later refused to bring him on his second trip because of this failure (Acts 15:36-41). But here we see that Paul had forgiven Mark and now counted him among his faithful companions (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul also mentions Jesus, called Justus. These last three were the only believing Jews among Paul’s fellow workers (v. 11). LifeStep What is your view of the importance of fellow believers to your spiritual growth and ministry? Too often we adopt a “Lone Ranger” mentality as though we need no one. To have such a perspective is to fail to live in a way that is worthy of our calling (Philippians 1:27). Take time today to express your appreciation to at least three believers and let them know how their fellowship in the gospel is a blessing to you. Don’t wait for them to “deserve” this. Instead, be known for your gracious words. Colossians 4:12-18 Paul concludes by passing along greetings from three other companions and then addressing comments to two people in Colossae. Epaphras was a true prayer warrior (vv.12-13). The Greek word used in reference to the intensity of his prayers means to agonize and is also used of Christ’s prayer in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Epaphras’ deepest concern was that the Colossians would know and do God’s entire will for them, not just part of it. This matches what Paul was also praying for them (see comments at 1:9-14). God’s will for us encompasses the gifts and abilities which He gives to us. Luke, the physician, was doing God’s will by caring for Paul (v.14). God’s will can be ignored and eventually abandoned after a season of obedience. This happened to Demas who is mentioned here as one of Paul’s companions (v.14) but who later abandoned him because his love for the world overtook his love for the Lord (2 Timothy 4:10). God’s will includes using what we own to serve Him as in the case of Nympha who made her house available for the church to use (v.15). Finally, God’s will requires focused attention on our part. Archippus, needed to be reminded that He had received a specific assignment from the Lord which he was responsible to carefully fulfill. It is God’s will for us to know and to do God’s will (Ephesians 5:17)! LifeStep God does have a plan for us that includes specific things which He wants us to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10). It’s easy to miss this by becoming distracted with many other things. Write a short paragraph that includes two things. First, a brief description of what you believe to be the main thing God wants you to pursue in terms of a life calling. Whether you are able to write a lot or a little, begin asking Him to help you bring focus to this in the long term. Second, make a short list of specific things which you already know God wants you to do. Pursue these in the short term starting today! Remember that Christ in you is sufficient for all of these.
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