The Supremacy of : Laboring Together :7-18

Paul’s final words to this church are personal notes of greeting that we may gloss over. There is much to learn from these faithful people about the need to work together to build His Kingdom. What would be written about you and your work for God?

I. We don’t serve alone

Every great adventurer needs a support team; Everyone matters when it comes to ______

The church is God’s project that He adds or takes away as He sees fit (see I Cor 12)

If God has put you here, what is your part to play? Are you doing it?

II. Not everyone will be a “Paul”

Paul, while being a figurehead, recognized the importance of others

Co-equal ______with young Timothy see 1;1

______in see 1:2

He always supported others, even when they were heretical

Paul himself saw his weaknesses and flaws I Tim 1:12-16

A realistic and honest view of ourselves is important for teams to work

Not overly ______Not self-affirming

III. Those for whom Paul reserved Praise:

Tychicus: a man with a ______heart

First introduced in :4

Accompanies Paul’s grand offering for Jerusalem (see 1 Cor 16:1-9)

Seemed to stay with Paul

These journeys were not easy and comfortable

Paul trusted him Titus 3:12, II Tim 4:12

He was the courier of this book and Ephesians Eph 6:21-22

Beloved brother “favorite” cherished, well thought of, the ______

Faithful servant Dependable, reliable and trustworthy

Fellow bond-servant ______slave to our master God

Task: encourage your hearts ; a man with a past

Old man becomes new 2 Cor 5:17

Aristarchus: a man with a ______heart Endured Paul’s ______without Paul’s ______

Mark: a man who is ______

Left the mission after Cyprus Acts 13:4, 13

Caused Paul and Barnabus to ______(Paul and joined up):37-39

He will become ______to Paul before his death (2 Tim 4:11)

God is a God of second chances (so should we be)

Jesus Justus: a man of ______

Comforted (encouraged) left his people to be with Paul

One of 3 identified Jews (Aristachus and Mark most likely Jews too)

Epaphras: a ______man

Founder of the church, came to Paul with concerns about the heresy (see 1:7)

Agonizing over you in his prayers I Cor 9:25

He prayed they would be found faithful and standing straight

Perfect: mature, grown up, fully developed, in God’s Will, whatever that might be

This is the heart of a true pastor Eph 4:11-14

Luke: a ______man

Stays with Paul to the end 2 Tim 4:11

Demas: a man who will ______2 Tim 4:9-10

Nympha: a woman who ______

Archippus: a ______man