The Supremacy of Jesus: Laboring Together Colossians 4:7-18
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 Colossae 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 Acts 20:4
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 Onesimus; 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 Silas joined up)Acts 15:37-39
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