Held Together in Partnership

PART 12 – NOVEMBER 22, 2020 :7-17 [CSB]

7 , our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant [slave] in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with , a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. COLOSSIANS 4:7-17 [CSB]

10 ARISTARCHUS, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does MARK, ’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and so does who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 EPAPHRAS, who is one of you, a servant of Jesus, sends you greetings. COLOSSIANS 4:7-17 [CSB]

He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 LUKE, the dearly loved physician, and send you greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. COLOSSIANS 4:7-17 [CSB]

16 After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And tell , “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” 18 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. How are we held together as partners and friends on mission? HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

RECOGNIZE & HONOR TENACIOUS LOYALTY

Tychicus & Epaphras & Luke

1 HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

RECOGNIZE & HONOR TENACIOUS LOYALTY

Tychicus: The Encourager

1A HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

RECOGNIZE & HONOR TENACIOUS LOYALTY

Epaphras: The Praying Planter

1A HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

ARE RESOLUTE, BUT RESTORING

2 HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

ARE RESOLUTE, BUT RESTORING

John Mark: The Deserter

2A 2 TIMOTHY 4:11–12 (CSB)

11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

ARE RESOLUTE, BUT RESTORING

Onesimus: The Deserter

2B PHILIMONS 10-14,18 (CSB)

10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the , PHILIMONS 10-14,18 (CSB)

14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.

18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

WE ARE CHALLENGING

3 HOW ARE WE HELD TOGETHER AS PARTNERS AND FRIENDS ON MISSION?

WE ARE CHALLENGING Archippus: The Slacker

3A COLOSSIANS 4:17 [CSB]

17 And tell ARCHIPPUS, “Pay attention [LOOK OUT FOR DANGERS] to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish [FULFILL, COMPLETE] it.” Lovers are always talking to one another about their love; Friends hardly ever about their Friendship. Lovers are normally face to face, absorbed in each other; Friends, side by side, absorbed in some common interest.

C.S. LEWIS