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Study: The Colossians EpistleThe Supremacy of Jesus Christ in Our FellowshipColossians 4:7-18
IntroductionAs disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be committed to fellowship; one with another. Acts 2:41-42 (NKJV): 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. What is fellowship? First, what it is not. It is not mere socializing. It is not mixing, mingling or entertaining. It is not just hanging out. It is certainly not rubbing elbows and/or greasing palms in order to elevate ones self up a church's so-called social ladder. For that, one should go to the local country club. If that is what fellowship is not, then what is it? What is Biblical fellowship? Literally, the Greek for fellowship in Acts 2:42 refers to a partnership or sharing. It is the Greek word koinonia which refers to, an association involving close mutual relations and involvement. MacArthur- Because Christians become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers, it is their spiritual duty to stimulate one another to righteousness and obedience. So, Biblical fellowship is much more than just the mere sharing of meals and chit-chat with each other. Instead, Biblical fellowship entails edification (viz., building each other up in faithful, righteous, obedient living). In short, Biblical fellowship is not a mere social function; instead, it is an ongoing, continual, edifying, Christian, corporate, way of life! How do we fellowship with one another? What does Biblical fellowship look like? We will see 9 examples (or aspects) of it this morning. But first, one quick note. The text before us today is more descriptive than prescriptive. In other words, Paul illustrates for us what fellowship looks like (i.e., description). But, he is not explicitly commanding believers to fellowship and/or how to fellowship (i.e., prescription). He is describing, not prescribing. More specifically, what we see Paul doing here is recognizing unsung heroes so that other believers would be encouraged. 1. Fellowship in Faithful and Humble Service
Briefly, here is the pertinent knowledge we have of Tychicus. Tychicus was most likely a convert of Paul's ministry in Ephesus. Later on, Tychicus experienced danger along with Paul. But like Paul, Tychicus was brave, and stood fast in the face of danger. In fact, Tychicus accompanied Paul during some of his travel which involved substantial risk of danger. Even going so far as to stick it out with Paul when Paul faced arrest and imprisonment. Further, Paul had personally chosen Tychicus to be his messenger back to the churches in Asia. In other words, one could say Tychicus was Paul's errand boy! And not just for a little while, but throughout Paul's ministry. Two points here. First, Tychicus was faithful to God, Paul and his service to both! Put differently, Tychicus was not a mere fair-weathered acquaintance; prepared to jump ship at the slightest hint of trouble. As such, Paul refers to Tychicus as a beloved brother and a faithful minister. So much so, that Paul depended on Tychicus to: 1) deliver to the Colossians all the news about Paul, 2) to learn of their circumstances and 3) to comfort their hearts. Second, Tychicus was humble. Tychicus was very content to be a very common servant! No known complaining! No mumbling that he was not getting enough stage time! No known power struggles. No known politicking. No known schmoozing to elevate himself up the church ladder. Quite to the contrary, all indications are that Tychicus was a humble, faithful, dependable, content, common servant. So much so, that Paul refers to him as a fellow servant in the Lord. Application- What about you? Are you a humble? Faithful? Dependable (i.e., doing that which is reasonably expected of you)? Content? Servant-minded? Committed to your duties/responsibilities regardless of how common or trivial you might find them to be? Or, are you prideful? Unreliable? Discontent? Desiring to Lord it over others? Negligent in your duties/responsibilities? More committed to self-promotion than self-sacrifice? More interested in the spot-light??? Anonymous- People who think they are too big to do the little things are, perhaps, too little to be asked to do the big things. We cannot all be pastors/elders! Lastly, regarding fellow servant, there were no one-man shows! Not even with Paul! Despite being an apostle personally and sovereignly chosen by our Lord; despite all of Pauls credentials; it was instead a ministry of teamwork by humble-minded servants. Different in function? Yes. Different in importance? No. 2. Fellowship in Obedient Living
As we know from Pauls epistle to Philemon, Onesimus was an unbelieving slave who had sinfully stolen, and run away, from Philemon (a leader in the Colossian church). However, Onesimus had fled to Rome; where he met Paul, who led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. At which point, the life of Onesimus was transformed! His life was transformed from one of disobedience to one of obedience. Whereas Onesimus had once been ungrateful, unloving, dishonest and disrespectful; he was now loving, honest and respectful. So much so, that Paul refers to him as, a faithful and beloved brother, one of you! Application- First, the life of Onesimus was now a testimony of the ability of God, and His sovereign power, to transform an unbelievers life. Can you say the same about your life? Put differently, does your daily practice match your eternal position? Second, when a person comes to genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ, his/her past life is no longer an issue. Indeed, he/she is a new creation in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). As Paul recognizes this with Onesimus and as such treats him as a dear brother, do you likewise with new converts in your life? Do you willingly, and graciously, forgive people of their sinful past? 3. Fellowship in Comforting One Another
Paul now refers to 3 Jews. Regarding Aristarchus, Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner. Why? Because, although unlikely that Aristarchus was an actual prisoner; he and Paul had both been seized by a rioting mob in Ephesus; and had accompanied Paul to Jerusalem and Rome. As such, Aristarchus shared much of Pauls lifestyle. He was by Pauls side. He ministered to Pauls needs. In short, Aristarchus had a sympathetic, caring heart. Application- Like Paul, any leader would be blessed to have a faithful Aristarchus at his side during trials. In fact, our Lords work would not be done as it is, were it not for people like Aristarchus, humbly enduring hardship without recognition. We need comforting, behind-the-scenes servants! Regarding Mark, most of us know the story. This is the John Mark who had accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey from Antioch. During which, for whatever reason, John Mark jumped ship and returned to Jerusalem. Later, regarding another journey, Barnabas insisted that John Mark come along. But Paul would have nothing to do with the idea! A sharp dispute developed; ending with Paul and Barnabas splitting up. They parted company! But now, 12 years later, Mark was with Paul in Rome, ministering to him during his imprisonment. Apparently, Mark was a changed man. He had been restored to usefulness, probably through the ministry of Peter. As such, we see Paul now commending Mark! In fact, Paul tells the Colossians to welcome Mark! And later, John Mark authors the Gospel of Mark! Application (Hughes)- Believers can be stubborn, unchanging and unforgiving. But others, like Paul and Mark, are able to forgive and forget. Further, If two believers cannot be reconciled, then either both or one is not in fellowship with God. 1) Are you able to forgive others when they fail you? 2) When you blow it, like Mark did, are you willing to do whatever it takes to re-establish your dependability, trustworthiness and/or faithfulness? Both before God and man? Also in these verses, as we earlier noted, Paul refers to three Jews (viz., Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus called Justus). Paul says that, These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision Nonetheless, Paul also says, they have proved to be a comfort to me. Application- Are you faithful in doing all you can do to comfort your dear brethren in Christ? 4. Fellowship in Fervent Prayer
Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church, and perhaps its current pastor. He had journeyed to Rome to tell Paul the news of the dangerous heresy threatening the church. Although separated from them, Epaphras still ministered to them. Epaphras had a great zeal for them. How did he manifest it? Paul says by laboring fervently (i.e., agonizing) in prayer (Acts 2:42). Why? He desired to see the Colossians be fully developed and mature in our Lord. Application- MacArthur writes, His fervent, agonizing prayers and his single-minded passion for his peoples maturity, must have greatly encouraged Paul and his other co-workers. Do you agonize in prayer on behalf of your dear brethren in Christ? 5. Fellowship in Missions
Luke was a Gentile physician, historian and missionary. He accompanied Paul on missionary journeys. So, you could say that Luke was the prototype of the medical missionary. MacArthur- Not everyone in the Lords service has to have a seminary degree. Gods work needs specialists too. Luke surrendered his special talent to God, giving up what might have been a lucrative private practice. Application- Are you faithful in supporting mission work? Either by sending others or going yourself? Are you willing to use your talents to advance His Kingdom? Willing to even give it all up if called by God to do so? 6. Fellowship With the Unfaithful
Here we see the exception! 2 Timothy 4:10 (NKJV): for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica Paul was likely already aware of Demas spiritual slide. Yet, Paul does not immediately cut Demas out of the circle of fellowship. Likewise, we should not disassociate ourselves from unfaithful brethren unless, and until, absolutely necessary. We should instead love, support and encourage them as much as we can, as long as we can; all the while holding them accountable. Hughes- Christian fellowship is not meant to be perfect. It must always be stretching. MacArthur- (Demas) had made a substantial commitment to the Lords work, and was with Paul in both his imprisonments. Unlike Pauls other companions, however, his future was sad The pull of the world system eventually became irresistible to Demas, and he abandoned Paul and the ministry. Jesus had His Judas; Paul had his Demas. Anyone who has been in the ministry long enough has shared in that heartbreaking experience. Application- When we see professed brethren in a spiritual slide, are you quick to write them off? Or, do you manifest patient, longsuffering, loving, but firm, fellowship toward them? Are you quick to abandon your spiritual leaders? Or are you willing to die for them insofar as they are obedient and faithful servants unto our Lord Jesus Christ? 7. Fellowship in Duty
Here, we see Paul instruct the Colossians to greet their brethren in Laodicea and the church in the home of Nymphas. Further, to exchange letters one with another. Again, goes back to the idea of being dependable in all your duties and obligations. Are you dependable? 8. Fellowship in Ministry
Archippus had not just a ministry, but a ministry received in the Lord! As such, Paul instructs Archippus to take heed to that ministry and fulfill it! Application- What is your ministry to your dear brethren? Do you heed your ministry? Are you faithful to fulfill it? 9. Fellowship in Suffering
Here, we see Paul refer to his own suffering (i.e., his imprisonment and chains). That should be our motivation! That should be our model! Philippians 1:21 mindsets! Philippians 3:10 (NKJV): That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. (MacArthur- This refers to a partnership, a deep communion of suffering that every believers shares with Christ. Note- The Greek is once again koinonia. So, as we can see here, fellowship has a broad meaning indeed.) Lastly, Paul closes with Grace be with you. A fitting summary to this entire epistle! Grace!!! Whether it be grace in justification, grace in sanctification or grace in our spiritual gifts! It is ALL grace! ConclusionHughes- The key to the quality of our earthly fellowship is the quality of our fellowship with God. Those with the richest fellowship with God have the richest fellowship with each other. On the flip side of the coin, When a Christian refuses fellowship with other healthy, Spirit-filled believers, there can only be one conclusion: something is wrong in his or her relationship to God. One might say, once again, that it all goes back to the Cross of Jesus Christ! Teacher: Darin Lawson |