Supremacy in the Kingdom

HOW TO INVEST IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Paul’s dedication to the mission and his investment in others attracted willing servants who partnered with him in a variety of ways. In these verses, Paul mentions explicitly two such partners whom he enlisted to serve Christ—Tychicus and Onesimus.

HOW TO INVEST IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Over the years, our nation’s investment market has demonstrated its volatility through several notable downturns. Historical references like “Black Thursday,” concerning the stock market crash of 1929 that spawned the Great Depression, or “Black Monday,” in 1987, when the global economy suffered massive losses, are reminders of its instability and unreliable nature.

Other significant occurrences, like the “dot-com” setback of 2000, the economic collapse in 2008, and even the considerable losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, provide more recent examples of the ephemeral nature of earthly investments. However, people still pay a significant amount of money every year to have someone else invest their money in hopes of a substantial return. 

We are investing with the expectation of getting a return on our investment. There are long-term and short-term investments being made. Long-term investments do not yield immediate results, but are intended to pay off much later, after a significant amount of time for the investment to mature. Short-term investments are intended to yield results sooner rather than later. 

While cautionary reminders of the fleeting nature of wealth and the importance of wise financial planning are appropriate, perhaps there is a more significant investment strategy to consider. In God’s economy the foundational principle of reaping and sowing is as reliable as the law of gravity (Gal 6:7–9). Concepts like return on investment are not random or theoretical (2 Cor 9:6), and God provides the ultimate investment protection from the unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances of this life (Matt 6:19–20).

As in the case of the stock market in our country, many people are aware of God’s economy but are not exactly sure how to maximize their investments. Paul’s letter to the Colossians offers some insight since it represents a deposit of spiritual capital into their growth fund. The concluding passage essentially provides the strategic model for success as they learn how to invest in others to produce fruitful returns.

Main Idea: As members of the body of Christ, we are called to cooperate and collaborate as we serve Jesus and partner with others to fulfill his mission and build his kingdom.

The Church is still God’s plan “A” for spreading the good news of the gospel to the world. It takes an army to accomplish the task of God.

Illustration: The Stone Cathedral

Imagine a group of craftsmen in the Middle Ages working on a massive stone cathedral. Each person has a different task:

*One chisels stones into perfect shapes.

*Another sets them in place on the wall.

*Another climbs scaffolding to decorate the arches with intricate carvings.

*Some carry stones.

*Others sweep up dust.

Individually, their tasks might seem small or disconnected. But none of them are building their own little shed—they’re all part of building one cathedral. Even though many of them will never see the final result—maybe they’ll be gone before the spire is raised—they work together with a shared vision, trusting that what they’re doing matters.

In the same way, we each have a role in building God’s kingdom—some preach, some serve, some give, some pray, some lead, some encourage. Not one of us can build the kingdom alone. But when we work together, using our unique gifts for one mission, we’re building something eternal.

Key Point:

The gospel ministry isn’t about individual achievement—it’s about kingdom collaboration. Like stones in a living temple, we each have a part to play (1 Peter 2:5), and Christ is the cornerstone holding us together (Eph. 2:20–22).

Colossians 4:7–9 ESV

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Tychicus is a significant yet overlooked figure in the New Testament. He was a trusted companion and co-worker of the Apostle Paul and is mentioned five times in Scripture. Not everyone is called to be in the spotlight like Paul, but the mission of the gospel depends on reliable servants like Tychicus.

Onesimus is a compelling figure in the New Testament, he was a runaway slave from Philemon. He is known primarily from Paul’s brief, personal letter to Philemon. His story is a powerful picture of redemption, transformation, and the reconciling power of the gospel.

1. We Should Enlist Others to Share Christ.

There were a very few people still surrounding Paul towards the end of his life. Tychicus and Onesimus were two men who stood by Paul in the darkest times of his imprisonment in Rome.

Paul’s circumstances that were to be made known had to do with his situation of imprisonment, as apparent from 4:3, 10, and 18.

Paul’s “beloved and faithful servant and bond-servant,” traveled with him at various points (Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12).

They were bound together because of their work “in the Lord,” a phrase expressing that Tychicus (and Paul and his colleagues) are genuine believers (an expression used in the same way elsewhere by Paul). “Fellow bondservant” can also be rendered “fellow slave,” which the hearers can identify in some way with the extended section on slavery (3:22–4:1), and the same is true with Paul calling Epaphras a “bondslave of Christ” (cf. 1:7; 4:12).

Perhaps the point of the link is that Tychicus and Epaphras, together with Paul, are slaves of Christ in the same way that slaves are obedient to their masters (so Pao 2012: 312). Could it not also show that, while there is “no distinction between … slave and free” in Christ (3:11), all Christians (represented by the leaders in 4:7, 12) are slaves of Christ?

Paul Identifies Tychicus with 3 Titles

(1) “Dear Brother” identifies their personal relationship and shared identity in Christ.

(2) “Faithful Minister” Tychicus had proven himself reliable in serving alongside Paul in the gospel ministry.

Every follower of Jesus is called to be a minister of Christ. While not all are called to formal church leadership, all believers are called to serve, represent, and share Christ in their daily lives.

(3) “Fellow servant in the Lord” he labored alongside Paul, not merely as a helper but a co-laborer in the *Enlist Others to be Ministers of Christ

*Enlist Others to be Ministers of Christ

The Qualities of a Faithful Minister

The Bible paints a rich and challenging picture of what it means to be a faithful minister—whether that’s a pastor, teacher, missionary, or any believer serving in Christ’s name. The focus is not on charisma, credentials, or success by worldly standards, but on Christlike character, gospel commitment, and spiritual endurance.

1) Preaches Christ Faithfully

A faithful minister does not distort the gospel to please people ()Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” )

A faithful minister doesn’t just tolerate people—they care deeply for their growth, needs, and wounds (Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:7–8).

2) Loves God’s People Deeply

Ministry flows from a love for Christ, expressed in love for His people.

A faithful minister doesn’t just tolerate people—they care deeply for their growth, needs, and wounds (Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:7–8).

John 21:17 ESV

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

3) Prays Persistently

They Wrestle in Prayer for others.

They recognize in prayer that ministry is God’s work not ours.

Faithful ministers labor in prayer before they labor in preaching or planning.

4) Teaches Truth Accurately

Faithful ministers teach the Word accurately, not twisting it for comfort or gain.

They help people grow in spiritual maturity, not just knowledge (Eph. 4:12–14).

6) Suffers Willingly

Paul saw suffering not as a failure but as part of gospel ministry.

A faithful minister is ready to be uncomfortable, misunderstood, or rejected—for the sake of Christ.

Don’t Shrink back when ministry gets difficult. True ministers press on to take ahold of that for which Christ took ahold of for us.

7) Serves Humbly

Faithful ministers lead by serving, not by seeking status or control.

They reflect the gentleness and authority of Christ.

1 Peter 5:3 ESV

not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

8) Persevere Diligently

Ministry is not a sprint—it’s a long obedience in the same direction.

Faithful ministers work hard and consistently, even when fruit is slow to appear.

*Enlist Others to be Messengers For Christ

Letters as the primary form of correspondence in the first century required couriers who would deliver an epistle to the intended audience.

Tychicus was a coworker and frequent companion of Paul who was authorized to deliver multiple letters for the apostle. In addition to the letter to the Colossians (v. 7), he most likely carried the letter to Philemon (v. 9) and to the Laodiceans (v. 16), to the Ephesians (Eph 6:21), to Titus (Titus 3:12), and Paul’s final letter to Timothy (2 Tim 4:12).

In the 1st century mail carriers were much more than people who delivered the mail. They were personal emissaries who were personal representatives of the sender.

Their role included: 1) Delivering the letter; 2) orally reading the letter; and 3) giving in-depth commentary on behalf of the author. It is evident that Paul had deputized Tychicus in this way by saying, “and he will tell you all the news about me, and along with Onesimus, they will tell you everything here.

The Call to be Ambassadors for Christ

We are all called to be ambassadors or emissaries for Christ to the world. Paul reminds the church of this in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

2 Corinthians 5:19–20 ESV

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

The Embassy in a Foreign Land

Imagine an American ambassador stationed in a foreign country. They don’t belong to that country, but they live there—representing the interests, values, and voice of the United States.

Their job is not to blend in, or speak on their own behalf, but to faithfully communicate the message of the one who sent them—the president of their home country.

The ambassador lives in the embassy, which is considered sovereign U.S. territory. When people enter that embassy, they’re stepping onto ground that represents another kingdom.

Even if the culture around them opposes or misunderstands the United States, the ambassador remains loyal to their homeland, speaking and living in a way that reflects its principles.

Now Think About This Spiritually:

Paul says,

“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” (2 Cor. 5:20)

As believers:

We live in this world, but our true citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).

We don’t speak for ourselves—we represent Christ and share His message of reconciliation and His interests.

The church—like an embassy—is a place where people can experience the values, truth, and presence of the kingdom of God.

Key Point:

Being an ambassador means that everywhere you go, you carry with you the presence, authority, and message of your true King.

You’re not here just to survive or fit in—you’re here to represent Jesus and invite others to be reconciled to Him.

When someone becomes a follower of Christ they have now given ownership of their lives to Jesus Christ. And as the Spirit of God leads people to place their faith in Christ, we must enlist them as fellow messengers who participate in his mission.

How many of you here this morning have ever fulfilled your duty as the emissary of Christ, carrying the good news of salvation to a lost and dying world?

How many of you here this morning have enlisted with the Holy Spirits guiding one person in your life to be a messenger for Christ?

If not, why not?

Truth to remember: If you know Jesus, you’re already an ambassador—you’re either faithful to that calling or neglecting it.

Colossians 4:10–14 ESV

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

2. We Should Encourage Others to Serve Christ.

Note: Notice Paul’s encouraging words about those that He is serving alongside. “Fellow workers of the kingdom that have been a great comfort to me.” Epaphras is always struggling on your behalf. “I bear witness that He has worked hard for you.”

Long-distance relationships, difficult circumstances, and uncertain outcomes were all part of Paul’s situation as he was writing to the Colossians.

As a church they were continuing to wrestle with the implications of their new faith and also dealing with the overbearing false teachers. The combination of all of these factors would have been a recipe for division and discouragement. So Paul sent ministers and messengers to “encourage” the Colossians (v. 8).

Encouraging others to serve Christ is a vital part of discipleship and the Great Commission. It’s not about pressuring people—it’s about inspiring, equipping, and walking with them as they discover and use their God-given gifts for His glory. Scripture gives us several clear ways to do this:

*We Must Support One Another

In this text we see people collaborating across many cultural, socio-economic, and racial backgrounds.

These realities and the people mentioned in these verses are the perfect expression of the body of Christ that Paul has repeatedly referenced throughout his letter. As the church, Christ is our “head” and we are his “body” (1:18, 24); and as members of the body of Christ, we are united to him, “nourished and held together” by the supporting “ligaments and tendons” of one another (2:19).

As Paul’s partners with all of their diversity were demonstrating, we are called to operate and support one another as “one body” (3:15).

HOW DO WE GO ABOUT SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER IN MINISTRY? 1. Affirm Their Identity and Purpose in Christ

“You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” – Ephesians 2:10

• Many believers don’t step into service because they don’t see their value or purpose.

• Remind them that they were made for a mission, and God has specifically shaped them to serve.

2. Speak Encouraging Words

“Encourage one another and build one another up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24

Words of affirmation, gratitude, or even a personal “I see this in you” can spark confidence.

Encouragement fuels perseverance, especially in hard or unnoticed service.

A sincere, specific compliment can unlock someone’s willingness to serve.

3. Equip and Train Them

“To equip the saints for the work of ministry…” – Ephesians 4:12

People are more likely to serve when they feel prepared.

Offer tools, training, mentorship, or chances to observe.

Don’t just tell people what to do—show them how, and walk alongside them.

4. Invite Them Personally

A personal ask is often more powerful than a general announcement.

Jesus said, “Follow me.” He didn’t send a sign-up sheet—He invited people personally into mission.

Say, “I think you’d be great at this. Would you consider joining me in it?”

5. Model Humble, Joyful Service

“I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:15

• Faithful examples, not flashy leaders, inspire people

• Show what it looks like to serve with love, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Be the kind of servant who makes others want to join in.

Encouraging others to serve Christ is not about recruiting for roles—it’s about awakening their calling, growing their faith, and building God’s kingdom together.

*We Must Strengthen One Another

Epaphras was not only a servant of Christ and laborer with Paul, he was also one of them. He was a Colossian. Even though he had been sent to strengthen Paul he continued to struggle with the Colossians in prayer. Epaphras prayed two things for them:

(1) That they would stand Mature. (Remember Paul’s end goal of his ministry in Colossians 1:28 was that he would present everyone mature in Christ.) This should be our end goal as well.

(2) That they would be fully assured of God’s will.

In addition to his spiritual labor in prayer, Epaphras also exerted himself through physical labor on their behalf. Colossae was in close geographical proximity to “Laodicea” (cf. 2:1) and to “Hierapolis,” and those cities shared many of the same cultural and commercial characteristics.

Epaphras was likely instrumental in establishing all three congregations and probably continued to exercise some level of pastoral oversight over each.

Illustration: The Mountain Climb and the Rope

Imagine a group of climbers ascending a steep mountain trail. The path is narrow, the rocks are loose, and the air is thin.

At the front, one climber drives a stake into the ground and ties a rope around it. He throws the rope down to the next climber, who pulls themselves up, anchors the rope again, and throws it down to the next. Each person is lifting the one behind them—not carrying them, but making the climb possible.

Without that rope, many would slip, grow tired, or give up. But because someone took the time to serve—to climb, to anchor, to share—others can go further than they could alone.

Point:

When you serve—whether teaching, encouraging, praying, giving, or showing up—you become like that climber: strengthening the faith of those behind and beside you.

Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Application:

Someone may be hanging on by a thread—but your service could be the lifeline that helps them hold on and keep climbing.

As we strengthen one another, we must learn to rely on these same driving forces. We must allow our sincere care for others and for Christ’s church to be a true labor of love (1:24). In addition, the transforming power of the gospel and the glory of Christ must serve as the ultimate motivation for our sacrifice (1:25–27).

3. We Should Empower Others to Serve Christ

In addition to Enlisting and Encouraging others to serve Christ Paul concludes with Empowering others to serve Christ.

Colossians 4:15–18 ESV

Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

The final verse gives us Paul concluding that he is writing this letter with his own hand.

Not only does this give authenticity to his letter it also affirms the doctrinal convictions and instructions that Paul has left for the church. These final verses bring home the great importance the church has to empower others to serve Christ.

Paul is not far off from his martyrdom and knows that for the church to carry on and flourish it takes true genuine servants of Christ to take up the faith and encourage others to faithful service for the kingdom of God.

*We Must Be Faithful to Engage in the Ministry of the Church

There are no Arm-chair Quarterbacks in the Kingdom

Arm-chair quarterbacks in the kingdom of God are good at sitting back surveying the work being done on the field. However, instead of engaging the spiritual battle and actually participating it is easier to give our opinion and advice from our recliner.

Notice that Paul instructs the Colossians to first make sure and read this letter among their people and then to read it among the church at of the Laodiceans.

Not only does this show a mutual collaboration among churches it also may suggest that both churches had some of the same mutual problems with false teachers and cultural hostility.

Remember in Revelation 2:15 the charge against the Leodiceans was that they were neither hot nor cold. They had become passive lethargic Christians who were observing from their recliner of life.

The gospel mission is a global mission. When the Journey Church started in 2012 we had many other local churches that came along side to support the church plant.

The evening before we held our first service in this building we had other churches in here hanging stage lights, helping set up our children’s rooms, and serving selflessly for the kingdom of God.

*We Must Fulfill the Ministry of our Calling

The individual responsibility of every believer to the church at large is highlighted in Paul’s final words of commendation. He directs an admonition to Archippus that could easily be addressed to every believer: “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it” (v. 17).

Archippus was the receiver of the letter to Philemon. The term ministry does not give any qualifiers of a specific ministry, but the ministry but the gospel ministry in general.

To ensure that we fulfill the ministry we have received from Christ, we must approach it with intentionality, dependence on God, faithfulness, and perseverance. Paul’s charge to Archippus in Colossians 4:17—“See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord”—is a call that applies to every believer. Ministry isn’t something we create; it’s something we receive from Christ—and we are stewards of it.

CONCLUSION

Here are seven essential ways to fulfill your God-given ministry:

(1) Recognize That the Ministry Is From Christ

“…the ministry that you received in the Lord.” – Colossians 4:17

“We are God’s fellow workers…” – 1 Corinthians 3:9

• Your ministry is a sacred trust, not self-assigned.

• It’s not about what’s impressive, but what’s been entrusted.

Ask: “Lord, what have You called me to do in this season of Life?”

(2) Stay close to Jesus, the source of your calling.

“Abide in me… apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” – 1 Thess. 5:24

Ministry is sustained not by talent, but by intimacy with Christ.

Without communion with Him, we may work for Jesus without walking with Him.

Make prayer, Scripture, and worship your daily fuel.

(3) Be Faithful with What You’ve Been Given

“It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2

You don’t have to do everything—you just need to do what God has assigned to you.

Don’t compare ministries; complete yours.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

(4) Keep an Eternal Perspective

“Let us not grow weary… for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Ministry can be thankless, hard, and slow.

But the true reward is eternal, not immediate.

Serve with heaven in mind, not just results in hand.

(5) Rely on God’s Power, Not Your Own Strength

“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” – Colossians 1:29

You are not enough—and that’s freeing.

God supplies what you need for what He’s called you to do.

Surrender daily. Pray before striving. Trust His provision.

(6) Keep going even when it gets hard

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

• The call is not to flashy success, but to faithful endurance.

• Jesus finished His work on the cross (John 19:30)—and now He empowers you to finish yours.

Don’t quit. Your faithfulness may impact more than you ever see.

You don’t fulfill your ministry by accident—you fulfill it by daily surrender, faithful obedience, and ongoing dependence on Christ.

Illustration: The Child with the Broken Toy

A father watches his young son playing with a favorite toy car. One day, the boy accidentally breaks it. In frustration and tears, he clutches the broken pieces in his little fists, refusing to let go—even when the father kneels down and says, “Give it to me. I can fix it.”

The child cries louder and holds the pieces tighter. “No! It’s mine! I don’t want to lose it!”

But the longer he holds it, the more the sharp edges of the broken toy start to hurt his hands. Still, he won’t let go.

Finally, the father gently says,

“Son, I can’t fix what you won’t release.”

When the boy finally opens his hands, his father takes the pieces, lovingly repairs it, and gives it back—whole.

Point:

Many of us come to God with clenched fists—holding tightly to our plans, our pain, our pride, or our control.

But God invites us to come with open hands—ready to surrender, trust, and receive, and serve faithfully in the ministry.

What are you holding so tightly today that God is asking you to release?

What healing, peace, or direction might come if you opened your hands in trust?