The Command to Archippus

Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

Who is Archippus? Some say he was Philemon’s son, a missionary Pastor to the Church of Colosse.

Philemon 1: 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: NIV

I have shared before about the levels of relationship. Brother, Fellow worker, Fellow Soldier, and fellow prisoner. Archippus was important to the work in Colosse because he was a fellow soldier. He carried a role that was a protecting, advancing role. His walk with God and his ministry had a greater affect on the people of this city and church than others.

See to it (you have the responsibility to get it done)

Look out for dangers…

Dangers?
What kind of things could be dangerous to the work being completed?

Distraction, temptation, sin…

Demas was a fellow worker

2 Timothy 4:10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. NIV

· Another famous co worker

Matthew 26: 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. NIV

one of the Twelve
went to the chief priests
“What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?”
thirty silver coins

What is your price to sell Christ?
How about the plan for your life?

From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

See to it!

Make the decision for change. Don’t be like someone tossed back and forth on every wave of opinion, or influence.

That you complete the work

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning.

The thing you hoped for…

Superstar material? Why is this entertaining? Many watch to see those that fail and those that succeed.

No investment * Not in touch with reality

Beginnings can be exciting or they can be discouraging.

Music lessons? An area of study? An investment, savings, marriage?

Only then will you really know what God was making.

Underside of a tapestry.
You may feel like a worm, a caterpillar, but believe me when it is all over you will be beautiful. A butterfly like no other.

The work you have received in the Lord.

This focuses us even more on what is important in our lives.
How many of you believe that God has a plan for your life?

Do you believe that it’s a good plan?

If I give you a blueprint for a beautiful house, what would you do with it?

I would show everyone that I have a plan.

What would others expect to see if they visited you years later? You living in the house, right?
Can you live in a plan? No!

What has the Lord given YOU to do?

Nothing?

Maybe it was something small and we didn’t do anything with it. * Back to the example of the house.
What are the first steps?
Resources and materials to build with.

2 Peter 1: 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. NIV

Jesus is the cornerstone; he is the only foundation that we can build our lives on. Any other foundation is made of sand and we will see over time the lives crumbling as the storms of life come.

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. NIV

Hebrews 12: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. NIV

Come let’s rise up and finish what God has given us to do.