Giving to the Lord

[1] Title

Prayer

In this letter Paul has taken head on false teachers by establishing the sovereign lordship and complete sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

He refuted their philosophies.

He walked them through the powers of Christianity.

Showed them the true character of a Christian person.

Showed them how the Gospel will and must affect all relationships.

Given them practical advice for living in a lost world.

Now, he turns to some personal matters.

[2-13]

Colossians 4:7–18 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. 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. 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.

[14] Title

Tychicus: to tell of Paul’s activities, faithful minister and servant, sent with the letter so you know how they’re doing and encourage your hearts.

Onesimus: faithful brother who is one of you.

Aristarchus: fellow prisoner greets you

Mark the cousin of Barnabas: welcome him

Epaphras: struggling in prayer for you to be mature and assured. He works hard for you, I’ve seen it!

Hello from Luke and Demas.

Archippus: “See that you fulfill the ministry that you received from the Lord.”

Paul: Remember my chains.

Common denominator: These men and women served the Lord how they were designed to and that changed many lives.

[15] Song: Thank You for Giving to the Lord by Ivan Parker