Complete the work you have received in the Lord

Complete the work you have received in the Lord Colossians 4:7–18 (NIV84) 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Have you ever driven past a deserted building site where the project stopped before it was completed? Sites like these are testimonies of dreams that died. Why do projects flop? There are so many possible reasons. Here are a few: Maybe they flop because of a lack of vision. Maybe they flop because of a lack of perseverance. Maybe they flop because of a lack of recourses. Maybe they flop because of a lack of accountability. Maybe they flop because of a lack team spirit. Maybe they flop because it was badly planned. Maybe they flop because the people didn’t really want to have it and revolted against it. Business gurus will tell you that modern day investors have a tendency to visualize a project in terms of its returns without estimating the financial and manpower requirements necessary to complete the project. Many a project has died because of this trait among investors. They get halfway and become frightened because of escalating costs and withdraw. Good planning is a key to estimating what it takes to complete a project. To Paul, spreading the Gospel, building the Kingdom of God, became his project. This is what God has called him to focus on. This is what he was passionate about. Since that day on the road to Damascus where Paul met Jesus, his whole life became focused on telling the story of Jesus. Paul did everything in his power to make sure that this project will finish well. Even while he was in jail, he was working hard on making sure that this project was not going to flop. This is what our Scripture reading reveals. When it comes to God’s kingdom and the Gospel of Jesus Paul wasn’t a mere investor in a project. He became a passionate building partner, in this project of building God’s Kingdom. He became a dynamic and productive proclaimer of Jesus’ Gospel. Acts and Paul’s letter show clearly that Paul planned well to make sure that his part of project would end well. However, it also reveals that he didn’t just spend time planning. He worked hard to make sure that the plan to complete this kingdom-building and gospel-proclaiming project was put into practice. In the true sense of the word he became a great Gospel entrepreneur. Why am I saying this? You see entrepreneurs understand that they cannot do everything themselves. All really great entrepreneurs understand their need to have detail-oriented people around them to do all the things they cannot do. Wise entrepreneurs have learned to complement their weaknesses with those who can help them achieve their vision. This is exactly what Paul did. Successful Christian Faith and Ministry is a Team Effort Friends, here in his final greeting to the Colossians Paul reveals his approach building God’s kingdom. With this list of names Paul reveals to us that kingdom-building projects, and gospel-proclaiming project are never meant to be solo operations. In this list of names—Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nymphas, and Archippus, Paul highlights ten people who became co-workers, fellow servant, members of his kingdom-of-God building-team, who at that stage bought into this building project. Now, apart from John-Mark and Luke, how many of these names are known to you? It is rare to hear their names, isn’t it? But I’m sure that each of them had their own unique story. They all had their distinctive faith and ministry journeys. Yes, they all their own joys and sorrows. We know so little about them. But the little that we know reveals a lot about them, about Paul, about how God operates and about how we should operate when we become fellow kingdom-builders, building God’s kingdom where He has placed us. Come and consider with me what we know about them and the support they gave firstly to Paul, secondly to the people of their time and finally to Christianity per se. Colossians 4:7–8 “Tychicus” – Tychicus, as the bearer of the letter, is the first co-worker mentioned. Tychicus was originally from the province of Asia of which Ephesus was the capital. Paul appreciated his commitment and support greatly. Friends, we find five referrals to Tychicus in Scripture (here, Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21-22; 2 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 3:12). The most important thing Scripture reveals to us about Tychicus is that he was someone that Paul could trust. He was entrusted with taking this letter to the Colossians, and also tasked to do the same with the letters to the Ephesians and to Philemon. Paul sent him to explain his circumstances to the churches of Asia Minor so that they might know how better to pray for him and rejoice with him. Paul cited Tychicus for leadership skills, or were they “followship” skills? Tychicus followed well—with love, faithfulness, and a servant’s heart. He was a team player who made an impact, but not by independent action. He receives the highest praise a Christian can receive. Like He is called: “a dear [literally: beloved] brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” (Colossians 4:7). Paul sent Tychicus with this letter encourage the Colossians with news about him and his team. Tychicus would give the believers news about Paul that Paul did not include in this letter. Paul trusted Tychicus, making good use of his freedom and faithfulness to continue the ministry of the gospel while Paul was imprisoned. So, he said to them: “I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:1–3 and Colossians 4:8 “I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.” The Colossians needed to understand that what happened to Paul and to the gospel should assure them of God’s sovereignty and care. This was Tychicus’ message of encouragement to them: He told them that Paul continued to faithfully spread the gospel in spite of his imprisonment. Colossians 4:9 “Onesimus” – Paul identifies Onesimus simply as a “faithful and dear brother” (see also Philemon 16) and as “one of you,” without mentioning any ministerial role. He offers no explanation of how he had contact with him. However, the letter to Philemon explains to us that Onesimus was a runaway slave converted in prison by Paul. After his conversion Paul sent him back to his Christian master, Philemon, who lived in Colossae. He requested that Philemon accepts Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. Philemon honoured his request and sent him back to serve Paul; and now Onesimus returns home again. Although Onesimus is not described as a “faithful minister and fellow servant” as Tychicus is, Paul clearly identifies him as a Christian brother. This is his new identity in Christ, not as the slave of Philemon. In many ways this tension between slave and free was an effective test of genuine Christian love. Colossians 4:10 “Aristarchus” – Is a Jewish Christian about whom we know little. However, he is mentioned 3 times in Acts – (19:29; 20:4; 27:2). These passages reveal that he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica. He braved the riotous uproar in Ephesus with Paul. He travelled with Paul to Jerusalem where he was taken prisoner with Paul and sent to Rome. Aristarchus and Epaphras rotated in voluntarily sharing Paul’s quarters and his captivity, though they were not charged with any crime. They did that because the felt responsible for his well-being. Strength and loyalty are the virtues behind this quick greeting from Aristarchus. He had gone to jail with Paul for Christ’s sake, had stood up under the danger of riot at Ephesus, and had sailed with Paul to Rome to face imprisonment. Others might plea-bargain or claim that they acted under duress. Aristarchus would bear the cost of discipleship with cheerfulness and hope. Faith that cares for others, that greets people never met, that sticks close to friends in trouble—because of Jesus—is worth finding, a treasure brighter than diamonds and just as tough. Jesus promises that we’ll find faith that stands firm under riots and threat of prison when we give him our whole heart. This brings us to John-Mark: “Mark, the cousin of Barnabas”. He was a well-known person in the first Christian community. It was in John-Mark’s home that Jesus shared the Lord’s Supper with his disciples. It was also in their Upper Room that Jesus appeared after His resurrection (Acts 12:12). He was the cause of a great disagreement between Barnabas and Paul after their first missionary journey. John Mark had gotten off to a great start. He accompanied Barnabas and Paul on an exciting missionary journey and saw God do amazing things. For whatever reason, however, he left them in the middle of their work, and Paul refused to team up with the young man again (Acts 12:25; 13:5; 13:13; 15:36–39). Paul was very angry with John Mark for leaving the first mission team. Why this change of heart? However here Paul says: “If he comes to you, welcome him”. Paul wanted the Colossians to know that he had confidence in Mark. Mark is no longer a cause for dispute. They reconciled. According to 2 Timothy 4:11 Paul told Timothy that Mark is very helpful to him and his ministry. He has become a source of comfort as a co-worker. So, it is clear that Paul’s opinion of Mark changed. Mark went on to minister once more with Barnabas, his cousin, and eventually wrote the Gospel of Mark. He was also the friend and scribe of Peter (Ephesians 5:13). He accepted the challenge of ministry—difficulties and all—and ended up a winner. Many believers fail to end well because they mistakenly think that God’s call to personal ministry depends on their skill level. None of us are adequate in ourselves, any more than any of us can save ourselves. Throughout our lives we must glorify God, and that means depending on Him from beginning to end. Colossians 4:11 “Jesus who is called Justus” “Jesus” and “Joshua” are derived from the Hebrew terms “Yahweh” and “salvation” and are the same in Hebrew (Matthew 1:21). It appears that he was better known by his Roman name, Justus, rather than by his Hebrew name. Many Jews at that time had a Roman name in addition to their Jewish name. This Justus might be unknown to us but God knows him. So, Jesus Justus was a Jew who apparently kept up the mission to reach Jews, and was still was supporting Paul, who reached Gentiles. Any good Jew of Paul’s day regarded Gentiles as lowlifes, dogs, dirt. Jews did not associate with those Gentiles. It was not proper. To like them was to be a pervert. The same could have been said at one time about Jews in Europe or blacks in the South or Indians on the western frontier. “Good people” kept their distance. Yet Jesus Justus was both a co-worker and a comfort to Paul. The men listed in verses 7–11 were all Jewish believers (according to their names). Paul says: “They have proved to be an encouragement to me” The term “encouragement” literally means “relief of pain.” This Greek word is the source of the English medicine “paregoric.” Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras” He was founder of the church at Colossae (1:7) “Always labouring earnestly for you” makes it appear that Epaphras had been criticized for neglecting his work. Like Onesimus Epaphras was a Colossian. Epaphras was converted in Ephesus under Paul’s teaching (Acts 20:31). He then, had returned to Colossae, where he had founded the church there and probably the churches in Hierapolis and Laodicea as well. Later, he visited Paul in Rome, perhaps to get the apostle’s advice on dealing with the false teachers. His report to Paul caused Paul to write this letter. Like Paul and Tychicus, Epaphras was a servant of Christ Jesus, who had been responsible for the missionary outreach to these cities. Colossians 4:14 “Luke” – He was Paul’s close missionary companion and physician. Paul called him is “dear doctor”. Luke had spent much time with Paul. He had accompanied Paul on most of the third missionary journey. He also remained beside Paul through this imprisonment, as well as Paul’s final imprisonment (see 2 Timothy 4:11). The good doctor certainly had helped with Paul’s health (especially after the beatings Paul received during his travels, as well as other ailments that plagued Paul in prison). Luke was also a prolific writer, authoring the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Since Paul had explained that the only three Jewish Christians with him were Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, it has been assumed that Luke was a Gentile or a Greek-speaking Jew. “Demas” While at this point Demas is Paul’s faithful companion, some time later he would turn his back on his apostolic friend because he “loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10). Finishing well does not happen by accident. Colossians 4:15 “Nympha” – We know nothing of this person. Yet, Paul made a point of greeting her and the people who fellowshipped in her house. Colossians 4:17 “Archippus” – was the pastor of the house-church (Philemon 2). He could’ve been a son of Philemon. The early leadership positions were functions performed by local gifted believers, and were not seen professional careers or offices. It is possible for the main character to come through with impact at centre stage only if the backup crew are performing well. Paul called upon the members of the church to encourage Archippus to complete some task that he had been given. Archippus may have been ministering to the church in Epaphras’ absence and needed special encouragement in the job as he dealt with the false teaching. He may have been ministering in some specific capacity and needed to be nudged. Or he may have been involved in the acceptance of Onesimus on this newly converted slave’s return to Philemon’s household. In any case, Paul singled out Archippus for making sure his job was completed. Paul saw nothing wrong in challenging believers to attempt more in ministry and to go beyond their current level of achievement. These heroes of the faith, mostly unsung and unknown, are celebrated by Paul and we are inspired. This Advent we are reminded that on the ship of the church there are no passengers; all are members of the crew. The church is not a brass band, but a whole philharmonic or symphonic orchestra. Each one of us is a different instrument making an irreplaceable sound – the sound that God wants us to make. Added to the sounds of others, the symphony of the Gospel of Jesus – God with us – is lived and shared with the world. You say that you have a vision for a work that God has called you to do here in Penguin. Each of us has some special work or ministry to which the Lord has assigned us. To what has God called you? Do you know the particular mission He has carved out for you? How are you working to fulfil it? Christians belong to one another in a fellowship of mutual love, prayer, instruction and service. It is undesirable, and ultimately impossible, for any individual Christian or church to ‘go it alone’ and imagine they have nothing to gain or learn from other Christians and churches. Today I encourage you and challenge you to identify what you will need to achieve success and to persevere pursuing your kingdom-building project. My challenge to you is the same Paul’s to Archippus: Complete the work you have received in the Lord. We can easily get side-tracked morally, we can become exhausted and stop, we can get mad and quit, or we can let it slide and leave it up to others. Don’t fall into these traps. See to it that you finish God’s assignments; completing the work you have received.