We're All in This Together

We’re All in This Together Colossians 4:7-18 February 2, 2020 KEY VERSES: Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 1:28; 2:6, 8-9; 3:1-2; 4:5-6 Christian Friends Are Like Family • Christian Friends Are Willing to Suffer and Help Bear Your Burdens (v. 10) Aristarchus à “fellow prisoner” Acts 19:29 Acts 27:2 THE BIG IDEA: Paul’s typical closing of his letter teaches us much about Christian friendship. There are distinct qualities that are experienced in Christ-centered relationships that are the resul t of knowing and walking with Jesus. Paul lived by grace and calls all Christians to do the same. Colossians 4:7-18 (ESV) 4 7 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), 11 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. 10 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. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 12 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 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. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 15 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. 18 Christian Friends Will Transcend Racial, Ethnic, and Economic Differences Luke is a physician. Onesimus is a runaway slave. Three are Jewish and the rest Gentiles. Nympha (v. 15) is a woman. Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 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. (Colossians 4:7-9) “Family” is the Biblical expectation of how Christians are to see and treat one another. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Christian Friends Forgive and Give Each Other Another Chance (Colossians 4::10) • • The story of John Mark Acts 16:36-40; 2 Timothy 4:11 Christian Friends Pray for One Another and Encourage One Another in Their Walk With the Lord (Colossians 4:12-13) • • • Epaphras “agonizes” in prayer for them. His heart for them is that they “stand mature and fully assured in the will of God.” “He has worked hard for you” Christian Friends Encourage One Another to Stay in the Race and Complete the Work (Colossians 4:17) • Stay with it. Don’t stop short of the finish line. Christian Friends Live By Grace (Colossians 4:18) • • Paul’s need is to know they pray for him to know God’s grace in his circumstances of being in chains. His desire for them is that they live and move in God’s grace.