Building Community Through Service and Encouragement
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the concluding verses of Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on the themes of hard work, service, encouragement, and the interconnectedness of the Christian community. Paul emphasizes the importance of every member in the church, not just the prominent figures, but also the reliable, consistent workers who contribute to the church's life and growth. This is akin to a football team where the stars get the attention, but the team’s success relies on the consistent players who show up every week. Similarly, in our church, the music, the fellowship meals, and other activities don't just happen; they are the result of dedicated service by many individuals.
Paul's letter to the Colossians is primarily aimed at guarding them against false teachings and guiding them on how to live their new life in Christ. He makes it clear that man-made religion and rules have nothing to offer; in Christ, believers have everything they need. As Paul concludes his letter, he gives us a glimpse of what genuine Christian fellowship looks like. This fellowship is not just about shared intellectual truths but about visible, genuine relationships within the church. Paul thanks God for the love and life in the church at Colossae, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is about relationships within the body of Christ, the church.
Paul also highlights the importance of encouragement and comfort within the church. He asks the Colossians if they can be encouragers, just as Tychicus was sent to encourage their hearts. Encouragement is a two-way street; while we often need it, we should also be ready to give it. Paul himself received comfort from his fellow workers, showing that even the great apostle needed encouragement. This mutual encouragement strengthens the bonds within the church and between different churches.
Paul's instructions to the Colossians include welcoming Mark, despite his past failures, and sharing letters with the church in Laodicea. This shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the importance of maintaining these connections. Paul also commends various individuals for their service, highlighting the value of each person's contribution to the church. He mentions Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, and others, showing that Paul worked with a team and valued their contributions.
Epaphras is particularly highlighted for his dedication to prayer and his desire for the Colossians to stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. This is a reminder of the importance of prayer and perseverance in our Christian walk. Paul challenges us to wrestle in prayer, to put in consistent effort, and to hold on to God, much like Jacob did. The goal is to present everyone fully mature in Christ, rooted and built up in Him.
Finally, Paul emphasizes that the church is not a building but a community of believers who are connected in real, living relationships. He mentions various individuals and their roles, showing that the church is a collective of people working together for the kingdom of God. This interconnectedness extends beyond individual churches to the broader Christian community, encouraging us to maintain our connections and support one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Consistent Service: Just as a football team relies on its consistent players, the church thrives on the dedication of its members who serve faithfully in various capacities. These roles, though often unnoticed, are crucial for the church's growth and functioning. We should be grateful for those who serve and strive to contribute in the roles God has given us. [27:48]
2. Encouragement and Comfort in the Church: Paul emphasizes the need for mutual encouragement and comfort within the church. While we often seek encouragement, we should also be ready to give it. This mutual support strengthens our bonds and helps us grow together in faith. Encouragement is not just a one-time act but a continuous effort to uplift one another. [29:26]
3. Interconnectedness of Christian Communities: The early Christian communities were closely linked, sharing letters and supporting one another. This interconnectedness is vital for the church today as well. We should maintain our connections with other churches and believers, supporting and encouraging each other in our faith journeys. [24:27]
4. The Role of Prayer and Perseverance: Epaphras is highlighted for his dedication to prayer, wrestling in prayer for the Colossians to stand firm in all the will of God. This challenges us to be persistent in our prayers, interceding for others and striving for spiritual maturity. Prayer is not just a personal act but a communal responsibility that strengthens the church. [31:14]
5. The Church as a Community of Believers: The church is not a building but a community of believers connected in real, living relationships. Paul mentions various individuals and their roles, showing that the church is a collective of people working together for the kingdom of God. This interconnectedness extends beyond individual churches to the broader Christian community, encouraging us to maintain our connections and support one another. [04:36]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - The Fellowship of the King
[02:58] - The Body of Christ
[03:41] - Truth and Life Together
[04:36] - Interconnected Churches
[05:40] - Relational Words
[06:35] - Paul's Team
[07:19] - Onesimus' Challenge
[09:02] - Aristarchus' Dedication
[09:43] - Mark's Restoration
[10:37] - Jews and Gentiles United
[11:22] - Breaking Down Divisions
[12:26] - Luke the Doctor
[13:17] - Demas' Weakness
[14:17] - Women in Service
[15:05] - Archippus' Ministry
[15:51] - Paul's Personal Touch
[17:20] - Formal Greetings
[18:40] - Personal Commendations
[20:11] - Appropriate Commendations
[21:49] - Importance of News
[23:05] - Keeping Connections
[24:27] - Welcoming Mark
[25:28] - Sharing Letters
[26:06] - Persevering in Ministry
[26:36] - Completing God's Work
[27:14] - Nature of Kingdom Life
[27:48] - Consistent Service
[28:22] - Efforts in Worship
[28:57] - Grateful for Service
[29:26] - Encouragement and Comfort
[30:03] - Paul's Need for Comfort
[30:33] - Giving and Receiving Comfort
[31:14] - Wrestling in Prayer
[31:55] - Goal of Epaphras' Prayer
[32:36] - Fully Mature in Christ
[33:27] - Growing Up in Faith
[34:04] - Praying for One Another
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 4:7-18
- Colossians 1:11-12
- Colossians 2:6-7
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the roles and contributions of the individuals Paul mentions in Colossians 4:7-18? ([06:35])
2. How does Paul describe the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities in his letter? ([04:36])
3. What does Paul say about the importance of encouragement and comfort within the church? ([29:26])
4. How does Paul highlight the role of prayer and perseverance through the example of Epaphras? ([31:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of consistent service within the church, and how does he compare it to a football team? ([27:48])
2. How does the mutual encouragement and comfort within the church contribute to its overall health and growth? ([30:33])
3. What does Paul mean when he talks about the interconnectedness of Christian communities, and why is it vital for the church today? ([24:27])
4. In what ways does Epaphras' dedication to prayer challenge us to be more persistent in our own prayer lives? ([31:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the roles you currently serve in within the church. How can you be more consistent and dedicated in these roles, similar to the reliable players in a football team? ([27:48])
2. Think of a time when you received encouragement from someone in the church. How did it impact you? How can you be an encourager to others in your church community? ([29:26])
3. How can you strengthen your connections with other believers and churches, both locally and globally? What practical steps can you take to maintain these relationships? ([24:27])
4. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more persistent and intercessory prayer, following the example of Epaphras? ([31:14])
5. Identify one person in your church who serves faithfully but may often go unnoticed. How can you show appreciation and support for their service this week? ([28:57])
6. Reflect on any past failures or mistakes you have made. How can you seek restoration and continue to serve, as Mark did? ([09:43])
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your church is a place of genuine relationships and mutual support, rather than just shared intellectual truths? ([01:50])
Devotional
Day 1: The Unsung Heroes of the Church
The church thrives on the dedication of its members who serve faithfully in various capacities. These roles, though often unnoticed, are crucial for the church's growth and functioning. Just as a football team relies on its consistent players, the church relies on the consistent service of its members. These individuals may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions are invaluable. We should be grateful for those who serve and strive to contribute in the roles God has given us. Recognizing and appreciating these unsung heroes can inspire others to step up and serve as well. [27:48]
1 Corinthians 12:22-25 (ESV): "On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church who serves faithfully behind the scenes. How can you show your appreciation for their service this week?
Day 2: The Power of Mutual Encouragement
Paul emphasizes the need for mutual encouragement and comfort within the church. While we often seek encouragement, we should also be ready to give it. This mutual support strengthens our bonds and helps us grow together in faith. Encouragement is not just a one-time act but a continuous effort to uplift one another. Paul himself received comfort from his fellow workers, showing that even the great apostle needed encouragement. This mutual encouragement strengthens the bonds within the church and between different churches. [29:26]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your life could use some encouragement today? How can you reach out to them and offer words of support and comfort?
Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Christian Communities
The early Christian communities were closely linked, sharing letters and supporting one another. This interconnectedness is vital for the church today as well. We should maintain our connections with other churches and believers, supporting and encouraging each other in our faith journeys. Paul’s instructions to the Colossians include welcoming Mark, despite his past failures, and sharing letters with the church in Laodicea. This shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and the importance of maintaining these connections. [24:27]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you strengthen your connection with another believer or church community this week? What steps can you take to foster unity and support?
Day 4: Wrestling in Prayer for Spiritual Maturity
Epaphras is highlighted for his dedication to prayer, wrestling in prayer for the Colossians to stand firm in all the will of God. This challenges us to be persistent in our prayers, interceding for others and striving for spiritual maturity. Prayer is not just a personal act but a communal responsibility that strengthens the church. Paul challenges us to wrestle in prayer, to put in consistent effort, and to hold on to God, much like Jacob did. The goal is to present everyone fully mature in Christ, rooted and built up in Him. [31:14]
Colossians 4:12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Who can you commit to praying for this week? How can you make your prayers more intentional and persistent for their spiritual growth?
Day 5: The Church as a Living Community
The church is not a building but a community of believers connected in real, living relationships. Paul mentions various individuals and their roles, showing that the church is a collective of people working together for the kingdom of God. This interconnectedness extends beyond individual churches to the broader Christian community, encouraging us to maintain our connections and support one another. The kingdom of God is about relationships within the body of Christ, the church. [04:36]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationships within your church community? What practical steps can you take to foster a sense of belonging and support among your fellow believers?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You might need encouragement, quite often. But turn the question around the other way. Can you give encouragement? As Paul encourages the Colossians. He gives encouragement to the Colossians through Tychicus, it says in verse 8. Tychicus comes to encourage your heart. He says, could you be an encourager? Could you be an encourager to others?" [29:26]
2. "Could you be a comfort to others? Everybody needs comfort. Paul himself says that he needs comfort. These Jews, among my fellow workers, verse 11, have proved their comfort for me. Paul needs comfort. The great apostle. Yes, he does. And if Paul does, then we'll all need comfort, surely, won't we? But we can give comfort as well as receive it. And a good way to get comfort, a good way to get government encouragement, is to give it. As Jesus said, it's more blessed to give than to receive. So, let's look to give encouragement and comfort as well as receive it when we need it." [30:03]
3. "Do you sometimes worry that as a Christian, things haven't changed too much over all these years? Do you still sometimes think that there are aspects of your personality, your behaviour, your temperament that are still not Christ-like? I'm still me, not like Jesus. Well, I think the message from Epaphras is, don't give up, grow up. That's the challenge, that we grow up more mature. We don't, oh, it's not worked, I can't do it, I'm useless." [33:27]
4. "The church isn't a place. It's not a building. It's people who come together. Between Colossae and Laodicea, well, they're about 12 miles apart apparently. And Colossae and Hierapolis are about 15 miles apart. So these are churches that are closely geographically linked. And they're linked. And they're linked together, it seems, in fellowship as well." [04:36]
5. "Paul has received comfort. And he writes to encourage the Colossian Christians. You might need encouragement, quite often. But turn the question around the other way. Can you give encouragement? As Paul encourages the Colossians. He gives encouragement to the Colossians through Tychicus, it says in verse 8. Tychicus comes to encourage your heart. He says, could you be an encourager? Could you be an encourager to others?" [29:26]
### Quotes for Members
1. "But when we eat later on together, the lunch table won't lay itself and the food doesn't just appear out of the blue. Someone's had to do it. And that service and keeping going with those sorts of things, they're important in the life of the church. So one thing we can learn from Epaphis is we may not be ministers in the way that he seems to have been, but we can put in, in the effort that he put in, where we can, in the roles that God has given us. And we should be grateful to God for those who play their part and serve well in our church life, wouldn't we?" [28:22]
2. "There's the challenge of our responsibilities, the nature of kingdom life, hard work and service, the blessing, encouragement and comfort of belonging to the church. Then there's the challenge of our responsibilities. The challenge to prayer, to wrestle in prayer, to put in consistent effort, to hold on, to not let go of God, not ease up. A bit like Jacob wrestling with God, if you remember that story. Interceding for other people like Abraham did and Moses did and Paul does and Jesus did. We can read their prayers in the scripture, prayers for others. And if we're honest, we don't pray like that. We don't wrestle in prayer. We don't keep praying consistently for others, do we? We don't do it individually, perhaps. We don't do it as a church, as we should. That's a challenge we need to take up." [31:55]
3. "Paul is sending Tychicus and Anesimus to pass on the news so that the folk in Colossae know what's going on, as we've said, presumably, in Rome. Knowing what's happening with other people is an important part of relationship. That's why we hear about it, even if we don't hear the detail. The detail is not so important for us, but the fact that there is news... Paul is sending Tychicus to pass on a conflict. That there is this interaction. That is important to us. Keeping out connections with other people is not that easy. I'm not very good at it. I'm better with people who are here and now, and people who are further away. Well, it's great when you get to be with them. I'm good at that. When I pick up with old friends. Not that I've got many, but when I pick up with old friends, it's just like we've not been apart." [23:05]
4. "Paul has others with him. And many of those are mentioned in these verses. Paul worked with others. That's important to see. Onesimus in verse 9. Well, he's the runaway slave. That Paul writes to Philemon about. There's that letter to Philemon that encourages Philemon to treat Onesimus well when he returns. The thinking is that Paul is in Rome when he writes the letter to the Colossians. That Onesimus has somehow got to Rome. But he's being sent back to his master. Perhaps he wasn't a believer when he left Philemon. When he ran away. Perhaps he's become a believer. And now he's put his new Christian faith into practice by going back to his master. That's a challenge, isn't it?" [07:19]
5. "And that's the church we want to be, a church where we are aiming not just to come along, not just to learn the facts, not just to learn the truth, but we want to be changed, to be more and more like Jesus. To do that, we have to pray for one another, but we also have to respond to what we hear in God's words. We're to do that together, with all the responsibilities and all the blessings of Christian fellowship. So, do you belong to Pauline? You do? That's great. In Christ, you are part of the church. Let's pray that the Lord will continue to do his work in each one of us, so that we are mature and fully assured in our faith, to his glory and to the blessing of one another." [34:04]
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