Investing in Others: Building the Kingdom Together

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound teachings of Paul in Colossians 4:7-15, emphasizing the importance of investing in others for the kingdom of heaven. Paul, writing from prison, highlights the significance of enlisting, encouraging, and empowering others to serve Jesus. This passage, often overlooked as a mere farewell, is a strategic model for building the body of Christ. Paul demonstrates that our mission is not to build personal kingdoms but to expand the army of heaven by investing in people, regardless of their background or status.

Paul's letter to the Colossians serves as a reminder that the next generation and all believers are not just the future of the church but its present. By enlisting young people and others into active roles, we affirm their value and potential in advancing God's kingdom. This investment is not about what individuals can produce but about caring for their souls and connecting them to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

The message also challenges us to break down barriers that divide us, such as ethnicity or political affiliations, and to see each person as valuable in God's eyes. Paul commends both Jews and Gentiles, illustrating that the church is a diverse body united in Christ. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a call for us to embrace and affirm each other's intrinsic worth.

Furthermore, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone in our sphere of influence. This mission requires us to enlist others as ministers and messengers of the gospel, empowering them to fulfill their God-given calling. Paul's dedication to this mission, even in chains, serves as an inspiring example of unwavering commitment to Christ and His people.

As we reflect on these teachings, we are encouraged to examine who we are enlisting, encouraging, and empowering in our own lives. Are we actively raising up others to follow Jesus and fulfill their ministry? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to enlist or re-enlist in the army of heaven? Let us be inspired by Paul's example and commit to advancing the kingdom of God through intentional investment in others.

Key Takeaways:

- Invest in People, Not Production: Our primary focus should be on the spiritual well-being of others rather than what they can produce for us. This means caring for their souls and connecting them to Jesus' life-changing power, which ultimately leads to genuine service and surrender. [44:20]

- Break Down Barriers: Paul emphasizes the importance of unity within the church by commending both Jews and Gentiles. We are called to see beyond societal divisions and affirm the intrinsic value of every individual, recognizing that diversity is a strength in the body of Christ. [57:07]

- Be Ambassadors of Reconciliation: As followers of Jesus, we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, bridging the gap between humanity and God. Our mission is to share this good news with everyone, inviting them to experience a restored relationship with the Father through Christ. [51:55]

- Empower the Next Generation: Young people are not just the future of the church; they are its present. By enlisting and empowering them, we affirm their role in advancing God's kingdom and ensure that the mission continues through them. [41:55]

- Commit to the Mission: Paul's dedication, even in chains, reminds us of the importance of unwavering commitment to Christ's mission. We are called to enlist, encourage, and empower others, fulfilling the ministry God has given us and connecting people to Jesus. [01:01:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [38:20] - Introduction to the Series
- [41:55] - Investing in the Next Generation
- [44:20] - Enlisting Others for the Kingdom
- [47:13] - The Importance of Spiritual Conversion
- [48:55] - Caring for Souls Over Production
- [49:21] - Service and Surrender
- [51:19] - Onesimus: A Story of Transformation
- [51:55] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation
- [55:11] - Encouraging Others to Serve
- [57:07] - Breaking Down Ethnic Barriers
- [58:31] - Questioning Intrinsic Value
- [01:00:05] - Unity in Diversity
- [01:01:40] - Empowering Others for Ministry
- [01:04:09] - Who Are You Enlisting?
- [01:06:38] - Invitation to Enlist or Re-Enlist

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 4:7-15

Observation Questions:
1. What roles do Tychicus and Onesimus play in Paul's letter to the Colossians, and why are they significant? [51:19]
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the early church, and what does he emphasize about their unity? [57:07]
3. What does Paul mean when he talks about enlisting others into the "army of heaven"? [44:20]
4. How does Paul demonstrate his commitment to investing in people, even while he is in prison? [41:55]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of investing in people rather than focusing on what they can produce? How does this reflect Jesus' teachings? [48:55]
2. What barriers does Paul challenge the Colossians to break down, and how does this relate to the church today? [58:31]
3. How does Paul's example of enlisting and empowering others serve as a model for us in our own lives and communities? [01:01:40]
4. In what ways does Paul encourage the Colossians to be ambassadors of reconciliation, and what does this mean for us today? [51:55]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Who are you currently investing in for the kingdom of heaven? How can you be more intentional in enlisting, encouraging, and empowering them? [41:55]
2. Are there any societal or personal barriers that you need to break down to see others as valuable in God's eyes? How can you take steps to overcome these barriers? [58:31]
3. How can you become an ambassador of reconciliation in your community? Identify one person or group you can reach out to with the message of reconciliation this week. [51:55]
4. Consider the next generation in your church or community. How can you actively empower and involve them in advancing God's kingdom? [41:55]
5. Reflect on Paul's dedication to his mission even in chains. What challenges are you facing that might be holding you back from fully committing to your ministry? How can you overcome them? [01:01:40]
6. Think about someone in your life who may feel undervalued or overlooked. What specific actions can you take to affirm their worth and encourage them in their faith journey? [57:07]
7. How can you ensure that your focus remains on the spiritual well-being of others rather than what they can produce for you? What changes might you need to make in your approach to relationships? [48:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Invest in Souls, Not Production
In a world that often values productivity over people, the teachings of Paul in Colossians remind us to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others. Paul emphasizes that our focus should be on caring for the souls of those around us, connecting them to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This investment in people is not about what they can produce for us but about nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging genuine service and surrender to God. By doing so, we contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom, not through material gains but through the spiritual enrichment of His people. [44:20]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you invest in spiritually today, and how can you help them connect more deeply with Jesus?

Day 2: Unity in Diversity
Paul's message to the Colossians challenges us to break down the barriers that divide us, such as ethnicity or political affiliations. He commends both Jews and Gentiles, illustrating that the church is a diverse body united in Christ. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating that diversity is a strength in the body of Christ. By affirming the intrinsic value of every individual, we reflect God's love and embrace the richness that comes from our differences. This call to unity invites us to see beyond societal divisions and to recognize each person as valuable in God's eyes. [57:07]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: What barriers do you need to break down in your own heart to embrace the diversity within your community of faith?

Day 3: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
As followers of Jesus, we are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, bridging the gap between humanity and God. This mission calls us to share the good news of Jesus with everyone in our sphere of influence, inviting them to experience a restored relationship with the Father through Christ. Being ambassadors of reconciliation means actively working to heal divisions and bring people closer to God. It requires us to enlist others as ministers and messengers of the gospel, empowering them to fulfill their God-given calling and to spread the message of hope and redemption. [51:55]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of reconciliation today, and how can you be an ambassador of Christ's love to them?

Day 4: Empower the Present Generation
Paul's letter to the Colossians serves as a reminder that young people and all believers are not just the future of the church but its present. By enlisting and empowering them, we affirm their role in advancing God's kingdom and ensure that the mission continues through them. This investment in the next generation is crucial for the growth and vitality of the church. It involves recognizing their potential, encouraging their spiritual development, and providing opportunities for them to serve and lead. By doing so, we help them fulfill their God-given purpose and contribute to the flourishing of the body of Christ. [41:55]

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support and empower a young person in your church or community to take on a more active role in ministry?

Day 5: Unwavering Commitment to the Mission
Paul's dedication to the mission of Christ, even while in chains, serves as an inspiring example of unwavering commitment. We are called to enlist, encourage, and empower others, fulfilling the ministry God has given us and connecting people to Jesus. This commitment requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to be intentional in our efforts to advance the kingdom of God. By following Paul's example, we can remain steadfast in our mission, trusting that our efforts will bear fruit for the glory of God. [01:01:40]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to renew your commitment to God's mission, and who can you enlist to join you in this journey?

Quotes

1) "Because what Paul is doing through this passage is he is teaching us the importance of breathing life and investing into not just the next generation, but anybody we would enlist into heaven's army. And so here's the deal. If you've been in this place for any amount of time, what you've seen is you've probably seen teenagers carry camera equipment that is really expensive and we pray by God's grace that they don't break it. You've probably seen slides go up and what you don't know, is nine times out of 10, there's a teenager that's doing it in the back. There's teenagers that are serving next door and kids. And what we believe truly is that like teenagers, students, kids are not the church of tomorrow, they're the church of today." [41:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Paul is investing in people. He takes the last bit of this letter to invest in people. And what Paul communicates to us as the body of Christ is he's like, he's like, hey, I need you to know and understand that you're not trying, you're not trying to build your kingdom. You're not trying to build a company. You're not trying to build your status. You are trying to build as a follower of Jesus, the army of the kingdom of heaven. You are trying to rob hell and increase the population of heaven. And that are, those are your marching orders." [44:20] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And so enlisting starts with conversion, enlisting somebody to connect to the life -changing power of Jesus Christ is where it starts. And ultimately what that is saying to somebody is that you care more for their soul than what it is that they can produce for you. And this is tough. This is hard for me because I'm a type A box checker, strategic thinker and planner. And I'm trying to figure out how the person that I enlist can produce. Can they produce at a high level? Can they provide the resources that are needed? Are they going to be able to do it? to work out for the team. And Jesus, through Paul, is communicating. He's like, first and foremost, you need to make sure that they are connected to the life -changing power of Jesus Christ. You care more for their soul than you do what it is that they can produce for you." [48:55] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And Paul's dedication to the mission and his personal investment in others, it attracted, it attracted, willing servants who wanted to partner with him. Our dedication and care for people is ultimately attractive. It draws people in. And so is your passion for Jesus attractive to other people? Is anyone following you? Is there anybody that you can look in the eyes and you can say, follow me as I follow Jesus? Is there anybody that you can do that with?" [51:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "The crazy thing is that the same categories used by the world for segregation become useful to Jesus for affirmation. The things that would divide us, God, God literally in this letter is using to unite them. Paul is using by the power of the Holy Spirit to unite the body. He is taking the things that naturally divide them, divide their culture, and he is using it to bring them together. In addition to enlisting and encouraging others to serve Jesus, Paul demonstrates the responsibility that we have to empower others to serve Jesus." [01:00:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Jesus empowered others to serve him as Peter and the disciples began to understand who Jesus really was and his true identity. Jesus began to introduce them to the plan to establish the church as his new community that would be full of both Jews and Gentiles. And then he promised them the Holy Spirit of God and he empowered them and now us to fulfill the ministry of our calling with his presence that now lives in us. Jesus was and forever will be our greatest example. And so now it's our turn. It's our turn to enlist people, to enlist people, to enlist people, to encourage people, to empower people, to fulfill the ministry of the calling in which we believe God has given us to ultimately connect people to him." [01:02:50] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?