THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS
(Team Ministry - January 15, 2023)
Series Big Idea: "Humanity is only complete in God the Son"
Sermon Big Idea: “The local Church is a team committed to serving Christ“
Key Scripture (Colossians 4:7-18)
It has been said that twenty percent of all church members perform 80 percent of the labor, while 80 percent come, enjoy the benefits, and never get involved. I believe in our local body of believers it is more like 50/50. We are an exceptional fellowship! But the fact remains, this principle is sadly true. Have you ever imagined what it would feel like if 80 percent of your body were paralyzed? Sure, you could still lead somewhat of a productive and normal life, but you would obviously be limited in what you could do. The same goes for local churches. They can limp along with only 20 percent of their body functioning but how much more effective would they be for the gospel if their members were fully engaged in serving Christ by using their God-given spiritual gifts?
This final passage we are going to unpack in the book of Colossians could be easily overlooked because it seems like Paul is closing his letter by thanking a few people by saying some kind words like he always does. But there is so much more in this passage.
(Colossians 4:7-18)
Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful servant, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcision are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a slave of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always contending for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. 13 For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. 16 When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” 18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
Paul was a gifted man, but he wasn't a one-man show. Around him was a crew of committed Christians. This passage shows us Paul’s team and how God used them. Paul offers just one verse to desire and greed, one to wrath, one to wives, one to husbands, and one to fathers in this brief epistle. He spends the remaining 12 verses discussing various people with him and in Colossae. Paul wasn't alone in this. He worked with others. What can we learn about Christian ministry and the team that surrounds it from these verses?
1. The church is a Team Effort
As I said, Paul wasn’t a one-man show. He depended upon many other individuals who were vital to the ministry. There was Tychicus who was a Gentile from Asia and Onesimus a slave whom Paul called his beloved brothers and faithful servants. He also mentions Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, and Epaphras who was probably converted while Paul was in Ephesus. There was also Luke, who is the only Gentile author in the New Testament and Demas. Paul knew that God gifted every member of the body of Christ to serve Him (Romans 12:3) (1 Corinthians 12:7) (Ephesians 4:7) (1 Peter 4:10). Riding the bench is not one of the gifts of the Spirit. As for us, we must find where and how God wants us to serve and get to work.
2. The team includes all Ethnicities and Social Classes.
Paul talks about Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus in our text. These three men were his only coworkers "from the circumcision," which means they were Jews. The rest of the people he named were probably not Jews. In the first century, there was a big gap between these groups because of their races, but Christ closed that gap.
Paul urged the church to have his letter read to the entire congregation (Colossians 4:16). It could have been that others in Colossae were not able to read, but they were a part of the church. So, it was a mixed group that included Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, and educated and ignorant. I encourage you as the Church to reach out and make friends with those who come to this church whom you would not typically befriend.
3. The team is the Family of God
Paul was once a strict Jew, even having a prejudice against Gentiles. But Christ changed him and now he considered Tychicus and others his faithful servants and fellow bondservants in the Lord. They served along with him. They all served the Lord together. This is true of everyone who is a believer today. It is Christ we serve. Whatever capacity you serve in this church you do it to serve Christ. This team is not a one-man show, it is a group effort. It is men, women, children, different cultures, and different backgrounds all serving in the family of God!
4. The team members are Not Perfect
Paul’s friend Mark failed him in the beginning, but he ended up as a faithful servant. At the end of Paul’s ministry, he is right there serving by his side (2 Timothy 4:11). If you’re serving the Lord, don’t be shocked if some of your coworkers disappoint you. Judas betrayed Jesus, and the other eleven fled Him when He was arrested. Demas disappointed Paul. The reality is that we will all fail each other at times. Let’s look to the Lord and remember that people may fail us by God never will!
Conclusion:
A young reporter once asked Bud Wilkinson, coach of the powerful Oklahoma Sooner football team, “Coach, how has the game of football contributed to the health and fitness of America?” To the reporter’s shock, Wilkinson responded, “It has not contributed at all!” “What do you mean?” stammered the reporter. Wilkinson said, “I define football as 22 men on the field, desperately needing rest, and 22,000 fans in the stadium, desperately needing exercise!”
That is not how the church should be described! Every member of the local church should be committed to serving Christ. If you've put your trust in Him, you're on the team and not just sitting on the bench. Christianity is not something to watch. He wants you to join the game! Use what you have, to help the Lord. As you do these things, this church will become more like Christ.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
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