Colossians Part Fourteen

By Johnny Angel

Colossians 4:[7] Tychius is the dear friend, who faithfully works and serves the Lord with us, and he will give you the news about me. [8] I am sending him to cheer you up by telling you how we are getting along. [9] Onesimus, that dear and faithful follower from your own group, is coming with him. The two of them will tell you everything that has happened here. [10] Aristarchus is in jail with me. He sends greetings to you, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have already been told to welcome Mark, if he visits you. [11] Jesus, who is known as Justus, sends his greetings. These three men are the only Jewish followers who have worked with me for the kingdom of God. They have given me much comfort. [12] Your own Epaphras, who serves Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He always prays hard that you may fully know what the Lord wants you to do and that you may do it completely. [13] I have seen how much trouble he has gone through for you and for the followers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. [14] Our dear doctor Luke sends you his greetings, and so does Demas. [15] Give my greetings to the followers at Laodicea, especially to Nympha and the church that meets in her home. [16] After this letter has been read to your people, be sure to have it read in the church at Laodicea. And you should read the letter that I have sent to them. [17] Remind Archippus to do the work that the Lord has given him to do. [18] I am signing this letter myself: PAUL. Don't forget that I am in jail. I pray that God will be kind to you (CEV).

Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him (Colossians 3:17, CEV).
This passage captures much of what I learned during the student week that I went to with the Baptist Student Union. The theme of our conference was the "whatever" found in Colossians 3:17. We studied and learned about how God can use us to build up His kingdom through many careers and occupations. The key is that "whatever" we do is to be done for the glory of God.

Verses 7 and 8 talk about Tychius. He delivers messages and cheers people up. Onesimus, found in verse 9, has set a great example. He also delivers messages and cheers people up. Aristarchus and Paul have found themselves in jail because they share the good news of Jesus Christ. Even as jailbirds, they can encourage people by sending out these letters. Paul writes them and Aristarchus adds his greetings. This may be an area where God can use some of you. You may not have the transportation to participate in all your church or campus ministry activities. Your schedule may be tight. But you can write letters of encouragment, make phone calls, or send email to help other believers and to witness to nonbelievers.

Mark, Justus, and Aristarchus all encourage Paul. Perhaps your gift is encouragement. Maybe God wants to use you to encourage somebody. In verses 12-13, we find out about Epaphras. He is a faithful servant and church worker. He is willing to go through lots of trouble to get God's work done. And most importantly, he is a prayer warrior. He prays for people to know and understand the will of God. Luke is a doctor. He can help the missionaries and the church people when they are sick. He can help the needy who may not even have placed their faith in Christ. Demas doesn't appear to have a special occupation. But he has taken the time out to say hi and offer encouragement.

Verse 16 mentions passing the letter on to another church. We should certainly use whatever God has given us to help God's people wherever they are. We are all working together no matter where God has placed us.

Verse 17 mentions Archippus needing a reminder to do his work. At times God will ask all of us to push and encourage someone in their walk with God. God will also send people to push or encourage our faith. He has sent several people to push and encourage me. I did not appreciate some of them at first, but now I really appreciate the help they gave me. In the same way, God has also asked me to go talk to people. It is not easy to do, but if you do it with love and motivation from God, it will all work out.

Paul closes reminding the church to pray for him. He notes that he is praying for them.

Colossians closes showing how that God can use people everywhere to do His work. He can use teachers, doctors, news reporters, fast food workers, and "whatever, whoever, wherever" to get the job done. The key is that we are available to let Him use us.

As our study of Colossians draws to a close, I wish to pass on some advice that God has been speaking to me lately through the Bible, Christian music, as well as several ministers and Christian friends. The book of Colossians has had much to do with showing me this. "Whatever" it is that you do, do it well. Don't do so many things that you aren't doing a good job at your main ministry. Every Christian has a ministry of allowing God to work through their lives. We are all given talents and abilities that should be used for God. Through prayer, we can learn our talents and abilities. God can show us where He can use us best. We must then give 100% at what we do. Don't say "yes" to every opportunity there is to serve God. Say "yes" to the things that God tells you to do as you pray. Say "no" to the things you know you shouldn't do. However, don't say "no" just to avoid doing anything for God. I am writing this because there are several big ministry projects that local churches and campus ministries have asked me to participate in. However, saying "yes" to these projects will prevent me from doing this email ministry and a few other things that God has already told me to do. I am learning to say "no" without feeling guilty. I pray for each of you to serve God passionately doing "whatever" you are good at doing!

N Prayer, Johnny <*}}}><