Christ and the Rhythm of Partnership

  

 

The Preeminent Christ -16

TITLE: Christ and the Rhythm of Partnership

TEXT: Colossians 4:7-18

THESIS: Paul's companions demonstrate the importance of having partners in ministry. Everyone should be included.

 

In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's letters, we see a variety of individuals who played vital roles in his ministry, reflecting different aspects of Christian life and community. Each of these individuals helps illustrate core principles of faith and service.

 

Core Principles

 

1.        The Church needs servants and supporters like Tychicus.

Explanation: Tychicus means “fortuitous” or “fortunate.” Indeed, he was fortunate to have ministered alongside Paul for many years. He is mentioned five times in the New Testament, and although these references are brief, they paint a rich portrait of the man.

 

We first meet Tychicus in Acts 20:4, where he is mentioned as one of the companions who accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem. In Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7-8, Paul refers to Tychicus as a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. He is tasked with delivering these letters, demonstrating his role as a key communicator and supporter of Paul. Later, in 2 Timothy 4:12, Paul mentions sending Tychicus to Ephesus, indicating his trust in Tychicus to handle important duties in the church.

 

Tychicus is portrayed as a faithful and trustworthy companion. His role went beyond mere assistance; he actively shared knowledge and offered encouragement among the early Christians. He exemplifies the importance of reliability and a heart dedicated to serving others. His example encourages believers to cultivate a servant attitude within their own communities. Tychicus's commitment to the church and to Paul highlights the essential nature of partnership in ministry.

 

His willingness to travel with Paul to Jerusalem illustrates his servant's heart. Such a journey was not to be taken lightly, as travel in the ancient world was far more difficult and dangerous than today. The trip to Jerusalem would be arduous, taking Tychicus away from his family, friends, and church for an extended period. Although Paul was repeatedly warned that trouble awaited him in Jerusalem, Tychicus remained steadfastly by his side.

 

He was with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome, and after Paul’s release, Tychicus remained with him. When Paul needed a temporary replacement for Titus as pastor of the church in Crete, Tychicus was among those considered (Titus 3:12). Starting as a messenger, Tychicus was now a candidate to serve as a temporary replacement for an esteemed leader like Titus.

 

At the end of Paul’s life, during his second Roman imprisonment, Tychicus was still by his side. Facing imminent execution, Paul wished to see Timothy one last time. Since Timothy could not leave his congregation in Ephesus without a replacement, Paul sent Tychicus (2 Timothy 4:12). Once again, Tychicus’s name appears as a potential replacement for one of Paul’s prominent associates.

 

2.        The Church needs individuals with transformed lives like Onesimus.

Explanation: Onesimus’s past was marked by significant moral failings and a life of disobedience, as he was a runaway slave who fled from his owner, Philemon. The Apostle Paul introduces Onesimus in his letter to Philemon, highlighting his status as a slave who had not only escaped but also likely stolen from Philemon during his flight (Philemon 1:18).

 

In the context of the Roman Empire, such actions were serious offenses, as they carried legal implications and exposed slaves to harsh penalties if caught. Onesimus’s decision to run away reflects not only a desire for freedom but also a rejection of his responsibilities. However, this sinful background becomes a powerful narrative of transformation when Onesimus encounters Paul in prison.

Under Paul’s mentorship, Onesimus undergoes a powerful spiritual transformation. Although a runaway slave, Paul describes him as our faithful and beloved brother. When a person comes to faith in Christ, the past is no longer an issue. Onesimus was a testimony of the power of God to change a person’s life.

 

Onesimus, once a runaway slave, represents the power of grace and redemption. His transformation from a life of sin to one of obedience illustrates how individuals can be renewed and forgiven through Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder of the hope available in the gospel, showing that anyone, no matter their past, can embrace a new identity in Christ.

 

3.        The Church needs individuals with courageous hearts like Aristarchus.

Explanation: Aristarchus was a Jewish believer, though like many Jews of the Diaspora, he had a Greek name. He first appeared during Paul’s three-year ministry at Ephesus. He was seized by the rioting mob, who recognized him as one of Paul’s companions (Acts 19:29). He accompanied Paul on his return trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4), and on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:4). It is possible he stayed with Paul throughout his imprisonment.

 

Tradition has it that he was martyred by Nero.

 

4.        The Church needs individuals who seize opportunities like Mark.

Explanation: Mark, also known as John Mark, initially accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. However, during this journey, Mark faced significant challenges and ultimately decided to return to Jerusalem, leaving Paul and Barnabas. This early departure was viewed as a lack of commitment and courage, leading to a rift between Paul and Barnabas when they planned their second missionary journey.

 

When Barnabas suggested taking Mark along again, Paul expressed strong reservations due to Mark’s prior abandonment. This disagreement was so intense that it led Paul and Barnabas to part ways; Barnabas chose to take Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his companion.

 

Despite this rocky start, Mark’s story did not end there. Over time, he experienced significant growth and transformation. By the time of Paul’s letters, Mark had become a valuable asset to Paul. In Colossians 4:10, Paul mentions Mark as Barnabas's cousin and urges the recipients of the letter to receive him if he comes their way. Additionally, near the end of his life, in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul requests that Mark be brought to him, noting that Mark is “useful to me.”

 

5.        The Church needs faithful witnesses like Justus.

Explanation: Not much is known about this man. Overall, there was little response from the Jews to Paul’s ministry. The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem rejected his message and denounced him to the Roman authorities. Even those who did believe were hesitant to do so publicly.

 

However, Justus was willing to leave his people to stand with Paul, demonstrating his strong commitment. He showed courage by standing beside Paul when others would not. He stands as a firm example of someone who remains strong when others are not.

 

6.        The Church needs prayer warriors like Epaphras.

Explanation: Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church, and he most likely was its current pastor. He had journeyed to Rome, bringing Paul news of the dangerous heresy threatening the churches of the Lycus Valley.

 

Paul wrote that Epaphras was ‘always laboring earnestly in prayers.’ Laboring earnestly is from agonizomai, from which we get the word ‘agonize.’ His dedication encourages others to cultivate a spirit of prayerfulness and devotion, recognizing that spiritual battles are often fought on our knees.

 

 

 

 

 

7.        The Church needs specialized servants like Luke.

Explanation: Luke was Paul’s personal physician, as well as his close friend. He was a Gentile believer who traveled frequently with Paul on his missionary voyages. It may, in fact, have been Paul’s recurring illness on the first missionary journey that prompted him to take Luke along on the second. Like Paul, he was an educated, cultured man, as evidenced by the literary quality of his Greek in the gospel and the Book of Acts.

 

Luke is mentioned by name only twice in the New Testament. All three times his name appears, it does so in Paul’s writings from prison (Philem. 24; 2Tim.4:11). After joining Paul on his second missionary journey, he was with him for most of the remainder of Paul’s life.

 

Luke, referred to as a physician, is emblematic of a dedicated servant with a passion for God’s work. His loyalty to Paul and his commitment to documenting the life of Christ and the early church highlight the value of using one's skills for the sake of the gospel. Luke encourages believers to identify and cultivate their unique gifts for serving others and advancing God’s kingdom. Luke was the prototype of the medical missionary. Give God what you have and watch Him use it for His glory.

 

8.        The Church needs generous hostesses like Nympha.

Explanation: Nympha shows us what it means to be welcoming and generous by opening her home to others. Her house became a gathering spot for fellow believers, underscoring the importance of creating spaces for connection and community within the church. Nympha’s example encourages us to be hospitable and work on making places where people can come together, learn from each other, and grow in their faith. Let's follow her lead and think about ways we can open our homes or lives to foster that sense of community!

 

9.        The Church doesn’t need cautionary figures like Demas.

Explanation: Here is the fly in the ointment. Demas had made substantial commitments to the Lord’s work and was with Pal in both of his imprisonments. Unlike the others, he did not end well. Paul records the tragedy of Demas’s desertion in 2Timothy 4:9-10, “Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.” The pull of the world eventually became too irresistible for Demas.

 

Demas represents the dangers of allowing worldly distractions to lead one away from faith. His departure from Paul serves as a warning against the temptations that can sidetrack believers. This example serves as a sobering reminder to maintain focus on spiritual commitments and to remain vigilant against the allure of a worldly life that can divert us from our true purpose.

 

TAKE-AWAY: Paul concludes by calling Archippus to take heed and fulfill his ministry. To fulfill our ministry is what the Lord expects of all of us. Together, these figures paint a rich tapestry of what it means to live out one’s faith in community. Each person highlights different facets of a vibrant Church -serving, forgiving, praying, restoring, witnessing, and being generous. Their stories encourage us today to embrace true partnership for the cause of Christ.

 

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