Introduction

 

I.        The book of Colossians emphasizes that we are “complete in Christ” (Colossians 2:9).

II.       To be “complete in Christ”, or “perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:28), is certainly to be the goal of every Christian.

III.      Paul’s closing comments to these brethren provides a practical illustration of how each serves in a different capacity to achieve the common good.

A.       He expressed the “theory” to the Ephesians (Ephesians 4:11-14).

B.       His comments on these individuals shows the theory put into practice.

C.      Let’s examine the role of those who backed up Paul.

 

Text

 

I.        The men who were messengers (verses 7-9).

A.       Tychicus (verses 7-8).

B.       Onesimus (verse 9).

C.      Because of men like these, the influence of the apostles was able to spread much faster and farther than if they were by themselves. 

II.      The men who were comforters (verses 10-11).

A.       Aristarchus (verse 10a).

B.       Mark (verse 10b).

C.      Jesus, called Justus (verse 11).

D.      No man can produce what they are capable of producing, unless they receive the right kind of encouragement.

1.       Barnabas (the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36)) encouraged John Mark after he’d made a mistake and turned him into a profitable servant.

2.       Paul had encouraged many as well as they grew into profitable servants of Christ.

3.       And now all of these were encouraging Paul and enabling his work while he was awaiting trial before Caesar.

III.     The man who prayed (verses 12-13).

A.       Epaphras, the man responsible for starting the church at Colossae (Colossians 1:7-8).

B.       Epaphras, a man of prayer.

IV.     Two men of contrast (verse 14).

A.       Luke, the “beloved physician”.

B.       Demas, the backslider.

 

Conclusion

 

I.        Demas serves as a sober reminder of the need to remain steadfast to the end (Revelation 2:10).

II.       All of the others in this passage remind us that the spread of the gospel during the first century was not accomplished through the efforts of the apostles alone.

A.       It was greatly assisted by humble men and women willing to serve as “God’s Second String”.

B.       If the gospel is to spread today, there is also a need for “God’s Second String”!