From ‘Farewell’ to ‘Let’s Roll!’
Concluding our series on Colossians, Pastor David Rose examines the lives of ordinary people who were used mightily by God. Whether it’s Titus delivering the letter, Epaphras continually wrestling in prayer for the church, or Archippus fulfilling his calling – God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. As you listen, prayerfully consider how God has equipped you to serve and to encourage others.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus gifts ordinary people to do extraordinary work.
- Jesus uses the church to encourage its members.
- Jesus uses the church to expand His Kingdom.
Further Study
- What do we learn about the Gospel’s power to break down barriers between believers? (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-18) Compare Acts 13:13; 15:36-39, and Colossians 4:10. What do you learn about the relationship between Paul and Mark?
- In what ways does Paul commend Archippus’s ministry, and how should this motivate us in light of our spiritual gifts? (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Peter 4:10-11)
- From Paul’s mention of Demas, what warning do we find about the danger of drifting from the hope of the Gospel? Take a minute to read Hebrews 6:19. What is the anchor he talks about? Jot down what you learn from the following passages: Hebrews 2:1; Colossians 1:23; 2:6-7
- What does Paul’s example of requesting prayer and the gospel’s expansion teach us about persevering together through trials? (Galatians 6:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Philippians 1:3-6).
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel that was so powerfully on display through the lives of these ordinary believers is the same Gospel that saves us today. As Pastor David discussed, Paul mentions many “ordinary” men – Greeks and Jews alike – who had been gripped by the risen Savior. Men like Titus, Onesimus, and Aristarchus were empowered to comfort and encourage Paul in his imprisonment, all because of the hope found in Christ. Once enemies of the cross, they were reconciled to God through the blood of the Savior (Colossians 1:20-22).
The Gospel message that Epaphras had proclaimed to the Colossians and for which he continually wrestled in prayer was the “word of truth” – the good news that believers have been rescued from darkness and transferred into Christ’s kingdom through faith in Him (Colossians 1:5-6, 13-14). This gift of salvation is what motivated Paul’s joy despite his chains (Philippians 1).
It is only by anchoring our hope firmly in the finished work of Christ – His life, death, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) – that we can be daily transformed by God’s power at work within us (Colossians 1:11,29). May we never grow cold in our love for the Savior who alone gives us purpose and peace.