Setting – Paul list those people who partner or assist him with his ministry
Content – Tychius and Onesesimus (previous slave to Philemon) will inform the Colossians of Paul circumstances (v. 9b NASB) “They will inform you about the whole situation here.” Paul and Aristarchus were imprisoned during this writing. Mark, once of poor standing with Paul, is now working aside him in ministry, (v. 10 NASB) “and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)” Epaphras could have been the whole reason Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians, (v. 13 NLT) “I can assure you that he has agonized for you and also for the Christians in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” This letter was to be circulated (v. 16 NLT) “After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.”
Application – Paul lists those fellow workers that partner or assist him in the ministry. Paul relied on these people to communicate what we wanted and to help him in his ministry. Even though Paul previously didn’t want Mark, Mark is now assisting him.
Are you part of the team of believers that are partnering for the kingdom of God? Can this be said of you (or me) “they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God” or “I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you” I feel that we have lost the church (as a whole) mentality. We are getting lost in the details and might be missing the vision. The vision is to go throughout the world and make disciples. I’m not sure we feel that we are part of the bigger plan anymore. I feel that this is difficult because the local church is working through its own difficulties, which dilutes its overall purpose.
One major missing element is the focus on discipleship. The imparting of personal overseeing of individual is missing from the modern day church. One can come to church and leave without ever encountering exhortation from another individual believer. Church seems to be more of an event for rather than a home for believers. Are pastors imparting their experience and insights to their staff? Is there one-on-one between pastors and others? Are the staff imparting to the volunteers? I’m speaking to the level of accountability, not weekly group meetings.
Accountability requires personal contact (Prov. 27:6 NASB) “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” and the only way iron gets sharpened is through contact with iron (Prov. 27:17 NASB) “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” So in order for one person to sharpen another, is through contact.
This concept was clearly understood in Jesus’ time. A child would live with a Rabbi for a few years starting at age 12. The Rabbi would father the child, instructing, demonstrating, etc. daily. This is how a new Rabbi would grow up in the ministry. Jesus circle was the 3, then the 12 and then the 70. Once Jesus left, the 12 were responsible for instructing the 70, which would instruct the multitudes.
Discipleship is deteriorating.
Content – Tychius and Onesesimus (previous slave to Philemon) will inform the Colossians of Paul circumstances (v. 9b NASB) “They will inform you about the whole situation here.” Paul and Aristarchus were imprisoned during this writing. Mark, once of poor standing with Paul, is now working aside him in ministry, (v. 10 NASB) “and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him)” Epaphras could have been the whole reason Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians, (v. 13 NLT) “I can assure you that he has agonized for you and also for the Christians in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” This letter was to be circulated (v. 16 NLT) “After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.”
Application – Paul lists those fellow workers that partner or assist him in the ministry. Paul relied on these people to communicate what we wanted and to help him in his ministry. Even though Paul previously didn’t want Mark, Mark is now assisting him.
Are you part of the team of believers that are partnering for the kingdom of God? Can this be said of you (or me) “they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God” or “I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you” I feel that we have lost the church (as a whole) mentality. We are getting lost in the details and might be missing the vision. The vision is to go throughout the world and make disciples. I’m not sure we feel that we are part of the bigger plan anymore. I feel that this is difficult because the local church is working through its own difficulties, which dilutes its overall purpose.
One major missing element is the focus on discipleship. The imparting of personal overseeing of individual is missing from the modern day church. One can come to church and leave without ever encountering exhortation from another individual believer. Church seems to be more of an event for rather than a home for believers. Are pastors imparting their experience and insights to their staff? Is there one-on-one between pastors and others? Are the staff imparting to the volunteers? I’m speaking to the level of accountability, not weekly group meetings.
Accountability requires personal contact (Prov. 27:6 NASB) “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” and the only way iron gets sharpened is through contact with iron (Prov. 27:17 NASB) “Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” So in order for one person to sharpen another, is through contact.
This concept was clearly understood in Jesus’ time. A child would live with a Rabbi for a few years starting at age 12. The Rabbi would father the child, instructing, demonstrating, etc. daily. This is how a new Rabbi would grow up in the ministry. Jesus circle was the 3, then the 12 and then the 70. Once Jesus left, the 12 were responsible for instructing the 70, which would instruct the multitudes.
Discipleship is deteriorating.
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