Colossians 1:7-8 "For the Common Good"

Read Colossians 1:7-8.

"You learned it from Epaphras...." NIV

Yesterday, I accidentally included vs. 7 in the reading. I really must stop and cover 7-8. It may at first read appear to be not much, but there are some very important leadership principles to be learned here.

First of all, who is Epaphras? It is assumed that he was a former pagan. His name is short for Epaphroditus which comes from "Aphrodite" the Greek goddess of love. He obviously heard about Jesus, maybe from Paul's missionary journeys, and became a church planter and evangelist himself. I love when the passion of Christ so grabs a heart that they can do nothing else but work for the kingdom. Now that doesn't negate the work the rest of us non-career ministers are doing. We are all ministers of the Gospel. But there is a special anointing on God's pastors. He has placed a heavy burden on their shoulders, and they are faithful to carry it. Epaphras chose to not only leave his former life and follow Christ, but he became a burden-bearer as well.

Paul calls Epaphras a "fellow prisoner."(Phm 23) Whether he means that literally or figuratively, Paul is placing Epaphras on equal grounds as a minister of the Gospel. Look at the cooperative spirit happening with Paul's writing. Epaphras was probably the founder of this church in Colosse. He tells Paul about the heresy problem the church was happening. Paul, as a fellow servant and minister, writes to Epaphras' church to encourage and admonish them. I love the working-together attitude here. We have all seen that sometimes outside voices can say the very same thing you are saying, but your people suddenly hear the newcomer. My husband loves when someone else comes into our church and speaks on tithing. They just affirm everything he has been saying, and some people will receive it better from an outsider. It's the body of Christ being the body. Everyone doing what they do best so we are all doing our best for the Kingdom of God. Jealousies, pettiness, competition, and pride is set aside for the greater good.

And it's because of Epaphras' faithfulness that the church in Colosse is loving "in the Spirit" of the living God. Because he stepped out in faith, we will be worshipping with Colossians in heaven. Isn't that amazing? The steadfast work of a leader draws others to the throne of the Almighty.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you a leader? Are there principles here that you need to work on?
2. Find Scripture that supports the body working together for the common good of the Gospel. (i.e. Ephesians 4:16)
3. Is there someone you need to help become a better leader? Paul not only was there for his fellow servants like Epaphras, but he also reproduced himself through mentoring. Who will be your replacement when you are gone?

1 Peter 5:1-4 "The Elder's Responsibilities"

Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care...."NIV

Peter is appealing here to the elders among the scattered Christians to lead as God has commanded. What does it mean to be a shepherd? The KJV uses "poimaino" which means: to rule, to nourish, to cherish one's body, to supply the requisites for the soul's needs. An "overseer" was to "look upon, inspect, care for."

We all experience leading others in some way -- in our jobs, our homes, our families.... But the leaders of a church carry a weighty responsibility that many of us don't understand. We tend to honor and revere political leaders. But elders aren't protecting life and property. They are not assuring that economies don't fall or jobs are not lost. Elders are protecting something far more valuable -- souls. It's a job that cannot be taken lightly, but with gravity and reverence. The example to be set for those they are shepherding must be above reproach and the accounting to the Father is strict. It is not a glorious position, but one successful with humility and due diligence. Money and fame are not the earthly or eternal reward. But they will receive their crown of glory in the end. And for those who have run the race well, it will be well deserved.

Further Thoughts:

1. Who are the OT leaders? What did they do well? What did some of them do poorly? What can we learn from them in leading God's people?
   
2. Do you need to thank an elder for their work as your leader? Send a note today and encourage them. The responsibility is usually thankless. They could use your encouragement.

1 Peter 2:13-25 "Respecting Leadership"

Read 1 Peter 2:13-25.

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." NIV

I really looked forward to the inauguration this year, not because I think the savior of our nation is in the White House now, but because I was getting so sick of Bush Bashing. I have not approved of all the presidents I've experienced in my lifetime, but I do my best to respect them as our leader. If they are elected in a democratic system, then the people have spoken, and I will move forward with that decision and support them in every way possible. Not only is this the toughest job out there, but God has allowed that person to be in that office and the Word says that I am to respect them. It doesn't say that I have to agree with every decision they make. It doesn't say that I have to throw parades to support them. It says that I show respect and live my life in honor of the leadership.

I've had some leadership positions, and they are tough. No one can fully understand a particular leadership position until they have walked that walk. Leaders carry a weight on their shoulders that no one else can share. They often have hundreds if not thousands of people they are responsible for. Do they all do it well? No. Are some leaders corrupt? Yes. But that doesn't diminish the responsibility they carry every day.

The Word says that we are to submit. Christ had to submit to corrupt religious leaders and then to the oppressive Roman rule. He was crucified under this kind of authority. And if they had not been in place at that time in Christ's life, God's plan for the salvation of the world could not have happened.

For what ever reason that is beyond our comprehension, God is in control of the authorities that are set in place -- the good and the bad. Probably because we have chosen independence from Him as a people when we chose sin. Therefore, He allows some of our choices to go through. But He can take those choices, however bad they may be, and make good out of them. We may set up systems where the tyrant or the corrupt can lead, but He can take the bad and make something good come out of it. After all, He took Christ from the crucifixion to the resurrection and thus, the redemption of mankind. It all occurred under submission to the authority God had in place.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look back through the OT at the authorities in God had in place. How were even some of the corrupt leaders' decisions brought around for God's good plan?
2. Do you have a problem with showing respect to authority? Why?
3. Do a word study of "loyalty." How does loyalty honor the authorities over us and ultimately, God?
4. How can you better show respect to our present leadership in our country? Your city? Your work? Your home?