Colossians 4:7-11 "Reconciliation"

Read Colossians 4:7-11.

"My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas." NIV

Paul is giving his final greetings as he closes this letter to the church at Colosse. Casually read, no lessons may seem to pop out from these last twelve verses. However, I've found six lessons I think we will focus on over the next few days. It's amazing what you can learn from goodbyes.

Paul sends greetings from Mark. Now what is interesting about this is Paul and Mark had a fallout previously. You see Mark referred to as Mark, John Mark, and John. They are all the same person that wrote the second gospel, Mark, and is the cousin of Barnabas. If you look in Acts 13:13, John Mark leaves the missionary group to go back to Jerusalem. There is speculation about his reasons for leaving. Some think he left because he was homesick for Jerusalem, while others believe it was because of change of the plan due to Paul's illness or change of leadership from Barnabas to Paul. Whatever the reason was, Paul seems to have taken it personally. In Acts 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas get into a disagreement about Mark joining them. Paul is so against Mark coming because "he had deserted them in Pamphylia" that Barnabas takes Mark and goes one way while Paul takes Silas and goes another.

They have obviously worked out their differences by the writing of this letter and also the letter to Philemon, where Paul sends his greetings from Mark. In fact, five years later in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul instructs Timothy to "get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry."

So what do we learn from this relationship between Paul and Mark? Three things -- sometimes others will seem to desert us; some will work to restore relationships; there is always the hope of reconciliation.

One thing I've learned in the ministry is that because people are at various levels of commitment to Christ, some will stay through thick and thin and some will go. Mark obviously was struggling on some level. Maybe he and Paul had a personality conflict or maybe he really was homesick. Some people will just push through the personal feelings to accomplish the mission. But not everyone is capable of or at the right place in their life to do that. And we as believers need to give the grace needed at that time for them to work through their "stuff."

Barnabas (the Encourager) worked hard to restore Paul and Mark's relationship. He defended Mark and tried to show Paul the value of bringing him along. But Paul had lost some trust in Mark and his devotion to the mission. I can't blame Paul. Having been "burned" before, I can understand not wanting to jump into the fire again. But sometimes, we need to listen to those around us to give us a better, less personal, perspective on a situation. Barnabas was that voice. But Paul needed more time.

We don't know how the reconciliation happened, but by this letter and the letter to Philemon, Mark was back to work with Paul as a valued ministry partner. There is always hope to reconcile a relationship if both parties are willing to compromise a little. Paul needed to afford a little more grace, and Mark needed to step up to the plate. Evidently, they met in the middle. For those of us who are all about the ministry at whatever cost, it's difficult to give grace to those who just don't seem to get it. Sacrifice is always involved to accomplish something worthwhile, and self-centered thinking will get in the way every time. On the other hand, we need to let people walk their own journey -- some taking longer than others. Hopefully, somewhere down the line, we are working together for the common goal of the kingdom. It will just take patience and perseverance to get there.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read through the various passages sited, as well as, some of the book of Mark to get a better perspective on the situation.
2. Are you sold out to the mission of Christ or still dragging your heels? You will not find a perfect ministry, but you can determine to work hard, remain loyal, and stay true to the ministry you are in. The main goal is reaching people for Christ. Everything else is superfluous.
3. Do you have a conflict with someone in leadership over you? Go to them and talk it out. One part of the body cannot fight another part and the body survive.
4. Are you struggling with dealing with uncommitted believers? Ask God for more grace and then go bring that person alongside of you. Mentor them into a stronger relationship with God and the mission of the Church.

Colossians 3:12-17 "Clothe Yourselves, Part 2"

Read Colossians 3:12-17.

"... clothe yourselves...." NIV

Paul continues to teach us how to live as a member of the body of Christ and in His likeness. God has really been working on me in the area of forgiveness over the last couple of years. We all have people that hurt us at many different levels. Some things we can just brush off; others cause deep wounds that leave ugly scars. The main point to remember is that I'm not perfect; God forgave me; so I should forgive others. Easy words to say, but can be very difficult to live out.

The Word says that all of these virtues should be bound together with love. Love is not an affection, but a choice. This is an agape love -- the same sacrificial love that God has for me. I must live out my life in His love.

Then out of that love wrapped around all those virtues, we can live in the peace of Christ Jesus. Paul is beginning to sound a little like he's calling us to a 60's love fest, but he's right. We can have a peace that passes all understanding. We can forgive as we have been forgiven. We can love with the love that comes from the Father. These are all promises that we can stand on. And in a world of chaos, confusion, and fear why would I want to live any other way? I am thankful that He makes all of these things possible.

So I will hang close to the body -- helping others to grow in the Word and in wisdom, and they will help me. Worshipping together. Living and loving together. All for His honor and glory.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is there someone you need to forgive that you haven't yet? Now is the time. Hurt may remain, relationships may change, but forgiveness is a choice that is possible. Do it in love.
2. Peace is a relative term. Are you living in a state of peace that you have defined or are you taking into account other's perspective of peace and accommodating them? Love would look out for the others over self.
3. Twice in this passage it speaks of "giving thanks." When was the last time you gave thanks to the Father for something other than the meal you were about to eat? Take some time each day to express your thanks to the Father. We have so much to be thankful for.

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?

James 1:9-12 "Humility Through Trials"

Read James 1:9-12.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial." NIV

James 1:9-12 is a continuation of :2-8. James has given direction on trials and our response to them and on wisdom and how to receive it. He then goes back to trials in verse 9. Sandwiched in between is a paragraph on the man of low position versus the one of high position. Why is that?

As I've observed people who have gone through terribly trying times, the ones who do it well possess one very important quality -- humility. They quickly discovered that when you have been broken down into tiny little pieces and all control of your life taken away, haughtiness, pride, and position have no power. When lying flat on your back, you are profoundly made aware of Who is in charge. At least you're very clear about who is not in charge and that is you.

Devastation in life leaves us asking all kinds of questions -- why me? why now? how could this happen? what's the purpose in this? The unsurrendered may start kicking and screaming, spending all their energy and frustration in angry outbursts or lonely depression. But the committed believer fairly quickly recognizes that those posturings will get you nowhere. It is only when we accept our humble position before the throne that God will give the wisdom we need and the peace our heart yearns for to endure trials and come out on the other side a better person and servant of Him.

Trials will come -- that is a fact we can't escape. It's how we handle them that shows our true character. And as a body of believers, we should always lift up those who are going through trials to our Lord in prayer. They need all the support they can get to make wise decisions and stand firm in their faith. I am personally so grateful to my brothers and sisters who have remembered me to Him through difficult times. I have truly "felt" the power of their prayers as the Father has honored their requests for peace, strength, comfort, and wisdom. The bottom line -- not only do we have the Almighty Creator of the Universe on our side, but we have a bountiful supply of brothers and sisters to stand by us. We are not alone and we don't have to do life alone. This is a battle of armies, not single hand-to-hand combat. We must always rely on the body to help hold us up through trials and to remember to be the body to others when they need us.

Further Thoughts:

1. Study some of the Old Testament mentors who came through trials with humility and wisdom. See David, Ruth, Joseph, Job and Hosea to start with.
2. Read through the lyrics of this amazing song.
3. Are you going through difficult times? Humble yourself before the Lord and let Him fill you with His wisdom. Tell your brothers and sisters in Christ. They will help hold your arms up through the battle.

Matthew 12:46-50 "The Body"

Read Matthew 12:46-50.

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." NIV

Jesus isn't saying to leave your biological family, but He is stressing the importance of the spiritual family to the believer.

I met a man at Denny's yesterday who said he is a believer. When I asked where he worships, he held out his arms, looked down at his body and said, "Right here in the temple of the Lord." He is missing out on a very important dynamic of the Christian life.

The body of Christ is a powerful and empowering unit. It is made up of all kinds of people that have all kinds of different abilities. When brought together for a common goal -- to worship the Father and evangelize the world -- they are unstoppable. It's not an accident that we are called the "body" of Christ. Not only are we the physical representation of Christ on earth with Christ as our head, but we work together as parts of a body work together. Ephesians 4:16 says, "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Each part of the body has a job to do and when we all work together, we make up a complete functioning unit.

But besides being a powerful unit that is accomplishing God's goals, the body is an empowering force for each individual. Many people are alone in this journey of Christianity. They don't have family members or close friends that believe. Therefore, the body becomes their family and their support system. They are there in crisis and in triumph. Believers have a unique, commonly-shared challenge of navigating this life as outsiders, and walking together gives each individual a strength to go on. The relationships forged in the body of Christ don't just last for a lifetime, they are for eternity.

Thank you, Lord, for the precious brothers and sisters you have given me from all over the globe. We link arms together to form a bond that can never be broken.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up Scriptures with "the body of Christ." What further insights do you find about the body of Christ and it's function.
2. Compare and contrast Moses and Hebrew children's journey to the promise land with Jesus and the disciples' journey. How did they work as a body? Where did they fail? Which group best represents the body where you are now involved?
3. Where do you fit in the body? If you don't know, you can take a spiritual gifts test that will help get you started by seeing your strengths and weaknesses. Ask your pastor about taking a test. Other believers who know you best can also help guide you. But ultimately, you need to seek the Lord to show You where He is at work and wants you to join Him.
4. Are you currently a part of a body of believers? If not, tomorrow is Sunday! Find a group and worship with them. It's not only a benefit, it's a command. And for good reason. You don't have to stand alone -- there's a body that needs you and you need them.