Colossians 4:7-18
Always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. – Colossians 4:12b
Click to read passage
In today’s passage, we see that Paul has reached the end of his letter to the Colossians; he begins to include personal notes and introductions to conclude it. His choice of words and language contains some instructive lessons for all of us about the Gospel.
Firstly, he introduces the concept of Gospel partnership. Paul, despite currently being under house arrest, remains the leader and key figure in the missions to the Gentiles. His writings also show that he is clearly the one with the greatest wisdom and understanding of the Gospel. Despite this, there is no hint of superiority or suggestion of a solo practice when Paul introduces his more unknown co-workers. In fact, Paul not only acknowledged their faithful ministry but also appreciated the different roles they play within the overall team. This is seen not only in their labours for the Colossians and the Gospel but also in the mutual encouragement that Paul has also received from them, like in v11 when he writes “…and they have proved a comfort for me”.
As believers, are we part of the Gospel partnership, or are we happily going about with our individual Christian lives? “Don’t disturb me, because to share or partner means vulnerability?” We need to re-evaluate that we are not subconsciously going “solo” in our Christian walk. Ask yourself: Who or where are my team of supporters/comforters/co-workers if I were to come up against a roadblock in my life, both spiritual and physical?
Secondly, Paul also displays the Gospel perspective. We can see that, in his introduction of his fellow workers, Paul is effusive in his praise. We all know that no one is without faults. Yet Paul unhesitatingly describes his fellow workers in such a positive light. I would like to highlight Onesimus, mentioned in v9 as a prime example. Paul describes Onesimus as “our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.” (v9b). We should remember at this point that Onesimus’ status is still that of a runaway slave, and therefore a criminal, condemnable to death by the Roman system. But Paul clearly does not choose to describe him as such. The choice of Paul’s words is, therefore, to me a clear demonstration of the grace of God and its resultant differing perspective.
What about us then, brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we have the Gospel’s perspective? When we see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, what is our response? When I face troublesome circumstances in my life, what is my perspective? For example, when I meet with a socially difficult situation in church, e.g., when I face a single parent or a divorcee in church, what is my reaction?
Lastly, Paul, in his conclusion and also throughout the letter of Colossians, has demonstrated the Gospel’s priority. In his letter to the Colossians, up to this conclusion and introduction, Paul’s focus has been on the believers at Colosse: their encouragement, their edification and their endorsement. Paul could have written about himself… his house arrest, his shipwreck, his miraculous healing from a snake bite, but he didn’t. From start to end, it is all about the well-being of the Colossians. The epistle begins with “…Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” (Col 1:1b) and ends with “…Grace be with you.” (Col 4:18b). The focus has been on the well-being of the Colossian church.
What is the focus and priority of my life? Am I more concerned with my own life than with the Gospel’s priorities? Paul’s wonderful conclusion to the book of Colossians is truly apt in conveying the true meaning of the partnership, perspective, and priorities of the Gospel message. Let us ask ourselves: how much of that is in our lives currently?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank you for this wonderful epistle written to the Colossians. Thank you for the many lessons it has taught. Thank you for the example of Paul and his many co-workers in their tireless efforts for the sake of the Gospel. Remind and teach us, O Lord, of the Gospel’s partnership, perspective and priorities. Forgive us for our failings. Forgive us if we unknowingly choose the solo Christian life rather than partnership with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Forgive us when we fail to see people and situations as you do, and would want us to do likewise. Forgive us when we set our priorities higher than yours. Help us to incorporate these values more and more into our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In today’s passage, we see that Paul has reached the end of his letter to the Colossians; he begins to include personal notes and introductions to conclude it. His choice of words and language contains some instructive lessons for all of us about the Gospel.
Firstly, he introduces the concept of Gospel partnership. Paul, despite currently being under house arrest, remains the leader and key figure in the missions to the Gentiles. His writings also show that he is clearly the one with the greatest wisdom and understanding of the Gospel. Despite this, there is no hint of superiority or suggestion of a solo practice when Paul introduces his more unknown co-workers. In fact, Paul not only acknowledged their faithful ministry but also appreciated the different roles they play within the overall team. This is seen not only in their labours for the Colossians and the Gospel but also in the mutual encouragement that Paul has also received from them, like in v11 when he writes “…and they have proved a comfort for me”.
As believers, are we part of the Gospel partnership, or are we happily going about with our individual Christian lives? “Don’t disturb me, because to share or partner means vulnerability?” We need to re-evaluate that we are not subconsciously going “solo” in our Christian walk. Ask yourself: Who or where are my team of supporters/comforters/co-workers if I were to come up against a roadblock in my life, both spiritual and physical?
Secondly, Paul also displays the Gospel perspective. We can see that, in his introduction of his fellow workers, Paul is effusive in his praise. We all know that no one is without faults. Yet Paul unhesitatingly describes his fellow workers in such a positive light. I would like to highlight Onesimus, mentioned in v9 as a prime example. Paul describes Onesimus as “our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.” (v9b). We should remember at this point that Onesimus’ status is still that of a runaway slave, and therefore a criminal, condemnable to death by the Roman system. But Paul clearly does not choose to describe him as such. The choice of Paul’s words is, therefore, to me a clear demonstration of the grace of God and its resultant differing perspective.
What about us then, brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we have the Gospel’s perspective? When we see our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, what is our response? When I face troublesome circumstances in my life, what is my perspective? For example, when I meet with a socially difficult situation in church, e.g., when I face a single parent or a divorcee in church, what is my reaction?
Lastly, Paul, in his conclusion and also throughout the letter of Colossians, has demonstrated the Gospel’s priority. In his letter to the Colossians, up to this conclusion and introduction, Paul’s focus has been on the believers at Colosse: their encouragement, their edification and their endorsement. Paul could have written about himself… his house arrest, his shipwreck, his miraculous healing from a snake bite, but he didn’t. From start to end, it is all about the well-being of the Colossians. The epistle begins with “…Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” (Col 1:1b) and ends with “…Grace be with you.” (Col 4:18b). The focus has been on the well-being of the Colossian church.
What is the focus and priority of my life? Am I more concerned with my own life than with the Gospel’s priorities? Paul’s wonderful conclusion to the book of Colossians is truly apt in conveying the true meaning of the partnership, perspective, and priorities of the Gospel message. Let us ask ourselves: how much of that is in our lives currently?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank you for this wonderful epistle written to the Colossians. Thank you for the many lessons it has taught. Thank you for the example of Paul and his many co-workers in their tireless efforts for the sake of the Gospel. Remind and teach us, O Lord, of the Gospel’s partnership, perspective and priorities. Forgive us for our failings. Forgive us if we unknowingly choose the solo Christian life rather than partnership with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Forgive us when we fail to see people and situations as you do, and would want us to do likewise. Forgive us when we set our priorities higher than yours. Help us to incorporate these values more and more into our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.