JESUS ABOVE ALL DISCIPLES WHO ARE CONNECTED Colossians 4:7-18 We exist to make disciples who are CONNECTED to God and others, GROW to be more like Jesus, and GO in service locally and globally. When we see names in Scripture it reminds us how important it is to be connected to others. Being connected enables us to: serve with others Colossians 4:7-9 We serve with one another as ministers of grace (v. 7-8) - Tychicus is a man with a servant’s heart. (he is named five times in the N T and was a close companion of the Apostle Paul.) We should desire to be described by the Lord and others this way: - dearly loved brother or sister. - faithful minister. - fellow servant. Tychicus is a man with a surrendered heart. (he is being sent (along with Onesimus) and he is always willing to go.) Obedience to God’s call opens opportunities to minister: - encourage the hearts of the believers in Colossae. - deliver a personal word about Paul. We serve with one another as messengers of the Gospel (v. 9) - Consider the honor and privilege it is to deliver God’s Word. We have the opportunity to deliver God’s Word to others: - to those who are in the faith. - to those who are outside the faith. Being connected enables us to: encourage others Colossians 4:10-13 We encourage one another by supporting others. (v. 10-11) - Aristarchus / John Mark / Jesus Justus were a comfort to the Apostle Paul. - We support each other when we serve together. - We support each other when we stay together. We encourage one another by strengthening others. (v. 12-13) - Epaphras is an example of faithful service to the Lord and others. (we have already met Epaphras—he is likely the founder of the church at Colossae / here he is called a doulos (bondslave/servant. Colossians 1:7-8) - We strengthen others when we work hard for them and serve. - We strengthen others when we wrestle for them in prayer. Being connected enables us to: empower others Colossians 4:14-18 We empower one another to be faithful in the church. (v. 14-16) - Luke / Demas / Nympha all were carrying out the mission of building the Church. Ultimately all our service should be about the Church: - the Church is the Body of Christ. - the Church is the Building of Christ. - the Church is the Bride of Christ. We empower one another to be faithful to our calling. (v. 17-18) - The command given to Archippus is our command still today. - We must fulfill the calling (ministry) God has given to us individually. Next Step: - How connected are you with others?