WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.300 Well, we're closing out our time in this letter to the Colossians. 00:00:08.519 --> 00:00:16.539 And we're going to encounter a number of names as the Apostle Paul is providing his closing benediction. 00:00:17.480 --> 00:00:26.100 ! In many ways, it seems like a photo album, this little collage of portraits that he's putting in front of us. 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:37.160 The names of those who were involved with him in ministry, who were instrumental in helping to support and encourage the work of God through the Apostle Paul, 00:00:37.260 --> 00:00:41.460 but also in strengthening the church that was there in Colossae. 00:00:42.659 --> 00:00:50.600 As we think about the Apostle Paul, as I think about his life and testimony, I think that the one word that comes to my mind is the word disciple maker. 00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:55.140 He was the quintessential disciple maker. 00:00:55.140 --> 00:01:05.079 And I imagine if we were to take some time this morning and think about the specific names of those who were part of Paul's ministry team, 00:01:05.340 --> 00:01:07.819 a number of those names would come to your mind. 00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:16.980 Maybe names like Mark, or names like Barnabas, or maybe even Silas, or maybe Titus, or Timothy. 00:01:17.120 --> 00:01:20.420 Those kinds of names that would come to your mind. 00:01:20.420 --> 00:01:31.780 But do you realize there were as many as 63 different names that the Apostle Paul alludes to throughout his letters in the Pauline epistles, 00:01:31.920 --> 00:01:33.540 those letters that he wrote to the churches. 00:01:33.820 --> 00:01:35.120 63 names. 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:39.560 Individuals that were partners with him in ministry. 00:01:40.379 --> 00:01:41.740 People who shared the load. 00:01:41.739 --> 00:01:50.500 People who walked beside and people who were working with him as they sought to carry out this work of Christ. 00:01:51.179 --> 00:01:57.119 Names like Epaphroditus, Epaphras, Tychicus, Aristarchus, and Justice. 00:01:58.079 --> 00:02:01.199 Maybe the name Priscilla in Aquila comes to your mind. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.319 Apollos and many, many others who might come to your mind. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:14.840 Those who were known and those who were maybe unknown that God used to carry out his work through the Apostle Paul to the known world. 00:02:15.900 --> 00:02:24.199 Of course, this list doesn't include four names of those who were started well but then didn't finish. 00:02:25.019 --> 00:02:28.219 Those like Hymenaeus and Alexandra. 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:30.379 Fagellus or Hermogenes. 00:02:30.379 --> 00:02:39.319 Those who started well in the gospel service and for whatever reason they abandoned the faith and they jettisoned this work that God had called them to. 00:02:40.479 --> 00:02:43.419 The Apostle Paul describes his co-laborers in a number of different ways. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:45.680 He gives them various designations. 00:02:45.819 --> 00:02:51.639 He calls them fellow laborers and fellow soldiers and fellow ministers and fellow prisoners. 00:02:51.639 --> 00:02:59.479 I wonder how did a guy who was so busy in ministry build so many relationships. 00:03:00.419 --> 00:03:03.079 So many strong partners in the work. 00:03:04.539 --> 00:03:10.939 We find that his ministry strategy is kind of laid out for us in Colossians chapter 1 verses verse 28. 00:03:11.839 --> 00:03:12.239 It says, 00:03:12.240 --> 00:03:23.580 That was Paul's desire. 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:33.520 Not only to communicate the gospel but to lead the people who came to faith in the gospel to mature and stable faith. 00:03:33.520 --> 00:03:38.420 Those who were partners with him in the work that God had called him to. 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:49.740 We've seen throughout this letter this intensity of the Apostle Paul in deliberately communicating doctrines and theologies. 00:03:50.200 --> 00:03:51.120 The message of Christ. 00:03:51.320 --> 00:03:52.060 Who was Christ? 00:03:52.219 --> 00:03:53.160 What did Christ do? 00:03:53.300 --> 00:03:54.280 Why is that important? 00:03:54.280 --> 00:03:59.560 But he's not so interested in theology in itself. 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:04.120 Just in building up the mind and what we know about God. 00:04:04.400 --> 00:04:10.240 His desire was that what we knew about God would transform the way we lived. 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:12.420 Would transform the heart. 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:18.759 And so Paul in chapter 3 and chapter 4 will share a number of commands. 00:04:18.899 --> 00:04:23.100 35 to 40 commands that he is one after the other after the other. 00:04:23.100 --> 00:04:24.879 This rapid fire commands. 00:04:25.180 --> 00:04:26.240 Here's how you to live. 00:04:27.360 --> 00:04:31.360 When you know Jesus, this is what it looks like or should look like in your life. 00:04:31.860 --> 00:04:37.920 This intensely practical section of this letter the Apostle Paul gives. 00:04:39.060 --> 00:04:42.420 But now we're going to move into an intensely personal section. 00:04:43.379 --> 00:04:45.540 We learn about Paul's ministry team. 00:04:46.540 --> 00:04:49.680 We see his heart and strategy for the work. 00:04:49.680 --> 00:04:51.439 And we come to appreciate. 00:04:51.600 --> 00:04:54.840 And you're going to come to appreciate this in this passage this morning. 00:04:55.379 --> 00:04:58.180 That Paul's ministry team was not a team of one. 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:03.139 His ministry team was a team of multiple individuals. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:05.819 Called out by God for gospel service. 00:05:06.980 --> 00:05:08.939 And that Paul's heart is going to come through. 00:05:09.019 --> 00:05:12.060 We're going to see really his philosophy of ministry. 00:05:12.379 --> 00:05:13.879 His love for people. 00:05:13.879 --> 00:05:16.240 And not just sharing Christ with them. 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:18.000 But raising up a team. 00:05:18.379 --> 00:05:20.379 Equipping saints for the work of the ministry. 00:05:20.719 --> 00:05:22.500 And entrusting that work to them. 00:05:23.759 --> 00:05:26.100 You knew that work didn't depend on himself. 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:30.579 It depended on Christ working in and through the lives of others. 00:05:31.980 --> 00:05:35.360 So please, if you would, turn with me to Colossians chapter 4. 00:05:36.439 --> 00:05:37.219 Colossians 4. 00:05:37.220 --> 00:05:40.840 And we're going to see this ministry profile of the Apostle Paul. 00:05:41.080 --> 00:05:46.000 As he's interacting with various individuals on his ministry team. 00:05:46.060 --> 00:05:49.960 We're going to begin to see some things about his ministry that we can take to heart. 00:05:51.440 --> 00:05:52.560 Colossians chapter 4. 00:05:52.640 --> 00:05:53.640 Beginning in verse 7. 00:05:53.800 --> 00:05:57.160 If you're using the Pew Bible, it's on page 985. 00:05:58.420 --> 00:05:59.560 Beginning in verse 7. 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:00.860 It says this. 00:06:00.980 --> 00:06:04.540 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. 00:06:04.540 --> 00:06:10.480 He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 00:06:11.379 --> 00:06:14.120 I have sent him to you for this very purpose. 00:06:14.580 --> 00:06:16.460 That you may know how we are. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:18.960 And that he may encourage your hearts. 00:06:19.879 --> 00:06:22.580 And with him Onesimus, our faithful brother. 00:06:23.340 --> 00:06:24.640 Who is one of you. 00:06:24.960 --> 00:06:28.759 They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 00:06:30.060 --> 00:06:33.680 Ten different individuals will be mentioned throughout this passage. 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:36.660 And those couple of verses just mention two. 00:06:37.519 --> 00:06:41.540 Men who will be used instrumentally in the Apostle Paul's life. 00:06:41.740 --> 00:06:43.639 And instrumentally in the church. 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:48.319 These names will serve as living examples. 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:54.819 Of the kind of investment that God also calls every single one of us to fulfill. 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:58.160 Remember from Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10. 00:06:58.160 --> 00:07:00.620 It says we are his workmanship. 00:07:01.380 --> 00:07:03.740 Created in Christ Jesus for good works. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:07.480 Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 00:07:08.200 --> 00:07:12.580 You see God is desiring for us to be partners in ministry. 00:07:13.320 --> 00:07:18.600 This partnership in ministry is what we see here at the outset of this passage. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:23.480 As I think about partnership in ministry. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:26.580 I'm reminded even on this Sunday. 00:07:26.580 --> 00:07:32.040 I'm reminded of a man who is a faithful servant here at Maranatha Baptist. 00:07:33.220 --> 00:07:34.160 Pastor Kenoyer. 00:07:34.260 --> 00:07:39.460 Those of you who know Pastor Kenoyer will know that he served as a faithful leader. 00:07:39.640 --> 00:07:44.040 A faithful pastor for 30 plus years here at Maranatha Baptist Church. 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:52.460 And wouldn't you know he has the opportunity this morning to be part of an installation service in Lafayette Indiana. 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:57.360 Another person who kind of grew up here at Maranatha. 00:07:57.520 --> 00:08:02.860 Rob Green is going to be installed as the senior pastor at Faith Church in Lafayette. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:06.280 And Pastor Kenoyer is going to be able to do his installation service. 00:08:06.860 --> 00:08:10.820 What a beautiful picture of gospel partnership. 00:08:10.819 --> 00:08:14.180 What a beautiful picture of what God has called us to. 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:17.139 Serving one another. 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:21.899 And I imagine if you had the chance or any of us had the chance to ask Rob. 00:08:22.060 --> 00:08:25.579 Who was instrumental in your life to help you grow. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:29.439 And to fan in your heart a love for Jesus. 00:08:29.839 --> 00:08:32.059 He would probably talk about Pastor Kenoyer. 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:35.919 But more than that he would talk about all of the teachers. 00:08:35.919 --> 00:08:38.120 The Sunday school teachers. 00:08:38.319 --> 00:08:39.699 The nursery workers. 00:08:39.860 --> 00:08:41.639 The Christian school teachers. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:42.860 The youth group leaders. 00:08:43.199 --> 00:08:47.860 And the parents of his friends that were instrumental in building into his life. 00:08:49.019 --> 00:08:51.620 And week after week coming here to Maranatha Baptist. 00:08:51.959 --> 00:08:56.419 And the instrumental ministry that you had in his life. 00:08:56.579 --> 00:09:00.099 That God used to get him to be a pastor there at Faith. 00:09:01.099 --> 00:09:04.259 Partnership in ministry is what God has called us. 00:09:04.259 --> 00:09:06.840 Every single one of us to participate in. 00:09:08.200 --> 00:09:10.740 And so as we move through this final passage. 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:14.679 We're going to draw our attention to kind of the nuts and bolts. 00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:18.679 This pattern that God has put in front of us. 00:09:18.740 --> 00:09:23.240 This pattern of building gospel partnerships in ministry. 00:09:24.539 --> 00:09:27.319 We're going to notice the example of the Apostle Paul. 00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:28.799 That he set for us. 00:09:29.919 --> 00:09:33.319 We're going to see that his approach to ministry was effective. 00:09:33.320 --> 00:09:36.300 Because of his dependence upon the Savior. 00:09:37.560 --> 00:09:40.820 The Apostle Paul wasn't a ministry person of one. 00:09:41.100 --> 00:09:46.660 He included the significant investment of others. 00:09:47.800 --> 00:09:52.220 We'll see that there are things that ministry leaders will do. 00:09:52.320 --> 00:09:55.920 But we're going to also understand that the ministry that God has called us to. 00:09:56.020 --> 00:09:57.680 Is a ministry as a congregation. 00:09:57.679 --> 00:10:03.079 There's something for all of us to do as members of the body of Christ. 00:10:03.219 --> 00:10:06.120 All of us have a significant role to play. 00:10:07.259 --> 00:10:10.659 So we turn to this first quality. 00:10:10.839 --> 00:10:12.479 This ministry partnership. 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:14.219 Partnership in the ministry. 00:10:14.599 --> 00:10:18.659 And we see that Paul will mention two names here in the first couple of verses. 00:10:20.039 --> 00:10:21.139 He'll refer to Tychicus. 00:10:21.339 --> 00:10:22.879 And then he'll refer to Onesimus. 00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:27.240 And like I said there are ten others who kind of fall in line. 00:10:27.299 --> 00:10:29.899 We're going to cover them as we make our way through this. 00:10:30.620 --> 00:10:32.279 And on the back of your outline. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.179 Your sermon outline. 00:10:33.299 --> 00:10:37.840 You're going to kind of see the summary list of those ministry partners. 00:10:37.840 --> 00:10:40.559 That Paul will address here in this part of the letter. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:44.299 And all of those endearing terms that he will use of them. 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:48.100 To talk about their investment in his life. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.340 And their work in the church. 00:10:50.340 --> 00:10:53.519 We see this community of believers. 00:10:54.460 --> 00:10:56.620 We see that they're connected to one another. 00:10:56.940 --> 00:10:58.720 They care for one another. 00:10:59.060 --> 00:11:00.740 They're interested in one another. 00:11:01.940 --> 00:11:03.440 Notice in verse 7. 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:04.560 Tychicus. 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:05.780 What will he do? 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:09.000 Well he's going to tell you about my activities. 00:11:09.780 --> 00:11:10.800 Listen to Tychicus. 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:13.040 He's coming for a specific purpose. 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:14.840 He wants you to know how I'm doing. 00:11:15.240 --> 00:11:16.000 Because you care. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:17.519 And notice. 00:11:18.139 --> 00:11:19.759 He says I've sent him for this purpose. 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:21.840 That you may know how we are. 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:24.259 That he may encourage your hearts. 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:25.179 That's in verse 8. 00:11:27.100 --> 00:11:27.879 What do you hear? 00:11:28.360 --> 00:11:29.759 What do you hear from these words? 00:11:30.939 --> 00:11:33.779 Well I think what you hear is the Apostle Paul saying. 00:11:33.879 --> 00:11:35.039 You know I can't be there. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:38.299 I can't be there with you in person. 00:11:38.539 --> 00:11:40.179 But I want you to know I care about you. 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:42.179 I care about you. 00:11:42.819 --> 00:11:44.080 And I care so much. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:45.759 That I'm going to send one of my representatives. 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:49.539 He's going to come and he's going to share about my ministry. 00:11:49.779 --> 00:11:52.039 And I want to hear about what God is doing in your life. 00:11:52.580 --> 00:11:56.939 And that kind of exchange is happening throughout the letters that the Apostle Paul writes. 00:11:57.600 --> 00:11:59.480 We understand that he's vested. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:02.279 We understand that he's interested in the progress. 00:12:02.500 --> 00:12:05.860 We understand that he is interested. 00:12:06.059 --> 00:12:08.259 And he's saying you matter to me. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:13.799 This is the kind of community that Christ purchased with his blood. 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:19.860 And by the way this is the kind of community the Apostle Paul has vested himself into. 00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:22.919 We see that even from Colossians chapter 2. 00:12:23.039 --> 00:12:25.639 In his letter chapter 2 verse 1 says this. 00:12:25.740 --> 00:12:26.120 Paul says. 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:32.139 I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea. 00:12:32.600 --> 00:12:35.080 And for all who have not seen me face to face. 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:37.340 That their hearts may be encouraged. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:39.899 Being knit together in love. 00:12:40.700 --> 00:12:43.840 To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding. 00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:47.580 And the knowledge of God's mystery which is Christ. 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:51.320 I want you to know that you matter to me. 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:55.900 I want you to know that the struggle that I'm facing is worth it. 00:12:56.100 --> 00:12:59.520 Because Christ is building himself in your life. 00:13:00.300 --> 00:13:03.640 And I'm praying that God will help to knit you together. 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:08.760 I'm praying that you'll be a community of saints that demonstrate the love of Christ. 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:12.460 I want him to work that out in your life. 00:13:14.000 --> 00:13:18.740 And so we see in the Apostle Paul this deep dependent relationship. 00:13:19.180 --> 00:13:20.960 Dependent on his ministry team. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:25.200 And entrusting that team to this church. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:28.139 They're trusted ministry workers. 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:29.259 Dear friends. 00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:32.820 They're consistently called to represent the Apostle Paul. 00:13:33.060 --> 00:13:34.860 He trusts them to carry a message. 00:13:35.180 --> 00:13:38.300 And he trusts that they're going to strengthen the churches. 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:41.879 You see in Paul's mind they're essential. 00:13:42.600 --> 00:13:44.420 They're essential for the health of this church. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:48.280 In building it up in a way that pleases the Lord Jesus. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:51.159 This first individual Tychicus. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:54.539 Maybe you are unaware of Tychicus. 00:13:54.799 --> 00:14:02.620 But surprisingly Tychicus is almost in every single church that we find throughout the New Testament. 00:14:03.459 --> 00:14:04.959 We find him in Colossians. 00:14:05.059 --> 00:14:05.980 We find him in Acts. 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:07.579 We find him in Ephesians. 00:14:07.699 --> 00:14:10.240 We find him in a little letter to Titus. 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:17.820 This guy is sent across the known world to support the churches that the Apostle Paul had helped to build. 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:19.600 He's in Colossae. 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:20.480 He's in Ephesus. 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:21.279 He's in Crete. 00:14:21.940 --> 00:14:23.500 He's willing to travel. 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:24.759 He's willing to take the risk. 00:14:25.019 --> 00:14:29.560 He's willing to subject himself to the dangers of the ministry that God has called him to. 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:34.239 And he is this trusted spokesman for the team. 00:14:35.519 --> 00:14:36.659 And then there's Onesimus. 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:38.539 We find him there in verse 9. 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:40.099 And with him Onesimus. 00:14:40.839 --> 00:14:43.579 Our faithful and beloved brother who is one of you. 00:14:43.859 --> 00:14:44.879 They will tell you. 00:14:45.299 --> 00:14:47.579 He and Archippus. 00:14:47.659 --> 00:14:48.139 Or Tychicus. 00:14:48.399 --> 00:14:51.319 They will tell you everything that has taken place here. 00:14:52.579 --> 00:14:53.099 Onesimus. 00:14:53.439 --> 00:14:55.619 Called the faithful and beloved brother. 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:58.259 And if you remember Onesimus' background. 00:14:58.440 --> 00:15:03.659 You'll remember the providence of God in leading Onesimus to faith. 00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:06.399 You'll remember that Onesimus was formerly a slave. 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:06.779 Right? 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:13.879 And as a slave he ran away from his master Philemon in Colossae. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:16.279 That's where the home base was. 00:15:17.179 --> 00:15:22.460 And wouldn't you know that providentially Onesimus runs straight into the Apostle Paul. 00:15:22.460 --> 00:15:24.940 Somehow Paul's in prison in Rome. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:28.840 And Onesimus will encounter Paul there. 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:32.120 And as a result of that interaction. 00:15:32.460 --> 00:15:35.260 God will rescue Onesimus' heart. 00:15:35.520 --> 00:15:36.960 He'll lead him to faith in Christ. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:39.240 There'll be salvation that will take place. 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:44.660 And so the Apostle Paul in seeing the work of God in Onesimus' heart. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:47.440 Sends him back to his master Philemon. 00:15:47.440 --> 00:15:53.800 And we get a sense of this in Philemon verses 10 to 14. 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:54.620 It says this. 00:15:55.540 --> 00:15:56.460 I appeal to you. 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:57.860 This is Paul talking to Philemon. 00:15:58.520 --> 00:16:00.600 I appeal to you for my child. 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:02.600 Hear the endearing terms there. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:05.940 My child Onesimus. 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:09.160 Whose father I became in my imprisonment. 00:16:10.080 --> 00:16:11.560 Formerly he was useless to you. 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:15.540 But now he is indeed useful to you and to me. 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:18.120 I am sending him back to you. 00:16:18.459 --> 00:16:20.599 Sending my very heart. 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:21.399 Don't you love that? 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:24.419 I would have been glad to keep him with me. 00:16:24.579 --> 00:16:28.439 In order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel. 00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:32.220 But I preferred to do nothing without your consent. 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:36.560 In order that your goodness might not be by compulsion. 00:16:36.560 --> 00:16:38.100 But by your own accord. 00:16:38.100 --> 00:16:40.980 I love this man Onesimus. 00:16:41.759 --> 00:16:43.139 He is useful for you. 00:16:43.220 --> 00:16:45.080 He is a beloved brother of mine. 00:16:45.540 --> 00:16:46.899 God has rescued his heart. 00:16:46.899 --> 00:16:49.319 And he has entrusted him to you. 00:16:49.419 --> 00:16:50.279 Along with Tychicus. 00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:51.819 To send this word. 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:53.419 To be gospel partners. 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:57.519 You see. 00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:01.740 The beauty of sending Onesimus back to his hometown. 00:17:02.819 --> 00:17:06.359 Is to paint this wonderful gospel picture. 00:17:07.019 --> 00:17:11.039 Of the redemption that can happen when things are broken. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:13.799 And how God can now make them useful. 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:17.819 This visible representation of gospel transformation. 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:20.440 And that now Onesimus is vested. 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:22.259 He knows these people. 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.660 He loves these people. 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:25.500 He is one of these people. 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:29.160 And God delights in using his people. 00:17:29.859 --> 00:17:35.099 His people who are sent and useful for gospel work. 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:38.039 God called Onesimus. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:39.599 God called Tychicus. 00:17:40.220 --> 00:17:42.539 God is using them in this body. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:44.500 As representatives of the apostle Paul. 00:17:44.559 --> 00:17:45.339 But most importantly. 00:17:45.579 --> 00:17:47.059 As representatives of Christ. 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:50.680 And we as part of the body have the same privilege. 00:17:50.680 --> 00:17:51.900 The same opportunity. 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.019 To be useful. 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:54.240 To be useful. 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:55.379 Where you are. 00:17:56.339 --> 00:17:57.660 Just like Onesimus. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:18:00.319 Being planted back in his home church. 00:18:00.539 --> 00:18:01.859 Back in his home community. 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:05.240 To speak the wonders of gospel transformation. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:08.960 The work that God had created in his own life. 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:11.599 Partnership in ministry is what we saw. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:15.240 Now we turn to perseverance in ministry. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:17.019 In verses 10 to 14. 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:19.319 Perseverance in ministry. 00:18:20.179 --> 00:18:21.439 And by talking about perseverance. 00:18:21.439 --> 00:18:23.119 We're talking about staying power. 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:26.139 We're talking about the ability to endure. 00:18:26.599 --> 00:18:28.500 The ability to go the distance. 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:31.679 And of course as we examine the life of Paul. 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:35.839 We see him as one who has staying power. 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:39.159 As we read in his letter. 00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:40.679 To the Colossians. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:42.480 In Colossians chapter 1 verse 24. 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:44.859 We see something of that staying power. 00:18:44.959 --> 00:18:46.459 That enduring work. 00:18:46.839 --> 00:18:49.459 That God has had produced in Paul. 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.179 He says now. 00:18:50.699 --> 00:18:52.740 I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.579 And in my flesh. 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:56.519 I'm filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:57.919 For the sake of his church. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:59.720 You see. 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:03.140 Paul is this example of endurance. 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:06.620 And willing to suffer affliction for the sake of Christ. 00:19:07.380 --> 00:19:08.340 For the sake of the gospel. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:11.900 For the sake of the work of Christ in this church. 00:19:12.700 --> 00:19:15.360 He was this seasoned veteran. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:18.240 He was this one who had grit. 00:19:18.460 --> 00:19:19.860 Who had learned endurance. 00:19:20.080 --> 00:19:21.860 Who was willing to persevere. 00:19:24.300 --> 00:19:26.200 It hadn't made him hard. 00:19:26.860 --> 00:19:27.519 In calloused. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:30.720 Like most opposition and adversity does for us. 00:19:30.779 --> 00:19:31.620 But it made him. 00:19:32.620 --> 00:19:33.140 Graciously. 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:35.259 Courageously tender. 00:19:36.300 --> 00:19:38.160 This tenderness of Christ. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.720 This grace and truth. 00:19:39.800 --> 00:19:41.279 That we see in our Lord Jesus. 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:44.800 Is working its way into the apostle Paul. 00:19:46.100 --> 00:19:48.800 And Paul's ministry is a ministry of endurance. 00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:52.560 And we see the enduring quality of his example. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:54.279 Working its way out. 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.680 In several of these individuals. 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:59.060 We'll encounter here in this passage. 00:19:59.840 --> 00:20:01.060 Beginning in verse 10. 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:01.620 It says. 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:02.620 Aristarchus. 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:04.900 My fellow prisoner greets you. 00:20:05.680 --> 00:20:06.320 And Mark. 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.820 The cousin of Barnabas. 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:10.420 Concerning whom you've received instruction. 00:20:10.700 --> 00:20:12.000 If he comes to you. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:13.060 Welcome him. 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.400 In Jesus. 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:15.500 Who is called justice. 00:20:16.380 --> 00:20:17.860 These are the only men. 00:20:17.860 --> 00:20:18.860 Of the circumcision. 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:21.200 Among my fellow workers. 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.700 For the kingdom of God. 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:25.819 And they have become a comfort. 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.160 Aristarchus. 00:20:28.400 --> 00:20:31.180 Who Paul refers to as my fellow prisoner. 00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:36.319 He is experiencing the hardship. 00:20:36.360 --> 00:20:38.059 Of that prison life. 00:20:38.580 --> 00:20:39.980 And many commentators believe. 00:20:40.120 --> 00:20:42.019 That both Aristarchus and Epaphras. 00:20:42.140 --> 00:20:44.240 Who we'll encounter in just a bit. 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:46.640 Were kind of self-elected prisoners. 00:20:46.640 --> 00:20:49.040 That they chose to be with Paul. 00:20:49.040 --> 00:20:49.780 In prison. 00:20:49.780 --> 00:20:51.080 For the sake of encouragement. 00:20:51.080 --> 00:20:52.120 And comfort. 00:20:52.120 --> 00:20:53.280 And strengthening. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:54.320 And service. 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.320 And help. 00:20:56.940 --> 00:20:59.460 They desired to partner with Paul. 00:20:59.620 --> 00:21:00.840 In hard ministry. 00:21:00.840 --> 00:21:03.100 For the sake of the gospel. 00:21:03.800 --> 00:21:05.320 Aristarchus is one of those. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:08.280 This sacrificial companionship. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.320 Of suffering. 00:21:10.540 --> 00:21:11.680 We find him repeatedly. 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:12.620 Throughout the New Testament. 00:21:12.619 --> 00:21:15.699 And he's one of Paul's companions. 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.899 In travel. 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:19.279 Who was actually dragged off. 00:21:20.439 --> 00:21:22.379 Into the theater there in Ephesus. 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:24.919 He experienced the hardship. 00:21:25.099 --> 00:21:25.799 He was there. 00:21:25.939 --> 00:21:27.339 When things were really intense. 00:21:27.659 --> 00:21:28.879 Fearing for his own life. 00:21:29.039 --> 00:21:30.739 And he was there. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.279 Aristarchus was there. 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:34.619 And it would be Aristarchus. 00:21:34.679 --> 00:21:35.899 That we would find also. 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:37.539 Who is a travel companion. 00:21:37.539 --> 00:21:38.519 Of the apostle Paul. 00:21:38.679 --> 00:21:39.799 When he was shipwrecked. 00:21:39.799 --> 00:21:40.579 On the way to Rome. 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:42.859 He had staying power. 00:21:43.699 --> 00:21:44.779 He knew what it meant to endure. 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:47.079 He knew what trouble was. 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:48.059 And it didn't. 00:21:48.159 --> 00:21:49.319 It didn't keep him. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.919 From the work. 00:21:50.059 --> 00:21:51.019 That God had called him to. 00:21:51.179 --> 00:21:51.819 He's there. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.839 He's vested. 00:21:53.319 --> 00:21:54.399 He's a companion. 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.720 And a fellow worker. 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.579 With the apostle Paul. 00:21:57.460 --> 00:21:58.639 And then there's Mark. 00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.720 And Mark's. 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:00.980 Mark's story. 00:22:01.199 --> 00:22:02.899 Is also a beautiful one. 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:04.579 It's a beautiful story. 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:05.199 Of endurance. 00:22:05.399 --> 00:22:06.000 And if you remember. 00:22:06.439 --> 00:22:07.279 John Mark. 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.779 He was. 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:08.960 He was an associate. 00:22:08.960 --> 00:22:09.879 With Barnabas. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:11.880 And it was Paul and Barnabas. 00:22:11.880 --> 00:22:13.240 On the first missionary journey. 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:14.620 And they would go. 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:16.340 And they would launch out. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:17.980 And begin this gospel work. 00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:19.620 And John Mark was there as well. 00:22:20.820 --> 00:22:22.520 But then in Acts chapter 13. 00:22:22.520 --> 00:22:23.200 We see. 00:22:23.880 --> 00:22:25.600 That the enduring quality. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:26.600 Of Mark. 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:27.360 Wasn't. 00:22:27.560 --> 00:22:28.620 Wasn't very strong. 00:22:29.660 --> 00:22:30.220 Acts 13. 00:22:30.300 --> 00:22:31.180 13 says this. 00:22:31.260 --> 00:22:31.400 Now. 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:32.900 Paul and his companions. 00:22:33.120 --> 00:22:34.280 Set sail from Paphos. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.900 And came to Perga. 00:22:36.020 --> 00:22:36.900 In Pamphylia. 00:22:37.420 --> 00:22:38.020 And John. 00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:39.100 That's John Mark. 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:40.740 Left them. 00:22:40.899 --> 00:22:41.519 And returned. 00:22:41.699 --> 00:22:42.279 To Jerusalem. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:43.279 Well. 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:44.000 Why did he leave? 00:22:44.639 --> 00:22:44.819 Well. 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:45.439 Things were hard. 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:46.859 Adversity. 00:22:46.939 --> 00:22:47.579 And opposition. 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:49.259 Were bombarding him. 00:22:49.379 --> 00:22:49.899 And he left. 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:50.439 The team. 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:52.859 But. 00:22:53.199 --> 00:22:54.759 Notice what Paul says here. 00:22:55.399 --> 00:22:56.139 He's writing. 00:22:56.399 --> 00:22:56.879 About Mark. 00:22:56.959 --> 00:22:57.279 He says. 00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:59.019 If he comes to you. 00:22:59.419 --> 00:23:00.119 Welcome him. 00:23:00.619 --> 00:23:01.419 What happened? 00:23:01.919 --> 00:23:03.139 What the work. 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:03.839 Of God. 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:05.519 Through Barnabas. 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.319 And others. 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:07.619 Had. 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:08.639 Gotten. 00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:09.339 John Mark. 00:23:09.399 --> 00:23:09.839 To the place. 00:23:09.960 --> 00:23:10.319 Finally. 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.220 Of endurance. 00:23:11.859 --> 00:23:12.899 Of going the distance. 00:23:13.200 --> 00:23:14.279 And here is John Mark. 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.659 A restored. 00:23:16.139 --> 00:23:16.759 A worker. 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.419 For the Lord. 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.259 A faithful. 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.119 Minister. 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:19.859 Of God. 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:21.139 And now. 00:23:21.559 --> 00:23:22.500 An associate. 00:23:22.619 --> 00:23:23.519 Of the apostle Paul. 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:24.720 Working. 00:23:25.220 --> 00:23:25.799 For the sake. 00:23:25.919 --> 00:23:26.539 Of the gospel. 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.599 And the work. 00:23:28.599 --> 00:23:28.980 Of God. 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:30.079 In John Mark's. 00:23:30.319 --> 00:23:30.599 Life. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.179 Is so. 00:23:32.119 --> 00:23:32.559 Significant. 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.599 That there's actually. 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.200 A gospel. 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.099 That's written. 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.919 By his name. 00:23:36.619 --> 00:23:37.500 The gospel of Mark. 00:23:38.659 --> 00:23:39.299 And Peter. 00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:40.139 Is likely. 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:40.519 The one. 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:41.460 Who have to oversee. 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:43.000 That writing project. 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:43.519 We find. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.519 Peter. 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.139 In first Peter. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.720 Chapter five. 00:23:45.819 --> 00:23:45.919 Verse. 00:23:46.179 --> 00:23:47.099 Verse 13. 00:23:47.200 --> 00:23:47.639 Says this. 00:23:47.919 --> 00:23:48.899 She who is in Babylon. 00:23:49.220 --> 00:23:50.619 Who is likewise chosen. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.599 Sends you greetings. 00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:52.519 And so. 00:23:52.879 --> 00:23:53.659 Does Mark. 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:54.799 My son. 00:23:55.700 --> 00:23:56.960 That instrumental work. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.200 Of the apostle Peter. 00:23:58.639 --> 00:23:59.399 In Mark's life. 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:00.399 Along with Barnabas. 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:01.480 To make him useful. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:02.299 For ministry. 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.159 And now. 00:24:03.279 --> 00:24:04.139 This enduring work. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.659 Could happen. 00:24:05.159 --> 00:24:06.159 This work of God. 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:07.279 In restoring Mark. 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:08.019 And making him. 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:08.759 Useful. 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.839 What a beautiful picture. 00:24:10.740 --> 00:24:11.379 And then we come. 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.039 In verse 11. 00:24:12.159 --> 00:24:13.019 To a man. 00:24:13.079 --> 00:24:13.919 By the name of Justice. 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:15.879 He's one of. 00:24:16.240 --> 00:24:17.019 These few. 00:24:17.119 --> 00:24:17.460 Jewish. 00:24:17.759 --> 00:24:18.200 Coworkers. 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:18.839 That we see. 00:24:19.179 --> 00:24:20.079 In this passage. 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:21.039 And very little. 00:24:21.119 --> 00:24:21.819 Is said about him. 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:22.559 In the New Testament. 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.159 His name is only. 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.039 Mentioned here. 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:26.079 In the New Testament. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:26.379 But. 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.579 But as we read. 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:28.379 We understand. 00:24:28.679 --> 00:24:28.839 That. 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:29.599 That even. 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.659 Justice. 00:24:31.179 --> 00:24:32.379 In the midst. 00:24:32.380 --> 00:24:33.420 Of his anonymity. 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.480 Is a comfort. 00:24:34.480 --> 00:24:35.480 To the apostle Paul. 00:24:36.400 --> 00:24:36.760 Notice. 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.340 At the end. 00:24:37.380 --> 00:24:38.020 Of verse 11. 00:24:38.860 --> 00:24:39.800 They have become. 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:40.700 A comfort. 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.500 To me. 00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:42.660 A comfort. 00:24:42.780 --> 00:24:43.060 To me. 00:24:43.780 --> 00:24:44.060 Well. 00:24:44.100 --> 00:24:44.400 Why. 00:24:44.800 --> 00:24:45.700 Might they have become. 00:24:45.920 --> 00:24:46.480 A comfort. 00:24:46.600 --> 00:24:46.700 Well. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.080 I wonder. 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:47.800 If it's because. 00:24:48.060 --> 00:24:48.480 Again. 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.520 Of their staying power. 00:24:50.300 --> 00:24:51.160 Of their endurance. 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:51.760 In ministry. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.560 Notice. 00:24:52.560 --> 00:24:53.760 This troubling statement. 00:24:53.760 --> 00:24:54.460 In verse 11. 00:24:54.460 --> 00:24:56.460 These are the only men. 00:24:56.460 --> 00:24:57.700 Of the circumcision. 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:59.160 Among my fellow. 00:24:59.420 --> 00:24:59.940 Workers. 00:24:59.940 --> 00:25:01.000 For the kingdom. 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:02.259 Now just pause there. 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:02.799 For a moment. 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:04.160 Let that settle in. 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:04.960 Think about. 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.880 The gravity. 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:06.600 Of that statement. 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:10.059 Of 20 plus years. 00:25:10.059 --> 00:25:11.259 Of ministry. 00:25:11.360 --> 00:25:12.019 The apostle Paul. 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:14.140 Of the hundreds. 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:15.360 If not thousands. 00:25:15.360 --> 00:25:16.420 Of individuals. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.180 That Paul. 00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:19.000 Invested his life in. 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.519 And. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:19.759 And. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.420 And how many. 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:21.359 Dozens of them. 00:25:21.440 --> 00:25:21.819 Became. 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:23.059 Fellow workers. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:24.200 Of the apostle Paul. 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:25.059 And. 00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:25.500 And for. 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:26.119 For Paul. 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:26.940 To make this statement. 00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:27.660 These. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.900 Are the only men. 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:30.119 Of the circumcision. 00:25:30.579 --> 00:25:30.980 Among. 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:31.440 My. 00:25:31.640 --> 00:25:31.920 Fellow. 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:32.640 Workers. 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:33.879 Three men. 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.599 Aristarchus. 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.599 Mark. 00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:37.460 And. 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:37.799 Justice. 00:25:38.640 --> 00:25:39.839 Only three men remain. 00:25:42.140 --> 00:25:42.660 Can. 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.700 Can you even begin to think. 00:25:44.259 --> 00:25:45.359 How you would feel. 00:25:46.339 --> 00:25:47.619 If all of those. 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.460 Ministry workers. 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:49.519 That you had invested in. 00:25:49.519 --> 00:25:50.900 Had abandoned you. 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:52.039 For something else. 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:53.079 But. 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:53.619 But here. 00:25:54.059 --> 00:25:55.200 We don't find. 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.259 The apostle Paul. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:56.799 Jaded. 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:59.000 We don't find him. 00:25:59.180 --> 00:25:59.579 Cynical. 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:00.680 We don't find him. 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.319 Bitter. 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.599 We don't find him. 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:03.240 Defeated. 00:26:04.000 --> 00:26:04.700 We find him. 00:26:04.879 --> 00:26:05.400 Encouraged. 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:07.279 I'm comforted. 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.940 By justice. 00:26:08.359 --> 00:26:08.680 You see. 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:09.879 How the apostle Paul. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.700 Was able to do this. 00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:11.160 Is because. 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.259 Of his commitment. 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:13.339 To faith. 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.099 In Christ. 00:26:14.680 --> 00:26:15.119 And I. 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:16.359 And I think this is. 00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:17.019 The reason. 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.000 Why the apostle Paul. 00:26:18.099 --> 00:26:18.980 Gives so much. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.700 Attention. 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.839 To thanksgiving. 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:22.019 Throughout this letter. 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:23.360 Thanksgiving. 00:26:23.360 --> 00:26:24.099 Helped. 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.299 To cement. 00:26:25.299 --> 00:26:26.380 His faith. 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:27.779 To purify. 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.860 His confidence. 00:26:28.860 --> 00:26:29.640 In God. 00:26:29.940 --> 00:26:30.660 And to look. 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:31.799 Like we saw. 00:26:32.000 --> 00:26:32.700 Last week. 00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:33.279 This. 00:26:33.420 --> 00:26:34.579 This watchful. 00:26:34.860 --> 00:26:35.220 Prayer. 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:36.839 That Paul. 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:37.500 Was willing. 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.259 To make. 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:39.160 He's watchful. 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:39.500 Remember. 00:26:39.860 --> 00:26:40.339 Continue. 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:41.259 Steadfastly. 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:41.620 In prayer. 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:43.039 Being watchful. 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:43.259 In it. 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.059 With thanksgiving. 00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:46.359 The apostle Paul's. 00:26:46.359 --> 00:26:47.119 Commitment. 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.359 To prayer. 00:26:48.639 --> 00:26:49.359 With thanks. 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:50.500 Helped to bolster. 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.259 His heart. 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.440 When things were very. 00:26:52.859 --> 00:26:53.579 Very hard. 00:26:55.359 --> 00:26:56.339 We find him. 00:26:56.419 --> 00:26:57.559 Even when things get worse. 00:26:58.919 --> 00:26:59.700 In the end. 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.220 Of second. 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:00.659 Timothy. 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.319 Many years. 00:27:01.399 --> 00:27:02.299 Would still go by. 00:27:02.399 --> 00:27:03.019 And we find. 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:04.159 This would happen. 00:27:04.799 --> 00:27:05.759 That Paul. 00:27:05.879 --> 00:27:06.539 Is still clinging. 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:07.059 To Christ. 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:07.519 In second. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:07.819 Timothy. 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:08.359 Chapter four. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:08.940 Verse 16. 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:09.619 It says this. 00:27:09.619 --> 00:27:11.259 At my first defense. 00:27:11.659 --> 00:27:12.819 No one came. 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:14.019 To stand by me. 00:27:14.479 --> 00:27:15.459 But all. 00:27:15.919 --> 00:27:16.639 Deserted me. 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:18.639 May it not be charged. 00:27:18.639 --> 00:27:19.319 Against them. 00:27:20.039 --> 00:27:20.599 But the Lord. 00:27:20.719 --> 00:27:21.399 Stood by me. 00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:23.559 And strengthened me. 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.899 So that through. 00:27:25.179 --> 00:27:25.459 Me. 00:27:25.679 --> 00:27:26.299 The message. 00:27:26.619 --> 00:27:27.279 Might be fully. 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:27.799 Proclaimed. 00:27:27.799 --> 00:27:29.439 And that all the Gentiles. 00:27:29.439 --> 00:27:30.099 Might hear it. 00:27:30.139 --> 00:27:31.279 So I was rescued. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:33.019 From the lion's mouth. 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.779 The Lord. 00:27:33.899 --> 00:27:35.139 Will rescue me. 00:27:35.279 --> 00:27:36.659 From every evil deed. 00:27:37.079 --> 00:27:37.719 And bring me. 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.839 Safely into heaven. 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:40.139 His heavenly kingdom. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.459 To him. 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:42.059 Be glory. 00:27:42.179 --> 00:27:42.559 Forever. 00:27:42.919 --> 00:27:43.439 And ever. 00:27:43.679 --> 00:27:43.919 Amen. 00:27:45.299 --> 00:27:46.119 This faithful. 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:47.339 Enduring. 00:27:47.759 --> 00:27:48.119 Work. 00:27:48.559 --> 00:27:49.539 Of the apostle Paul. 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:52.099 Entrusted to a ministry team. 00:27:52.159 --> 00:27:52.699 And we see. 00:27:53.119 --> 00:27:54.939 This working itself out. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:57.179 In his team. 00:27:58.119 --> 00:28:00.139 And we come to three other members of his team. 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:02.019 And I'm just going to direct your attention. 00:28:02.419 --> 00:28:03.480 To verse 14. 00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.079 To start. 00:28:04.619 --> 00:28:04.839 It says. 00:28:04.959 --> 00:28:06.079 Luke the beloved physician. 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.679 Greets you. 00:28:06.839 --> 00:28:07.939 As does Demas. 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:08.620 And so. 00:28:08.820 --> 00:28:09.000 While. 00:28:09.160 --> 00:28:10.559 While Mark becomes. 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:12.420 A good example to us. 00:28:12.500 --> 00:28:13.100 Of one who. 00:28:13.420 --> 00:28:14.519 Had abandoned initially. 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.720 And then returned. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:16.820 Demas is one. 00:28:16.940 --> 00:28:18.200 Who is there initially. 00:28:18.360 --> 00:28:19.019 And then leaves. 00:28:19.880 --> 00:28:20.880 Because you remember. 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:21.660 What happens. 00:28:21.779 --> 00:28:22.400 In 2nd Timothy. 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:22.960 Chapter 4. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.759 Verses 10 to 11. 00:28:23.860 --> 00:28:24.180 It says. 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:25.019 For Demas. 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:26.500 In love with this present world. 00:28:26.640 --> 00:28:27.820 Has deserted me. 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:29.620 And gone to Thessalonica. 00:28:30.500 --> 00:28:31.000 Cretans. 00:28:31.080 --> 00:28:32.000 Has gone to Galatia. 00:28:32.100 --> 00:28:32.500 Titus. 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:33.220 To Dalmatia. 00:28:33.580 --> 00:28:33.980 Luke. 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:34.640 Alone. 00:28:34.820 --> 00:28:35.779 Is with me. 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:37.859 Luke. 00:28:37.859 --> 00:28:38.240 Alone. 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:39.099 Is with me. 00:28:40.220 --> 00:28:41.099 The significance. 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:42.180 Of enduring ministry. 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:43.700 In the work. 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:44.220 That God. 00:28:44.399 --> 00:28:44.859 Intends. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.480 Or will. 00:28:45.799 --> 00:28:46.279 Produce. 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:46.920 Through a life. 00:28:47.119 --> 00:28:47.799 That remains. 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:48.259 Committed. 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.619 Demas. 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.160 Abandoned. 00:28:50.160 --> 00:28:50.519 But Luke. 00:28:50.619 --> 00:28:51.799 This beloved physician. 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:52.680 This beloved. 00:28:52.899 --> 00:28:53.700 Fellow worker. 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.480 Remained. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:54.879 And went. 00:28:55.019 --> 00:28:55.660 The distance. 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:57.680 And then we come to Epaphras. 00:28:57.819 --> 00:28:58.680 In verse 12. 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.160 And 13. 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.660 And we see. 00:29:00.759 --> 00:29:01.879 What's written of Epaphras. 00:29:02.320 --> 00:29:03.020 It says. 00:29:03.140 --> 00:29:03.600 Epaphras. 00:29:03.660 --> 00:29:04.620 Who is one of you. 00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:06.300 A servant of Christ Jesus. 00:29:06.300 --> 00:29:07.020 Greets you. 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:08.100 Always struggling. 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:09.400 On your behalf. 00:29:09.460 --> 00:29:10.120 In his prayers. 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:11.160 That you may. 00:29:11.580 --> 00:29:12.700 Stand mature. 00:29:13.020 --> 00:29:14.200 And fully assured. 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.080 In all. 00:29:15.240 --> 00:29:16.260 The will of God. 00:29:17.600 --> 00:29:18.060 We see. 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:18.980 That he is committed. 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.540 To prayer. 00:29:19.800 --> 00:29:20.480 He's committed. 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.360 To this church. 00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:23.180 He's struggling. 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.660 With them. 00:29:23.720 --> 00:29:24.620 It's the same word. 00:29:24.760 --> 00:29:25.460 That we've seen. 00:29:25.600 --> 00:29:26.460 Throughout this letter. 00:29:26.760 --> 00:29:27.200 This word. 00:29:27.340 --> 00:29:28.260 Soon agonizami. 00:29:28.500 --> 00:29:28.620 It's. 00:29:28.840 --> 00:29:29.820 To struggle with. 00:29:29.900 --> 00:29:30.920 To agonize. 00:29:30.920 --> 00:29:31.519 With. 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.600 And Epaphras. 00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:33.600 Was agonizing. 00:29:33.880 --> 00:29:34.500 For this church. 00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:35.100 Struggling. 00:29:35.400 --> 00:29:35.980 With them. 00:29:36.060 --> 00:29:36.680 In prayer. 00:29:36.800 --> 00:29:37.200 For them. 00:29:38.600 --> 00:29:39.259 We find. 00:29:39.400 --> 00:29:40.080 From Philemon. 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:40.700 23. 00:29:41.740 --> 00:29:42.660 That Epaphras. 00:29:42.840 --> 00:29:43.940 My fellow prisoner. 00:29:43.940 --> 00:29:44.960 In Christ Jesus. 00:29:45.380 --> 00:29:46.259 Sends greetings. 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:46.700 To you. 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.259 You see. 00:29:48.340 --> 00:29:48.759 Epaphras. 00:29:48.759 --> 00:29:49.200 Was also. 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:50.340 A self-elected. 00:29:50.340 --> 00:29:50.860 Prisoner. 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.100 Of Christ. 00:29:52.560 --> 00:29:52.820 And of. 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:54.880 And associated. 00:29:55.120 --> 00:29:55.240 Then. 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:56.279 With the apostle Paul. 00:29:56.360 --> 00:29:57.000 In his ministry. 00:29:57.180 --> 00:29:57.320 He. 00:29:57.420 --> 00:29:58.240 He did this. 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:58.960 By election. 00:29:58.960 --> 00:29:59.840 And he did this. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:00.519 On his own. 00:30:00.519 --> 00:30:01.559 But on his own. 00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.119 Behalf. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.660 So that he could be. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:04.900 A ministry to Paul. 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:05.639 And he could pray. 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:06.119 He. 00:30:06.319 --> 00:30:07.319 He prays. 00:30:07.359 --> 00:30:07.920 And continues. 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:08.839 To struggle. 00:30:09.200 --> 00:30:09.879 In ministry. 00:30:10.019 --> 00:30:10.799 For the church. 00:30:10.920 --> 00:30:11.980 Through prayer. 00:30:15.119 --> 00:30:16.279 This ministry team. 00:30:17.299 --> 00:30:18.220 Their staying power. 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:19.019 Their endurance. 00:30:19.139 --> 00:30:20.119 Their perseverance. 00:30:21.019 --> 00:30:21.559 And then. 00:30:21.759 --> 00:30:22.759 We begin to see. 00:30:22.960 --> 00:30:23.779 This philosophy. 00:30:24.240 --> 00:30:25.000 Of ministry. 00:30:25.339 --> 00:30:25.799 Especially. 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:27.039 For specific churches. 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:28.000 Begin to emerge. 00:30:28.299 --> 00:30:29.299 In the remaining verses. 00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:30.619 Verses 15 to 17. 00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:32.819 It says. 00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:34.059 Give my greetings. 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:35.119 To the brothers. 00:30:35.119 --> 00:30:36.079 At Laodicea. 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.680 And to Nympha. 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.720 And the church. 00:30:38.839 --> 00:30:39.500 In her house. 00:30:40.119 --> 00:30:41.079 And when this letter. 00:30:41.079 --> 00:30:41.659 Has been read. 00:30:41.659 --> 00:30:42.259 Among you. 00:30:42.399 --> 00:30:43.500 Have it also read. 00:30:43.639 --> 00:30:44.399 Among the churches. 00:30:44.399 --> 00:30:45.539 Of the Laodiceans. 00:30:46.139 --> 00:30:47.480 And see that you also. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.159 Read the letter. 00:30:48.159 --> 00:30:49.379 From Laodicea. 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:51.159 And say to Archippus. 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.740 See that you fulfill. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.359 The ministry. 00:30:53.359 --> 00:30:54.680 That you have received. 00:30:54.680 --> 00:30:55.220 In the Lord. 00:30:55.899 --> 00:30:56.759 I Paul. 00:30:56.859 --> 00:30:57.819 Write this greeting. 00:30:57.819 --> 00:30:59.240 With my own hand. 00:30:59.359 --> 00:30:59.879 Remember. 00:31:00.419 --> 00:31:01.200 My chains. 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:01.700 Grace. 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:02.919 Be with you. 00:31:03.859 --> 00:31:04.619 This philosophy. 00:31:04.619 --> 00:31:05.240 Of ministry. 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:05.919 As we see. 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:06.960 The Apostle Paul. 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:08.179 Interacting with the churches. 00:31:08.399 --> 00:31:09.659 And what should really. 00:31:09.919 --> 00:31:10.639 Stand out. 00:31:10.960 --> 00:31:12.220 Through these verses. 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:12.519 Is that. 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:12.899 Is that. 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.279 The interconnectivity. 00:31:14.480 --> 00:31:15.359 Of these churches. 00:31:16.019 --> 00:31:16.519 They depend. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:17.720 On one another. 00:31:17.859 --> 00:31:18.740 They relate. 00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:19.319 To one another. 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:20.319 They're a community. 00:31:20.619 --> 00:31:21.279 Of believers. 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:22.179 Even in three. 00:31:22.399 --> 00:31:23.119 Different cities. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:23.899 That are found here. 00:31:25.539 --> 00:31:26.059 Notice. 00:31:26.059 --> 00:31:27.220 What Paul has said. 00:31:27.220 --> 00:31:28.519 To Epaphras. 00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:29.700 In verse 13. 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:31.679 For I bear him witness. 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:32.980 That he has worked hard. 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:33.460 For you. 00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:34.599 And for those. 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.700 In Laodicea. 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:36.740 And in Hierapolis. 00:31:37.619 --> 00:31:38.599 These three cities. 00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.339 Colossae. 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:40.159 Hierapolis. 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:40.960 Laodicea. 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:41.859 And. 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:42.099 And. 00:31:42.099 --> 00:31:42.859 And Epaphras. 00:31:42.980 --> 00:31:43.519 Is kind of that. 00:31:43.659 --> 00:31:44.460 That preaching. 00:31:44.679 --> 00:31:45.079 Pastor. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:45.740 That leader. 00:31:45.980 --> 00:31:46.839 In all three. 00:31:46.919 --> 00:31:47.599 Of those places. 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.559 There is this. 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.279 United. 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:51.759 Body. 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:52.639 They're united. 00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.319 In purpose. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.039 They're united. 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.720 In leadership. 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.620 They're united. 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.339 In mission. 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.279 They're united. 00:31:57.279 --> 00:31:58.440 In resources. 00:32:00.519 --> 00:32:01.519 The apostle Paul. 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.140 Calls attention. 00:32:02.140 --> 00:32:02.759 To this. 00:32:03.100 --> 00:32:03.860 This regular. 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:04.600 Interaction. 00:32:04.600 --> 00:32:05.220 That's happening. 00:32:05.220 --> 00:32:06.039 Between the churches. 00:32:06.160 --> 00:32:06.720 Notice there. 00:32:06.960 --> 00:32:07.799 In verse 15. 00:32:08.160 --> 00:32:08.579 Greet. 00:32:08.579 --> 00:32:09.279 The brothers. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:10.160 In Laodicea. 00:32:10.620 --> 00:32:11.200 You church. 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:11.880 Of Colossae. 00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:12.680 You're receiving. 00:32:12.819 --> 00:32:13.180 My letter. 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.100 Send greetings. 00:32:14.100 --> 00:32:14.559 To them. 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:16.519 Strengthen. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:17.299 That relationship. 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:18.339 That you have. 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.339 With Laodicea. 00:32:19.860 --> 00:32:20.299 Tell them. 00:32:20.339 --> 00:32:20.980 That I said hello. 00:32:21.900 --> 00:32:22.180 And. 00:32:22.180 --> 00:32:22.860 And he says. 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.680 Then in verse 16. 00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:24.120 And when. 00:32:24.340 --> 00:32:25.000 This letter. 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.840 Has been read. 00:32:25.840 --> 00:32:26.380 Among you. 00:32:26.600 --> 00:32:27.200 Have it read. 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:28.039 In Laodicea. 00:32:28.380 --> 00:32:28.980 And read. 00:32:29.100 --> 00:32:30.039 Their letter too. 00:32:30.860 --> 00:32:31.900 I want you to be strengthened. 00:32:32.039 --> 00:32:32.480 In relationship. 00:32:32.640 --> 00:32:33.180 I want that. 00:32:33.380 --> 00:32:34.480 That interconnectivity. 00:32:34.580 --> 00:32:35.680 What Christ has created. 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.700 That oneness. 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:37.560 That you share. 00:32:37.740 --> 00:32:38.720 Because of Christ. 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.600 You share. 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:40.279 With one another. 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.820 Express that. 00:32:41.940 --> 00:32:42.160 In a. 00:32:42.279 --> 00:32:43.000 In a real. 00:32:43.660 --> 00:32:44.060 Physical. 00:32:44.580 --> 00:32:45.299 Literal way. 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.480 An interconnected church. 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.060 But also. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.400 A hospital. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.820 A hospitable church. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.380 Notice verse 15. 00:32:52.380 --> 00:32:53.460 This lady. 00:32:53.600 --> 00:32:53.960 Nympha. 00:32:54.620 --> 00:32:55.220 This church. 00:32:55.300 --> 00:32:55.680 That's meeting. 00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:56.400 In her house. 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.740 We see here. 00:32:57.860 --> 00:32:58.400 This lady. 00:32:58.400 --> 00:32:59.580 From Laodicea. 00:32:59.920 --> 00:33:01.120 She's been faithfully. 00:33:01.120 --> 00:33:01.700 Vested. 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:02.560 In the church. 00:33:02.860 --> 00:33:03.980 This example. 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.940 Of hospitality. 00:33:05.280 --> 00:33:06.060 This example. 00:33:06.060 --> 00:33:06.960 Of generosity. 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:08.200 Her interest. 00:33:08.320 --> 00:33:08.880 In care. 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:09.800 For others. 00:33:09.900 --> 00:33:10.860 In this church. 00:33:11.840 --> 00:33:12.760 It's a reminder. 00:33:13.020 --> 00:33:14.160 That early. 00:33:14.300 --> 00:33:15.240 Christian gatherings. 00:33:15.240 --> 00:33:16.540 Were often. 00:33:16.880 --> 00:33:17.540 Composed. 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:18.400 In this way. 00:33:19.440 --> 00:33:20.380 This church. 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:20.640 That. 00:33:20.640 --> 00:33:22.280 That shared community. 00:33:22.280 --> 00:33:23.060 With one another. 00:33:23.400 --> 00:33:24.140 That was related. 00:33:24.340 --> 00:33:25.040 And interconnected. 00:33:25.920 --> 00:33:27.000 But we also see. 00:33:27.320 --> 00:33:28.360 This example. 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:28.780 Of. 00:33:29.020 --> 00:33:30.040 Of the responsibility. 00:33:30.759 --> 00:33:31.800 That the church has. 00:33:31.800 --> 00:33:32.520 For the health. 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.100 Of their other members. 00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:36.140 When we come to verse 17. 00:33:36.360 --> 00:33:36.720 In this. 00:33:37.100 --> 00:33:38.000 Direct instruction. 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:38.460 Given. 00:33:38.840 --> 00:33:39.880 About Archippus. 00:33:40.560 --> 00:33:41.000 Notice. 00:33:41.580 --> 00:33:42.880 And say to Archippus. 00:33:42.880 --> 00:33:43.820 This is verse 17. 00:33:44.520 --> 00:33:46.000 See that you fulfill. 00:33:46.080 --> 00:33:46.759 The ministry. 00:33:46.759 --> 00:33:48.220 That you have received. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.840 In the Lord. 00:33:48.839 --> 00:33:51.139 Here we encounter. 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:51.740 A young man. 00:33:52.539 --> 00:33:53.480 This young man. 00:33:53.579 --> 00:33:53.740 Who. 00:33:54.119 --> 00:33:54.819 For whatever reason. 00:33:54.819 --> 00:33:55.639 Is on the brink. 00:33:55.679 --> 00:33:56.299 Of giving up. 00:33:57.179 --> 00:33:58.159 We don't know. 00:33:58.299 --> 00:33:59.220 What was. 00:33:59.279 --> 00:34:00.179 The struggles were. 00:34:00.299 --> 00:34:00.720 We don't know. 00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:01.399 The specifics. 00:34:01.399 --> 00:34:01.879 Of. 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:03.259 Of what he was going through. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:04.220 But we can imagine. 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.679 That he's become weary. 00:34:06.619 --> 00:34:07.359 We can imagine. 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:08.699 That he's become discouraged. 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:10.299 We can imagine. 00:34:10.299 --> 00:34:11.259 That because of. 00:34:11.380 --> 00:34:12.400 Constant opposition. 00:34:12.840 --> 00:34:13.539 And adversity. 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:14.279 That's related. 00:34:14.279 --> 00:34:14.619 To. 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:15.539 To his role. 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:16.940 Of building up the church. 00:34:16.940 --> 00:34:17.840 He's been. 00:34:17.840 --> 00:34:18.940 He's been afflicted. 00:34:19.059 --> 00:34:19.280 In a. 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.599 In a significant way. 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:21.740 An ongoing way. 00:34:22.440 --> 00:34:23.420 It's battered him. 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:24.400 It's wounded him. 00:34:25.159 --> 00:34:26.380 It's disheartened him. 00:34:27.720 --> 00:34:28.700 His name is mentioned. 00:34:28.700 --> 00:34:29.220 In. 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:30.420 This little letter. 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.099 To Philemon. 00:34:31.200 --> 00:34:32.159 In verses 1 and 2. 00:34:32.220 --> 00:34:32.500 It says. 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:33.240 Paul a prisoner. 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:34.519 For Christ Jesus. 00:34:34.780 --> 00:34:35.260 And Timothy. 00:34:35.400 --> 00:34:35.840 Our brother. 00:34:36.220 --> 00:34:36.920 To Philemon. 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:38.260 Our beloved fellow worker. 00:34:38.460 --> 00:34:39.039 And Appiah. 00:34:39.200 --> 00:34:39.800 Our sister. 00:34:40.220 --> 00:34:41.280 And Archippus. 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:43.059 Our fellow soldier. 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:44.579 In the church. 00:34:44.679 --> 00:34:45.320 In your house. 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:48.000 See he was at Colossae. 00:34:48.660 --> 00:34:49.700 And he was likely. 00:34:50.260 --> 00:34:51.539 Related in some way. 00:34:51.600 --> 00:34:52.700 To these family members. 00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:53.260 Who are here. 00:34:53.260 --> 00:34:54.740 So that Philemon. 00:34:54.960 --> 00:34:56.440 Is likely his dad. 00:34:56.640 --> 00:34:57.180 In. 00:34:57.320 --> 00:34:57.960 In this. 00:34:58.280 --> 00:34:59.120 Work of ministry. 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.039 But. 00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:02.539 As a fellow soldier. 00:35:02.720 --> 00:35:02.840 We. 00:35:03.039 --> 00:35:03.580 We get some. 00:35:04.180 --> 00:35:04.580 Descriptions. 00:35:04.740 --> 00:35:05.420 The apostle Paul. 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:06.360 Describing himself. 00:35:06.660 --> 00:35:07.600 As a fellow soldier. 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:08.900 And describing Timothy. 00:35:08.900 --> 00:35:09.760 As a fellow soldier. 00:35:10.340 --> 00:35:11.200 This labor. 00:35:11.460 --> 00:35:12.240 In mission. 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:13.400 This spiritual. 00:35:13.640 --> 00:35:14.059 Warfare. 00:35:14.059 --> 00:35:14.940 This fight. 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:15.980 For the faith. 00:35:16.440 --> 00:35:17.799 This side by side. 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:18.940 Need for endurance. 00:35:20.639 --> 00:35:21.279 Certainly. 00:35:22.039 --> 00:35:22.739 Through the hardship. 00:35:22.880 --> 00:35:23.480 Of ministry. 00:35:27.019 --> 00:35:27.659 Archippus. 00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:29.420 Has become discouraged. 00:35:29.960 --> 00:35:30.579 He's become. 00:35:30.860 --> 00:35:31.460 Disheartened. 00:35:31.480 --> 00:35:32.079 He's become. 00:35:32.400 --> 00:35:32.900 Weary. 00:35:33.840 --> 00:35:34.119 And. 00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:34.219 And. 00:35:34.219 --> 00:35:34.519 And. 00:35:34.519 --> 00:35:34.539 And. 00:35:34.539 --> 00:35:34.739 And. 00:35:34.739 --> 00:35:35.099 Here. 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:36.239 We find. 00:35:36.239 --> 00:35:37.000 This encouragement. 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:37.960 The apostle Paul. 00:35:38.059 --> 00:35:38.400 Doesn't. 00:35:38.659 --> 00:35:39.500 Doesn't encourage. 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.079 The church. 00:35:40.179 --> 00:35:40.639 To kick. 00:35:41.119 --> 00:35:41.559 Archippus. 00:35:41.679 --> 00:35:42.380 To the curb. 00:35:42.380 --> 00:35:43.360 He. 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:44.460 They're not. 00:35:44.519 --> 00:35:45.579 To leave him alone. 00:35:46.160 --> 00:35:46.860 They're not. 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.079 To. 00:35:47.220 --> 00:35:48.079 To tell him. 00:35:48.160 --> 00:35:48.280 To. 00:35:48.460 --> 00:35:49.840 To work things out. 00:35:49.840 --> 00:35:50.660 On his own. 00:35:51.940 --> 00:35:52.240 They're not. 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:52.960 To. 00:35:53.240 --> 00:35:53.480 To. 00:35:53.640 --> 00:35:53.680 To. 00:35:53.680 --> 00:35:54.300 To give him. 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:55.460 Some strong. 00:35:57.039 --> 00:35:57.440 Commendation. 00:35:57.599 --> 00:35:57.680 Or. 00:35:58.500 --> 00:35:58.940 Condemnation. 00:35:59.119 --> 00:35:59.260 That. 00:35:59.340 --> 00:35:59.760 That he's. 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:00.519 That he's not. 00:36:00.640 --> 00:36:01.300 Doing the work. 00:36:01.360 --> 00:36:02.280 That he's been called to. 00:36:03.360 --> 00:36:04.559 They're not to criticize him. 00:36:04.559 --> 00:36:05.500 Or ignore him. 00:36:06.220 --> 00:36:06.660 But they're. 00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:07.599 To address him. 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:09.220 Notice the tender words. 00:36:09.300 --> 00:36:09.980 That Paul uses. 00:36:10.300 --> 00:36:10.599 Here. 00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:10.920 Where he says. 00:36:11.059 --> 00:36:11.500 Say. 00:36:11.920 --> 00:36:12.639 To archipus. 00:36:13.179 --> 00:36:14.699 It begins with speaking. 00:36:15.400 --> 00:36:16.519 It begins with encouragement. 00:36:17.480 --> 00:36:18.440 Do this together. 00:36:19.179 --> 00:36:20.420 Have this conversation. 00:36:21.639 --> 00:36:22.039 This. 00:36:22.339 --> 00:36:22.739 Verb. 00:36:22.819 --> 00:36:23.539 Is in the plural. 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:25.480 And it invites the entire church. 00:36:25.579 --> 00:36:26.579 There in Colossae. 00:36:26.619 --> 00:36:27.679 To be part of this work. 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.400 Of strengthening. 00:36:28.739 --> 00:36:29.579 This young man. 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:30.519 In the hardship. 00:36:30.519 --> 00:36:31.239 That he's facing. 00:36:31.739 --> 00:36:32.219 This. 00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:33.099 Is your. 00:36:33.940 --> 00:36:34.420 Responsibility. 00:36:35.339 --> 00:36:36.519 He needs to know. 00:36:36.759 --> 00:36:37.099 Church. 00:36:37.319 --> 00:36:38.199 That you care. 00:36:38.460 --> 00:36:39.079 For him. 00:36:39.079 --> 00:36:41.059 And God has put him. 00:36:41.219 --> 00:36:41.799 In community. 00:36:41.799 --> 00:36:42.519 For a reason. 00:36:43.860 --> 00:36:44.639 These are the times. 00:36:44.779 --> 00:36:44.940 Where. 00:36:45.699 --> 00:36:46.139 Where. 00:36:46.819 --> 00:36:47.460 It was. 00:36:48.000 --> 00:36:48.480 Significant. 00:36:48.639 --> 00:36:48.840 For the. 00:36:48.860 --> 00:36:49.380 For this church. 00:36:49.440 --> 00:36:50.199 To come alongside. 00:36:50.199 --> 00:36:50.940 And encourage. 00:36:51.259 --> 00:36:52.319 This faint hearted. 00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:52.819 Young man. 00:36:53.299 --> 00:36:53.819 Don't. 00:36:53.880 --> 00:36:54.920 Let him flounder. 00:36:55.179 --> 00:36:56.019 Don't give him. 00:36:56.019 --> 00:36:56.699 An opportunity. 00:36:56.699 --> 00:36:57.420 To fail. 00:36:58.279 --> 00:36:58.699 Rather. 00:36:58.840 --> 00:36:59.420 Come alongside. 00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:00.799 And strengthen. 00:37:00.799 --> 00:37:01.519 This young man. 00:37:01.860 --> 00:37:02.579 Remind him. 00:37:02.579 --> 00:37:03.279 Of the ministry. 00:37:03.279 --> 00:37:04.420 That God has called him to. 00:37:05.219 --> 00:37:05.739 Fulfill. 00:37:05.920 --> 00:37:06.719 The ministry. 00:37:06.719 --> 00:37:08.259 This word. 00:37:08.379 --> 00:37:08.759 Fulfill. 00:37:08.819 --> 00:37:09.339 That we've seen. 00:37:09.439 --> 00:37:10.139 Throughout the letters. 00:37:10.199 --> 00:37:10.959 Of the apostle Paul. 00:37:11.079 --> 00:37:11.419 It's the word. 00:37:11.539 --> 00:37:12.719 To fill up. 00:37:12.799 --> 00:37:13.279 It's the word. 00:37:13.339 --> 00:37:14.639 To make complete. 00:37:15.199 --> 00:37:16.519 To do the work. 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:17.699 That God has called you to do. 00:37:17.839 --> 00:37:19.000 Don't let parts. 00:37:19.000 --> 00:37:19.480 Of the work. 00:37:19.559 --> 00:37:20.619 That God has called you to. 00:37:20.759 --> 00:37:21.699 To flounder. 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:23.559 Don't let them go. 00:37:23.839 --> 00:37:24.719 See them through. 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:26.039 Have endurance. 00:37:27.299 --> 00:37:28.259 This is the same work. 00:37:28.679 --> 00:37:29.159 The same. 00:37:29.779 --> 00:37:30.179 Encouragement. 00:37:30.339 --> 00:37:31.059 For all of us. 00:37:31.719 --> 00:37:32.139 See. 00:37:32.459 --> 00:37:32.899 The work. 00:37:33.059 --> 00:37:33.459 Through. 00:37:33.659 --> 00:37:34.539 To the finish line. 00:37:34.539 --> 00:37:36.159 Go the distance. 00:37:36.340 --> 00:37:37.460 For the glory of God. 00:37:37.539 --> 00:37:37.840 Why? 00:37:38.219 --> 00:37:40.000 Because it's not your ministry. 00:37:40.340 --> 00:37:41.279 Notice what it says. 00:37:41.639 --> 00:37:42.119 See. 00:37:42.279 --> 00:37:43.679 That you fulfill the ministry. 00:37:44.079 --> 00:37:44.759 What church? 00:37:45.320 --> 00:37:46.940 That you have received. 00:37:47.360 --> 00:37:48.000 In the Lord. 00:37:50.119 --> 00:37:51.159 That you received. 00:37:51.259 --> 00:37:51.880 In the Lord. 00:37:52.199 --> 00:37:53.880 This is an entrustment. 00:37:54.559 --> 00:37:55.619 It's an entrustment. 00:37:56.199 --> 00:37:57.300 This is a stewardship. 00:37:58.139 --> 00:37:58.920 This is a ministry. 00:37:59.139 --> 00:37:59.960 You've received. 00:38:00.300 --> 00:38:00.860 So it's a ministry. 00:38:00.860 --> 00:38:01.759 You need to see. 00:38:01.900 --> 00:38:02.279 Through. 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:03.119 To the end. 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:05.880 And there's a promise here. 00:38:06.159 --> 00:38:06.759 A promise. 00:38:06.960 --> 00:38:08.019 That is given to us. 00:38:08.119 --> 00:38:09.019 About this ministry. 00:38:09.259 --> 00:38:10.800 From 1 Corinthians 15. 00:38:10.860 --> 00:38:11.219 58. 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:11.619 It says. 00:38:11.820 --> 00:38:12.779 Therefore my beloved brothers. 00:38:13.119 --> 00:38:14.039 Be steadfast. 00:38:14.219 --> 00:38:14.759 Immovable. 00:38:15.779 --> 00:38:16.619 Always abounding. 00:38:16.739 --> 00:38:17.460 In the work of the Lord. 00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:18.179 Knowing. 00:38:18.619 --> 00:38:19.340 That your labor. 00:38:19.639 --> 00:38:20.659 Is not in vain. 00:38:21.119 --> 00:38:21.579 In the Lord. 00:38:22.539 --> 00:38:23.639 When you carry out. 00:38:24.059 --> 00:38:25.079 The work of the Lord. 00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:27.139 You are doing. 00:38:27.599 --> 00:38:29.179 The work that God has called you to. 00:38:29.440 --> 00:38:30.259 In the strength. 00:38:30.539 --> 00:38:31.539 That God has given to you. 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:32.840 And God's work. 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:34.519 Will always have its way. 00:38:35.039 --> 00:38:35.900 You can trust it. 00:38:36.780 --> 00:38:37.539 What a privilege. 00:38:38.539 --> 00:38:39.680 It's not our ministry. 00:38:39.900 --> 00:38:40.559 It's a ministry. 00:38:40.559 --> 00:38:41.579 That we have received. 00:38:41.900 --> 00:38:42.539 In the Lord. 00:38:42.620 --> 00:38:43.579 May we be faithful. 00:38:43.579 --> 00:38:44.380 With that ministry. 00:38:45.160 --> 00:38:46.000 And then we come to this. 00:38:46.000 --> 00:38:46.700 This closing. 00:38:47.120 --> 00:38:48.400 This closing phrase. 00:38:48.480 --> 00:38:48.800 In here. 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:50.200 In verse 18. 00:38:50.200 --> 00:38:51.960 And we see this personal nature. 00:38:52.380 --> 00:38:53.440 This personal nature. 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:54.320 Of Paul's ministry. 00:38:54.320 --> 00:38:55.220 When he says this. 00:38:55.760 --> 00:38:56.600 I Paul. 00:38:56.740 --> 00:38:57.680 Write this greeting. 00:38:57.900 --> 00:38:59.100 With my own hand. 00:38:59.099 --> 00:39:00.420 Remember. 00:39:00.860 --> 00:39:01.900 My chains. 00:39:02.139 --> 00:39:02.619 Grace. 00:39:03.019 --> 00:39:03.900 Be with you. 00:39:05.279 --> 00:39:06.179 Often Paul. 00:39:06.380 --> 00:39:07.579 Would dictate his letters. 00:39:07.860 --> 00:39:07.880 And. 00:39:08.380 --> 00:39:09.420 But then at the end. 00:39:09.500 --> 00:39:10.819 In several instances. 00:39:10.819 --> 00:39:12.679 We find this closing greeting. 00:39:12.940 --> 00:39:15.079 That is given by the apostle Paul. 00:39:15.159 --> 00:39:15.559 And it says. 00:39:15.920 --> 00:39:17.259 Personal seal. 00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:18.900 Of. 00:39:19.659 --> 00:39:20.579 Of expression. 00:39:20.839 --> 00:39:21.579 Of his heart. 00:39:21.699 --> 00:39:22.539 To this church. 00:39:23.199 --> 00:39:24.400 I've communicated. 00:39:24.860 --> 00:39:25.279 To you. 00:39:25.380 --> 00:39:25.880 These words. 00:39:25.880 --> 00:39:27.099 But I want you to see. 00:39:27.099 --> 00:39:29.000 This physical expression. 00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:30.420 Of my care for you. 00:39:30.579 --> 00:39:31.660 I'm signing off. 00:39:31.880 --> 00:39:32.619 With my own. 00:39:32.780 --> 00:39:33.680 With my own hand. 00:39:34.860 --> 00:39:36.079 In Galatians chapter 6. 00:39:36.140 --> 00:39:36.700 Verse 11. 00:39:37.539 --> 00:39:38.660 Paul does the same thing. 00:39:38.740 --> 00:39:39.740 To the church of Galatia. 00:39:39.860 --> 00:39:40.079 He says. 00:39:40.180 --> 00:39:41.920 See with what large letters. 00:39:42.180 --> 00:39:43.340 I am writing to you. 00:39:43.420 --> 00:39:44.860 With my own hand. 00:39:47.500 --> 00:39:49.000 This was intensely. 00:39:49.460 --> 00:39:49.900 Personal. 00:39:50.079 --> 00:39:50.840 For the apostle Paul. 00:39:52.300 --> 00:39:52.840 There's something. 00:39:53.019 --> 00:39:53.260 You know. 00:39:53.340 --> 00:39:53.820 Powerful. 00:39:54.280 --> 00:39:55.140 About getting. 00:39:55.139 --> 00:39:56.420 That text message. 00:39:56.420 --> 00:39:57.980 That unexpected message. 00:39:57.980 --> 00:39:59.039 From someone. 00:39:59.039 --> 00:40:01.259 Who is thinking about you. 00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:01.940 In the moment. 00:40:02.539 --> 00:40:03.099 And maybe. 00:40:03.379 --> 00:40:03.719 Even. 00:40:04.199 --> 00:40:04.900 To receive. 00:40:05.159 --> 00:40:06.879 That note. 00:40:07.059 --> 00:40:07.739 Or email. 00:40:08.219 --> 00:40:09.199 From somebody. 00:40:09.420 --> 00:40:10.759 Who is just putting. 00:40:11.000 --> 00:40:12.139 A very special. 00:40:12.339 --> 00:40:13.199 Personal touch. 00:40:13.539 --> 00:40:14.799 On communicating with you. 00:40:15.779 --> 00:40:16.339 But there's. 00:40:16.799 --> 00:40:17.379 There's something. 00:40:17.519 --> 00:40:18.379 Quite significant. 00:40:18.379 --> 00:40:19.739 About a handwritten note. 00:40:20.940 --> 00:40:21.400 There's something. 00:40:21.699 --> 00:40:22.519 Quite personal. 00:40:22.659 --> 00:40:23.259 And intimate. 00:40:23.260 --> 00:40:24.520 About this. 00:40:24.520 --> 00:40:25.440 This personal. 00:40:26.040 --> 00:40:26.520 Expression. 00:40:27.000 --> 00:40:27.520 Of kindness. 00:40:27.740 --> 00:40:28.240 And love. 00:40:29.040 --> 00:40:29.780 And especially. 00:40:30.120 --> 00:40:30.760 As somebody. 00:40:31.120 --> 00:40:31.840 Who is notable. 00:40:32.100 --> 00:40:33.040 Is communicating. 00:40:33.420 --> 00:40:33.660 To you. 00:40:33.720 --> 00:40:34.220 In that way. 00:40:34.300 --> 00:40:35.060 And that's what Paul. 00:40:35.120 --> 00:40:35.680 Is doing here. 00:40:36.940 --> 00:40:37.520 Paul says. 00:40:38.100 --> 00:40:39.080 Remember my chains. 00:40:40.100 --> 00:40:41.340 Don't forget about me. 00:40:42.340 --> 00:40:43.240 I haven't forgotten. 00:40:43.320 --> 00:40:43.760 About you. 00:40:44.540 --> 00:40:45.280 And I might be. 00:40:45.540 --> 00:40:46.520 Separated from you. 00:40:46.600 --> 00:40:47.100 Because. 00:40:47.500 --> 00:40:48.100 Of prison. 00:40:48.220 --> 00:40:48.320 But. 00:40:48.320 --> 00:40:49.180 But my heart. 00:40:49.280 --> 00:40:49.920 Is with you. 00:40:50.380 --> 00:40:51.539 I'm present with you. 00:40:51.600 --> 00:40:52.200 I care. 00:40:52.440 --> 00:40:52.980 About you. 00:40:53.059 --> 00:40:54.180 I'm vested in you. 00:40:54.380 --> 00:40:55.240 I'm interested. 00:40:55.240 --> 00:40:55.960 In what God. 00:40:55.960 --> 00:40:56.539 Is doing. 00:40:56.860 --> 00:40:57.820 In your life. 00:40:58.620 --> 00:40:59.440 Remember me. 00:40:59.559 --> 00:41:00.240 Not just. 00:41:00.420 --> 00:41:01.320 For my suffering. 00:41:01.680 --> 00:41:02.300 But especially. 00:41:02.440 --> 00:41:02.940 Remember me. 00:41:02.980 --> 00:41:03.800 Because of my savior. 00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:07.200 And remember the grace. 00:41:08.200 --> 00:41:08.680 Grace. 00:41:09.180 --> 00:41:09.740 May the grace. 00:41:09.940 --> 00:41:10.519 Of God. 00:41:10.720 --> 00:41:11.240 Be with you. 00:41:11.860 --> 00:41:12.360 May the grace. 00:41:12.400 --> 00:41:12.720 Of God. 00:41:12.800 --> 00:41:13.200 Carry you. 00:41:13.280 --> 00:41:13.740 May the grace. 00:41:13.780 --> 00:41:14.120 Of God. 00:41:14.340 --> 00:41:15.080 Support you. 00:41:15.079 --> 00:41:15.940 And help you. 00:41:16.019 --> 00:41:16.819 As you continue. 00:41:16.819 --> 00:41:17.340 The work. 00:41:17.340 --> 00:41:18.699 That God has called you. 00:41:18.840 --> 00:41:19.279 To do. 00:41:20.079 --> 00:41:21.239 And might your life. 00:41:21.440 --> 00:41:21.659 Be. 00:41:22.039 --> 00:41:22.920 This living. 00:41:23.420 --> 00:41:23.719 Vessel. 00:41:23.840 --> 00:41:24.360 This living. 00:41:24.579 --> 00:41:25.079 Portrait. 00:41:25.900 --> 00:41:26.819 Of Christ's work. 00:41:26.960 --> 00:41:27.579 In your life. 00:41:27.960 --> 00:41:29.239 As you seek to carry out. 00:41:29.360 --> 00:41:29.819 That work. 00:41:30.659 --> 00:41:31.739 Wherever God puts you. 00:41:33.000 --> 00:41:33.480 And so. 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:34.159 The apostle Paul. 00:41:34.219 --> 00:41:35.199 Becomes a great example. 00:41:35.199 --> 00:41:35.579 To us. 00:41:35.619 --> 00:41:36.000 Doesn't he? 00:41:36.719 --> 00:41:37.480 This example. 00:41:37.619 --> 00:41:38.840 Of this man. 00:41:38.960 --> 00:41:39.279 Who is. 00:41:39.619 --> 00:41:40.440 Handing off. 00:41:40.659 --> 00:41:41.139 The baton. 00:41:41.319 --> 00:41:42.480 He's finishing well. 00:41:42.679 --> 00:41:43.599 And he's entrusting. 00:41:43.599 --> 00:41:44.239 This ministry. 00:41:44.239 --> 00:41:44.759 To us. 00:41:45.120 --> 00:41:45.880 This ministry. 00:41:45.960 --> 00:41:46.640 The apostle Paul. 00:41:46.640 --> 00:41:47.420 Has as a ministry. 00:41:47.420 --> 00:41:48.480 That he commends. 00:41:48.640 --> 00:41:49.360 All of us. 00:41:49.400 --> 00:41:50.040 To take part in. 00:41:51.020 --> 00:41:51.560 May the Lord. 00:41:51.620 --> 00:41:52.040 Help us. 00:41:52.080 --> 00:41:52.680 As we seek. 00:41:52.720 --> 00:41:53.200 To be faithful. 00:41:53.300 --> 00:41:54.260 To be workmen. 00:41:54.660 --> 00:41:55.480 Who need not. 00:41:55.540 --> 00:41:56.100 To be ashamed. 00:41:56.940 --> 00:41:57.660 Rightly dividing. 00:41:57.660 --> 00:41:58.340 The word of truth. 00:41:58.460 --> 00:41:58.980 And rightly. 00:41:59.900 --> 00:42:00.300 Exercising. 00:42:00.400 --> 00:42:01.080 And working out. 00:42:01.160 --> 00:42:01.560 The ministry. 00:42:01.560 --> 00:42:02.560 That God has called us. 00:42:03.100 --> 00:42:03.280 To. 00:42:04.600 --> 00:42:05.120 Oh Lord. 00:42:05.160 --> 00:42:05.420 I pray. 00:42:05.480 --> 00:42:06.280 That you would help us. 00:42:06.920 --> 00:42:07.840 To be faithful. 00:42:08.860 --> 00:42:09.180 Representatives. 00:42:09.180 --> 00:42:09.800 Of Jesus. 00:42:10.720 --> 00:42:11.160 Thank you. 00:42:11.180 --> 00:42:12.000 For the apostle Paul. 00:42:12.080 --> 00:42:12.420 And thank you. 00:42:12.460 --> 00:42:13.020 For the portrait. 00:42:13.140 --> 00:42:13.600 That he paints. 00:42:13.620 --> 00:42:14.700 Of all of these men. 00:42:14.699 --> 00:42:15.799 And this. 00:42:16.399 --> 00:42:17.299 This lady. 00:42:17.519 --> 00:42:17.839 Who was. 00:42:17.960 --> 00:42:18.619 Who were a part. 00:42:19.019 --> 00:42:19.759 Of the ministry. 00:42:19.759 --> 00:42:20.619 There in Colossae. 00:42:20.739 --> 00:42:21.899 And the surrounding cities. 00:42:22.559 --> 00:42:23.379 May we learn. 00:42:23.379 --> 00:42:24.239 From their example. 00:42:25.259 --> 00:42:25.759 May we. 00:42:26.179 --> 00:42:27.239 Pick up the baton. 00:42:28.000 --> 00:42:28.639 And may we. 00:42:28.759 --> 00:42:29.619 Faithfully serve. 00:42:29.739 --> 00:42:30.419 Our Lord Jesus. 00:42:30.899 --> 00:42:31.539 In the world. 00:42:31.619 --> 00:42:32.419 In which you've entrusted. 00:42:32.559 --> 00:42:32.939 To us. 00:42:33.599 --> 00:42:34.079 We praise you. 00:42:34.139 --> 00:42:34.739 In Jesus name. 00:42:34.939 --> 00:42:35.179 Amen. 00:42:35.179 --> 00:42:35.279 Amen. 00:42:35.280 --> 00:42:35.780 Amen. 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:35.780 00:42:35.780 --> 00:43:05.760 Thank you.