Crafting a Legacy in Ministry

Steadfast: Living for Christ in a Wayward World

Part 11 – Crafting a Legacy in Ministry

Colossians 4:7-18

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:7-18

Life Lessons from Paul’s Partners in Ministry

Lesson #1 – we may do a little, but , we will be a force for Christ’s sake!

6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, Acts 17:6

Lesson #2 – No role is !

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts…. Colossians 4:7-8

Lesson #3 – doesn’t mean you’re done!

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Colossians 4:10

11 … Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11

Lesson #4 When facing a critical crossroads in life, you can choose or the .

14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Colossians 4:14

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. 2 Timothy 4:9-10.

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 1 John 2:15

22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3.

Lesson #5 – for our church family is essential!

12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12

Lesson #6 – in ministry!

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” Colossians 4:17

Crafting a Legacy – Life Lessons from Paul’s Ministry Partners

Lesson #1 – Alone we may do a little, but together, we will be a force for Christ’s sake.

Lesson #2 – No role is insignificant.

Lesson #3 – Failure doesn’t mean you’re done!

Lesson #4 – When facing a critical crossroads in life, you can choose God’s Way or the World’s Way.

Lesson #5 – Fervent prayer for our church is essential.

Lesson #6 – Keep on keeping on in ministry.