Colossians 4:10–18 - 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul first sends greetings from Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, three fellow workers who brought encouragement to him (vv. 10-11). He then mentions Epaphras who labored intensely in prayer, asking God to make the Colossian believers mature and fully assured in all His will (vv. 12-13). Paul also passes along greetings from Luke and Demas (v. 14). He asks the Colossians to welcome any of his letters that come from Laodicea, and to share his letter to them with the Laodicean church (v. 16). Finally, Paul charges Archippus to completely fulfill the ministry he received from the Lord (v. 17). He closes the letter by requesting that the Colossians remember his chains, and by extending grace to all of them (v. 18).
How can I apply Colossians 4:10-18 to my life?
In Paul's closing words to the Colossian church, he offers them final exhortations that speak to us powerfully today. Though facing the challenges of false teaching and cultural resistance to the gospel, he calls the Colossian believers to finish strong in Christ-exalting ministry. Paul mentions various partners who have contended faithfully alongside him - what stunning examples to emulate! Before signing off, this battle-worn apostle charges the church to carry the mission forward. His commanding yet compassionate tone beckons us to examine our own lives. Are we majoring on treasuring intimacy with Christ above all? Do our words and behaviors align with making disciples of all nations? May neither complacency nor hardships deter us from sharing and showing the grace we've received. We need to take heart and spur one another onward. Our efforts today, empowered by the Holy Spirit living within, will have an eternal impact. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Develop Meaningful Christian Relationships that Will Encourage Others in Their Faith (vv. 10-11): In these verses, Paul acknowledges several trusted companions in the work of ministry. What a beautiful model of cultivating community! Healthy connections fortify us for living faithfully. We all need encouragers who walk alongside us - building us up in love, lending a listening ear when we struggle spiritually, or spurring us toward acts of service. Whether through your church, small group, mentorship, or authentic Christian friendships, devote yourself to developing deep connections with fellow believers. Meet regularly to study God's Word, serve others, and do life together. Carry each other's burdens, weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. Invest priority time nurturing relationships that mutually strengthen your resolve to pursue Christ. Plan weekly times of fellowship around God's word, prayer, worship, meals, or recreation. Exchange encouragements often through calls, texts, written notes, small gifts, or helping hands. As iron sharpens iron, rub shoulders with those who inspire you to reflect God's light. One day we will enjoy eternal fellowship as the body of Christ. For now, let's emulate Paul by pouring into spiritual companions as we run the race marked out for us (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Food for thought: What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen your connections with other believers? Who is one fellow Christian you can encourage in their spiritual walk through a phone call, text message or other outreach?
2. Persist in Prayer with Passion and Wisdom to Do God's Will Effectively (vv. 12-13): Paul commends Epaphras for laboring fervently in prayer, like an elite spiritual athlete. We too must devote ourselves to impassioned, persistent intercession if we desire to walk fruitfully in God's purposes. Come boldly yet humbly before the throne of grace daily, lifting up fellow believers by name, secular leaders in need of wisdom, prodigals requiring salvation, ministries seeking breakthroughs, and more. Pray with discernment rather than empty platitudes. Allow Scripture to direct your prayers to align with God's perfect will. Maintain alertness to prayer needs around you; ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. Thank Him in advance for answers to come in His timing. Even if weariness tempts you to retreat, continue steadfastly in this ministry of power unleashed. Develop this gift of intercession until praying Scripture fills your waking thoughts. Our sovereign God delights to respond to passionate pleas offered uprightly. One glorious day every mighty work accomplished through Spirit-empowered prayer will be revealed for all to see. Until then, persistent prayer ushers in glimpses of kingdom glory on earth as in heaven (Ephesians 6:18-20; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; James 5:16-18).
Food for thought: What is one new way you will devote focused time to prayer this week? Who is someone you can begin regularly interceding for in a strategic way?
3. Share the Word and Fulfill Your Ministry with Faithfulness and Grace (vv. 15-18): As Paul concludes this letter, he offers final encouragements to the Colossian believers to share God's redeeming truth far and wide. He charges them to make the most of ministry opportunities among those who need to hear the gospel of grace. Though persecution or resistance may come, they must persist in spreading Scriptural teaching about Christ through word and deed. Paul sets an example of finishing the work God gave Him to do with grace and love, not growing weary or losing heart. The takeaway for us is that we too must be found faithfully carrying out our unique calling and service within Christ's body while strength and breath remain. We need to seize openings to proclaim freedom in Jesus to captives all around us. We must persevere in obedience despite hardships we encounter and stay centered on treasuring Christ above all else. We need to fix our eyes on the unseen, eternal realities coming soon when He appears. Till that day, Paul’s mantra should spur us on: "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Matthew 28:19-20; Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 12:1-3).
Food for thought: What specific task or outreach is God calling you to fulfill for His glory in the days ahead? Who will you intentionally build up in the faith through sharing your personal story of grace this week?
In closing, Paul’s charge still resounds: press on faithfully in Christ-centered ministry until your last breath! Stay grounded in Scripture's truths; let nothing sway you from gospel priorities. Refuse to simply consume - join the Holy Spirit in what He is doing around you. Seize openings to share Christ's freedom and disciple others. Fortify your local church through serving, encouragement, and meeting the needs of others. Persist in targeted intercession to see God's power displayed. Esteem Christ supremely in daily choices to leverage brief earthly existence for what has eternal impact. Focus all that you are on magnifying the One who already secured your forever home. Don’t let the empty threats and lures of this world ensnare true devoted disciples. Anticipate receiving the "well done" from the only voice that gives eternal rewards. May faithful endurance be our lives as we await our King's return in confident hope!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would set my affections on treasuring intimacy with Christ above all else. I pray for opportunities to regularly meet with fellow believers to study Your Word, pray, serve others, and do life together in authentic relationship. I pray that I would have a heart that is burdened to intercede passionately for unbelievers needing salvation, leaders needing wisdom, and ministries needing breakthroughs. Help me to always remember that my days are numbered here and give me a sense of urgency to share Your redemptive truth in word and action despite any resistance I encounter. Shape me to finish the work You prepared for me on earth with grace, joy, and unwavering obedience.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Colossians 4:17 - “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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