COLOSSIANS ONE OF YOUR OWN Furlough 2008, 2020

Much is said missions and the need to reach the lost for Jesus Christ and much more must be said. If we
affirm that a true Christian must obey God’s word and God commands us to preach the Gospel everywhere
then we must obey Him in all things and preach the Word to all peoples. (Mt. 28:18-20; Mr. 16:15; Lk.
24:46-48; Jo. 20:21; At. 1:8).

But what happens when God chooses one of “our own” to carry the message of salvation to the lost in a
distant place, maybe even central Brazil as He called Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:1-4? Maybe God might
call your son or daughter, maybe someone very active in your church, maybe even YOU! What would you
do? We need more missionaries. We need help in Catalão, Goiás!

You must do what God commands.

What does God command you to do?
Let’s have a look in the epistle of Colossians.

Paul wrote the Epistle to the Colossians along with Galatians and Ephesians between the years 60-64 in
which he follows the practice of teaching doctrine, refuting error, and giving practical instruction on the
Christian life.

The first two chapters of Colossians is doctrinal while the last two are practical. In the doctrinal part Paul
treats the false doctrines and practices affecting the Colossians that come in the form of legalism and
mysticism, 2:4-8, 18-23 to which he exhorts them to seek those things which are above that will have a
direct bearing on how they walk here on earth, 3:1-17. Chapter 4 presents further instructions with
examples of faithful servants of God.

Let us see what God commands us to do through the examples given in the further instructions of Colossians
chapter 4.
1. Paul gives Further instructions that must affect our daily lives.
a. Our conduct must follow the pattern of our Master in heaven. 1 & Masters, give your servants
what is right and equal, conscious that you have a Master in heaven.
b. Our practice must be in keeping with the orders given by Paul
i. 2 & Give yourselves to prayer
(1) at all times,
(2) keeping watch with praise;
(3) 3 And making prayer for us,
(a) that God may give us an open door for the preaching of the
word, the secret of Christ, for which I am now in chains;
(b) 4 So that I may make it clear, as it is right for me to do.
c. Our testimony must an example to those outside of the faith 5 & Be wise in your behaviour to
those who are outside, making good use of the time. (1 Pe. 2:12 and 3:1,2)
d. Our talk must be so that we are able to give 6 Let your talk be with grace, mixed with salt, so that
you may be able to give an answer to everyone. (1 Pe. 3:15)
2. Paul gives Examples of faithful servants of God of which I would like to emphasize three.
a. 7 & Tychicus will give you news of all my business: he is a dear brother and true servant and
helper in the word; 8 And I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may have news of how
we are, and so that he may give your hearts comfort;
b. 9 And with him I have sent Onesimus,
i. the true and well-loved brother,
ii. who is one of you.
iii. They will give you word of everything which is taking place here.
 b. 10 Aristarchus, my brother-prisoner, sends his love to you, and Mark, a relation of
Barnabas (about whom you have been given orders: if he comes to you, be kind to him),
c. 11 And Jesus, whose other name is Justus; these are of the circumcision: they are my
only brother-workers for the kingdom of God, who have been a comfort to me.
d. 12 Epaphras,
i. who is one of you,
ii. a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his love,
iii. ever taking thought for you in his prayers,
(1) that you may be complete and fully certain of all the purpose of God.
(2) 13 For I give witness of him that he has undergone much trouble for
you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
4 Luke, our well-loved medical friend, and Demas, send you their love.
15 Give my love to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nymphas and the church in their house.
16 And when this letter has been made public among you, let the same be done in the church of Laodicea;
and see that you have the letter from Laodicea.
17 Say to Archippus, See that you do the work which the Lord has given you to do.
18 I, Paul, give you this word of love in my handwriting. Keep in memory that I am a prisoner. Grace be
with you.

You must do what God commands.

What does God command you to do?
The instructions are very clear. You must know Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. You must obey Him
in every area of your live. You must serve Him fully.

Is it possible that there might be some here that really do not know the joy of having peace with God
through knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior?

Are you an obedient Christian?

How about your service to God. The command is to go preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every
creature. All must hear the Gospel of Salvation in Jesus Christ independent of personal merit. Maybe there
is “one of you” that would answer the call to reach Brazilians for Christ. Answer that call today.
Pray about it!