The messenger of consolation/Colossians 4:7-9
messenger of content
Colossians 4:7-9
Two people appear in today's text. Let's share the word of God speaking to us today through their faith.
1. Faithful Worker
First, in verse 7, we see a man named Tychicus.
Regarding Tychicus, the Apostle Paul said,
“He is a beloved brother, a faithful worker, and a fellow servant in the Lord.”
Tychicus was from Asia Minor, and he was a helper of the apostle Paul, and he worked very hard. Tychicus went to Colossae to deliver a letter to the Colossians and to inform the church about the circumstances of the apostle Paul.
In particular, he is referred to as “a faithful worker and a fellow servant in the Lord,” and the word faithful here refers even to the title of fellow servant in the Lord. In other words, Tychicus was faithful both as a worker and as a fellow servant in the Lord. Faithfulness is the secret of God, the only qualification of a minister entrusted with the gospel. Therefore, in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Paul said, “Let men ought to consider us servants of Christ and entrusters of the mystery of God, and what we should ask of those entrusted with is fidelity.” Loyalty means faithfulness. .
The faithfulness of the Lord's servants,
(1) It means faithfulness in the gospel, and it is the work of carrying out the work of the gospel entrusted to us by God.
(2) being truthful and not lying in personal life (2 Corinthians 1:18-20);
(3) It is the truth that, even when suffering and hardships occur for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not turn away (Ephesians 6:24).
Etymologically, the word “worker” means “one who passes through the dust” or “one who runs”.
So, you can imagine what a faithful worker looks like.
Like a worker who faithfully works hard to carry out the Lord's work, even though it is dusty and full of sweat, it does not change and works hard.
2. Let's share grace together
“Let ye know our circumstances” in verse 8 shows the reason why Tychicus was sent to Colossae today. The inner affairs and privacy of the faithful servant of Christ are beneficial when known to other saints. The reason is that, behind the Lord’s faithful servant, there can be something worthy of example beyond what is shown on the outside, and when we share the grace that such an apostle received, it will give great inspiration and encouragement to all churches. is.
Therefore, the testimonies of sharing grace will receive grace from each other.
3. Beneficial One, Onesimus
In verse 9, Paul introduces Onesimus, who he calls “the faithful and beloved brother”. He was Philemon's servant, and while he was fleeing to Rome, he met Paul and received the gospel and returned to the Lord. In the book of Philemon, Paul refers to Onesimus as the son Onesimus was born in prison (Pm 1:10), not to mention Paul's affection for him.
Onesimus is a Greek word meaning beneficial. Paul loved this brother and asked Philemon to study the meaning of his name
He said, “He used to be of no use to you, but now he is useful to me and you” (Phm 1:11).
Dear saints!
We want to be servants of God who used to be useless, but are now useful in the church and society.