Notes:
Colossians 4:7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant
in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may
know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
Colossians 4:9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin
of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
Colossians 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers
for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a
comfort to me.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those
who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Colossians 4:15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and
the church that is in his house.
Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also
in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have
received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:18 This salutation by my own hand–Paul. Remember my chains.
Grace be with you. Amen.
1) Tychicus — The Friend with a Servant’s Heart.
Colossians 4:7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant
in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:7 “… fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may
know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
2) Onesimus is the Friend with the Sinful Past.
Colossians 4:9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ignatius, who is a pastor of the Smyrna church, wrote in his epistle to the
Ephesians these words at the beginning of his letter:
“I received therefore, your whole multitude in the name of God, through Onesimus,
a man of inexpressible love, and your bishop in the flesh whom I pray you by
Jesus Christ to love, and that you would all seek to be like him. And blessed be
He who has granted unto you, being worthy, to obtain such an excellent bishop.”
Ignatius in his epistle to the Antiochians writes in his benediction:
“Onesimus, the pastor of the Ephesians salutes you.”
3) Aristarchus: The Friend with a Sympathetic Heart.
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin
of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
It’s been said, “Your true friends are the ones who are walking in when
everyone esle is walking out.”
Gal 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
4) Mark — The Friend with the Surprising Future.
Colossians 4:10 “… with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received
instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ”
Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga
in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 15:37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
Acts 15:38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had
departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
Acts 15:39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.
And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
Acts 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren
to the grace of God.
2 Timothy 4:11 “… Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for
ministry.”
5) Jesus aka Justus — The Friend with the Strong Commitment.
Colossians 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers
for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a
comfort to me.
Colossians 4:11 “… they have proved to be a comfort to me.”
Matthew 25:36 ” … I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them–those who are
mistreated–since you yourselves are in the body also.
Colossians 4:18 This salutation by my own hand–Paul. Remember my chains.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility
and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly
puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished
and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:22 Which all concern things which perish with the using–according
to the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed
religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the
indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward,…”
I. MORE EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) EXTREME SELF-HUMILIATION.
Colossians 2:18 “… taking delight in false humility …
Colossians 2:23 “… false humility …”
Colossians 2:23 (Amp) “… they delight in self-humiliation …”
2) EXTREME SELF-FABRICATIONS.
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels, intruding into those things which
he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels …”
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light.
Revelation 22:8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and
saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these
things.
Revelation 22:9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow
servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of
this book. Worship God.
Matthew 12:39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign …”
3) EXTREME SELF-REGULATIONS.
Colossians 2:20 “… Do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in
self-imposed religion …”
Here are some of the rules and regulations that must be followed by those
families who are part of the Institute in Basic Life Principles:
Women are expected to wear ankle-length dresses and to never cut their hair;
The presence of text printed onto dresses is not allowed, as it is thought to bring
attention to the body.
Wearing makeup, perfume, nail polish and high heels, is seen as lustful.
Women are also discouraged from attaining a higher education.
Men are expected to wear dark suits and white shirts, and blue jeans are seen
as ungodly.
Males are clean-shaven and short-haired.
Men are also expected to be circumcised, as being uncircumcised is seen as
being unpure.
The consumption of media, such as television, movies, most music and the
internet, is not allowed, though non-contemporary Christian music is accepted.
Dancing is not allowed, and the consumption of alcohol is also banned.
They practice chaperoned courtship, in which a couple becomes acquainted
only in a group setting
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You
should keep them from the evil one.
4) EXTREME SELF-INFLICTION.
Colossians 2:23 “… and neglect of the body,
Colossians 2:23 (NASB) “… severe treatment of the body …”
Colossians 2:23 (NIV) “… their harsh treatment of the body …”
5) EXTREME SELF-MUTIALATION.
Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s
womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are
eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
II. OBVIOUS ANSWERS TO EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) DON’T LOSE CONNECTIONS WITH THE HEAD.
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body,
nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase
that is from God.
2) DON’T LIVE FOR THE WRONG WORLD.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
3) DON’T SEEK THE WRONG HELP.
Colossians 2:23 (NLT) These rules may seem wise because they require strong
devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no
help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Christianity is not a religion of rules and regulatons but of a living relationship
with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
Colossians 1:20 And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of
His cross.
Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
Colossians 1:22 In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and
blameless, and above reproach in His sight —
Colossians 1:23 If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast,
and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,
which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became
a minister.
I. THE VARIOUS MEANINGS OF RECONCILIATION.
1 Corinthians 7:10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord:
A wife is not to depart from her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be
reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
Reconciliation can be defined as restored favor, goodwill, and friendly relations
between two parties formerly at odds with one another.
Reconciliation has been described as putting back together the pieces of a
broken vase.
Reconciliation has been defined as,”The restoration of trust in an interpersonal
relationship through mutual trustworthy.”
Reconciliation has also been defined in counseling “as mutually agreeing to
not proceed with divorce. ”
Colossians 1:18 ” … that in all things He may have the preeminence.
The Message translate this verse “He’s there towering far above everything,
everyone.., everything of God finds its proper place in Him.”
II. THE VICTORIOUS MEANS OF RECONCILIATION.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
There is only one LIVING God.
But there have always been man-made gods.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the
Lord thy God am a jealous God,
1 Chronicles 16:25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to
be feared above all gods.
1 Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made
the heavens.
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked
within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the ONLY wise
God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 “… Who is the blessed and ONLY Potentate, the King of kings,
and Lord of lords;
1 Timothy 6:16 Who ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man
can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour
and power everlasting. Amen.
Jude 1:4 “… the ONLY Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:25 To the ONLY wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion
and power, both now and ever. Amen.
John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
Colossians 1:20 And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, …
Colossians 1:20 “… having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
Song lyrics “Written in Red”
God wrote His love on the hillside so long ago
For you and me Jesus died, and love’s greatest story was told
I love you, I love you that’s what Calvary said;
I love you, I love you, Written in Red.
III. THE VIRTUOUS MARKS OF RECONCILIATION.
Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.
1. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR PROBLEM.
I am friend of God, He calls me friend
What a friend we have in Jesus
2. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR POSTION.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and
blameless, and above reproach in His sight —
3. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR PERSERVERANCE.
Colossians 1:23 If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast,
and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,
which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became
a minister.
IV. THE VALUABLE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.
2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself
through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:19 That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,
not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of
reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to
God.
Luke 2:39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
Luke 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
Luke 2:42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem
according to the custom of the feast.
Luke 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus
lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
Luke 2:44 But supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s
journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Luke 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
Dr. Paul Rusking described the case study patient under his care like this:
“The patient neither speaks nor comprehends the spoken word. Sometimes
she babbles incoherently for hours on end. She is disoriented about person,
place, and time. She does, however respond to her name. I have worked with
her for the past six months, but she still shows complete disregard for her physical
appearance and makes no effort to assist her own care. She must be fed, bathed
and clothed by others.
Her food must be pureed. Her shirt is usually soiled from almost incessant drooling.
She does not walk. Her sleep pattern is erratic. Often she wakes in the middle of the
night and her screaming awakens others. Most of the time she is friendly and happy,
but several times a day she gets quite agitated without apparent cause. Then she
wails until someone comes to comfort her.”
I. ARE WE GROWING AS CHRISTIANS?
Luke 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
Luke 2:42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according
to the custom of the feast.
Jesus at age 12 is on the cusp of adulthood, in the last year that could be
identified as childhood because at 13 Jewish males were considered adults.
II. ARE WE RIGHT WITH THE LORD?
Luke 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered
behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
Luke 2:44 But supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s
journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Luke 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
One of the saddest things on earth is for a person to think they’re right with God
when they’re not.
Judges 16:20 “… So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before,
at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the Lord had
departed from him.
We know that the Lord hadn’t left Samson but Samson had left the Lord.
III. ARE WE SEEKING JESUS’ FOR UNDERSTANDING AND ANSWERS?
Luke 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting
in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
The Voice of the Child
Come listen awhile to the voice of a Child
Stand in awe of the wisdom of God
Hear what He has to say
For the time is today
You can come or just walk away
Luke 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him,
“Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You
anxiously.”
Luke 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I
must be about My Father’s business?”
Luke 2:50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Luke 2:51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was
subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
IV. ARE WE BALANCED CHRISTIANS?
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God
and men.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld
his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He
walked.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
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Service Times
Victory Baptist Church
9871 CL-117
Carthage, MO 64836
417-358-5065
Service Times
Sunday
Sunday School Provided For All Ages – 9:30-10:15 Morning Worship – 10:30 – 12:00
Children’s Church – 10:45 – 12:00
Wednesday Evening
Bible Study – 6:30 – 7:30
Youth Group – 6:30 – 7:30
Children’s Class – 6:30-7:30
