Enjoying the Fulness of Christ with Christian Friends, Part 1

In this greeting, Paul mentions ten believing friends in the Lord. God allowed these names to be recorded in His Word for a reason. Let’s examine the truths about friendship learned from Colossians 4:7-18.

1. Tychicus – A Loyal, Faithful, Reliable Friend (Colossians 4:7-8)

• His Background (Titus 3:12; Ephesians 6:21-22; Acts 20:4)
- He was probably led to the Lord through Paul’s ministry in Ephesus.
- He probably witnessed the riot against Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19).
- He was with Paul when he was arrested in Jerusalem.
- He stuck with Paul through good times and bad.

• His Character
- A “Beloved Brother”
- A “Faithful Servant”
- A “Fellow Bond-servant in the Lord”

• His Responsibilities
- To deliver Paul’s letters to churches in Asia
- To report to churches Paul’s circumstances
- To be Paul’s errand boy for the glory of God

• His example teaches us:
- There is greatness in the small things done for Christ. (Matthew 10:42)
- All things done for Christ are eternal.
- It teaches the value of having a loyal, faithful, reliable friend.

2. Onesimus – A Converted Runaway Slave (Colossians 4:9)

• His Background
- He was a runaway slave who had stolen something from his master, Philemon. (Philemon 18)
- Paul probably led him to the Lord while in prison in Rome. (Philemon 10)
- Paul sends him back to his master, Philemon, to make restitution.
- Onesimus risked his life in order to do what was right and to make restitution. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• His Character
- A “Faithful and Beloved Brother” (Colossians 4:9)
- A Faithful Member of the Church

• His Responsibilities
- To help Tychicus deliver Paul’s letters
- To inform the churches of Paul’s situation
- To encourage the hearts of others

• His example teaches us:
- God can save and change anyone.
- God can use anyone. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)