Enjoying the Fulness of Christ with Christian Friends, Part 2

Enjoying the Fulness of Christ with Christian Friends, Part 2
2109.11.10. M Knight
Colossians 4:7-18

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.

To listen to part one of this sermon, follow this link.

3. Aristarchus – A Fellow Prisoner (Colossians 4:10)

• His Background
- He was a Thessalonian who accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey. (Acts 19:20, 24-29)
- He was seized by a rioting mob for being Paul’s friend.
- He was one of three Jews in Rome that did not reject Paul.

• His Character
- A “Fellow Prisoner”
- A “Fellow Worker” or Close Coworker
- He understood God’s grace and forgiveness and was not prejudiced.

• His example teaches us:
- The importance of loyalty to the gospel and to those who proclaim the gospel.
- The importance of a caring, sympathetic friend.

4. Mark – A Restored Friend (Colossians 4:10)

• His Background
- He was Barnabas’ cousin.
- He was a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but deserted them. (Acts 13:13)
- Paul and Barnabas fell out over whether to take Mark on their second missionary journey. (Acts 15:37, 39)
- Mark matured and became useful again. (2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24)

• His Character
- A “Fellow Worker” or Close Coworker
- A mature believer who was now able to teach others. Paul tells the church to “receive his instructions” (Colossians 4:10)

• His example teaches us:
- The importance of learning and growing from your mistakes.
- The importance of reconciling with Christian friends.
- God can use us in spite of our past failures; e.g., he wrote the Gospel of Mark!

5. Justus – A Roman Jew (Colossians 4:11)

• His Background
- Nothing is known of him apart from this verse.
- He was probably a Roman Jew who was led to Christ by Paul.
- He was one of the few Jews who was an encouragement to Paul while in prison in Rome.

• His example teaches us.
- The importance of being a righteous, godly, loyal friend.
- The importance of being an encouraging friend.

6. Epaphras – A Praying Friend (Colossians 4:12-13)

• His Background
- He was a founder and pastor of the Colossian Church.
- He traveled to Rome to report to Paul the problems in his church and problems with Gnostics.

• His Character
- A “Bondslave of Jesus Christ”
- He was a prayer warrior. (Colossians 4:12)
- He was most concerned about the spiritual maturity of others.
- He had a genuine love for others, and this motived him to pray for them.

• His example teaches us
- The importance of a praying friend
- The importance of a praying pastor