Leaving a Legacy

Introduction: What would the apostle Paul say about you? Notice his comments about those who SERVED faithfully the Lord Jesus in the Colossian Church.
 

1. Tychicus

“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts.” (Col 4:7)

The word “servant” is διάκονος, (dee-ak’-on-os), which means a servant, minister, a waiter, servant, then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.

The word “fellow servant” is σύνδουλος, which means a fellow slave, fellow servant; of Christians: a fellow worker, colleague.
 

2. Onesimus

“9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.” (Col 4:9)

When someone new comes into a Church, people in the Church wonder how he or she will fit into the body of Christ.
Paul defends Onesimus when he writes that he was one of them.
 

3. Epaphraus

“12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” (Col 4:12)

The words “labouring fervently” is ἀγωνίζομαι, (ag-o-nid’-zom-ahee), which means struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I contend, as with an adversary.

Needless to say, he was a pillar in the Church. He was a man of prayer who had a burden for the maturity of every believer in the Church.
 

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit led Paul to salute others who were faithful servants like Barnabas, Luke and Aristarchus.
But please check out what he wanted to pass on to Archippus.

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.” (Col 4:17)

The word “fulfill” is πληρόω,(play-ro’-o), which means fill, fulfill, complete. Finishing FAITHFUL is the goal of every follower of Jesus Christ. May our Lord grant it for those reading this devotion.
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese