Now, In Closing

 This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 4:2-18 and it speaks about the Apostle Paul's final instructions and final greetings to the believers in the church at Colossae. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, I have been preaching a series of messages through the book of Colossians. This will be the final message in the series as we look at the fourth chapter. Maybe we could think of this chapter as the Apostle Paul wrapping up a sermon and giving his closing remarks. Because of the content of this chapter, I decided to title this message, “Now, In Closing.”

I remember when I was a child sitting in church, I was always anxious to hear the preacher say, “In closing…” or “In conclusion…” I also remember that what followed was usually much longer than I hoped!

A long time ago I heard someone ask, “Do you know what it means when a preacher takes off his watch and lays it on the pulpit?” Answer: “It means absolutely nothing!” Well, I have never had the practice of laying my watch on the pulpit. I know there have been a couple of times in this series that I went a little “overtime,” but we didn’t charge extra for it! So, I’ll do my best to finish up on time or even a little earlier today! (There’s no money-back guarantee about that though!!) 

I’ve heard of preachers who said they weren’t bothered by people looking at their watches when the sermon was a little long, but it was a little embarrassing if anyone took their watch off and shook it to make sure it was still running!

The passage we are studying today includes a few more instructions for the Christian believers followed by some general information and greetings. As we look at verses 2-18, we notice that it contains some final instructions for the readers, as well as some final greetings.

I.          Final Instructions (4:2-6, 16-17)

As we have been noticing throughout the letter, it is quite simple to identify his “instructions” because he uses imperative verbs to indicate things he wants them to do. The same holds true in this chapter as well.

There are 6 commands in this chapter. (v. 2, “continue earnestly;” v. 4, “walk;” v. 15, “greet;” v. 16, “see” [KJV “cause”]; v. 17, “say;” v. 18, “remember.”)

Here are the final instructions:

A. Pray (vv. 2-4)

1. Pray continuously (present tense verb). This is a general command regarding the absolute value and importance of prayer.

2. Pray prudently. Watch (present tense) [KJV], be vigilant [NKJV]. That is, be alert to the situations and conditions that are prevalent, so you know how to pray and what to pray.

3. Pray gratefully. “With thanksgiving.” We have studied many different passages of Scripture in the past that emphasize the need to express our gratitude to God.

Prayers cannot be restricted to our wants and wishes that we hope God will do for us. Gratitude is important. Gratitude and giving of thanks are ways to express our faith about the character of God – good, kind, generous, etc. Gratitude is also a way to express our faith about what God is going to do.

4. Pray purposefully. (vv. 3-4) Paul requests their specific prayers for him and those with him (“us”) to gain opportunities to spread the gospel (“mysteries of Christ”) more and more, even in his dire situation.

He doesn’t ask them to pray for his release, i.e., personal benefit, but for the advancement of the Kingdom. (John Knight, Beacon Bible Expositions) He also requests they specifically pray that God will give them the ability to “manifest” or reveal/ bring to light the mystery so any hearers will be able to understand and accept the message.

B. Practice (vv. 5-6)

Paul urges the believers at Colossae to pray, but he also urges them to practice their faith in everyday life.

1. Live consistently. (v. 5)

v. 5 “walk” – a figure of speech that means to live your life.

He urges the recipients to walk “wisely” toward those who are not already believers. We have often been reminded in the Bible regarding the need for our conduct to be in harmony with our message. People are watching how we conduct our lives and the attitudes we portray.

(Tyndale NT Commentary) To walk in wisdom includes living the kind of life that reflects and reveals the mystery of Christ that Paul desired to reveal as indicated in verse 4.

Walking “wisely” also includes taking / seizing the opportunities that we have. “Redeem (buy up) the time.”

2. Speak carefully. (v. 6)

To speak carefully means to speak with grace.

To speak carefully means to speak with “seasoning.” Seasoned with salt implies speech that has a positive effect like salt does.

Would be similar to the point Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

(A.T. Robertson, Paul and the Intellectuals) Speech that is pleasing, winsome, sparkling, even brilliant… containing antiseptic powers of pure salt and not be contaminated by a vile environment.

C. Promote (vv. 15-17)

1. Promote brotherhood.

v. 15 “Greet” – imperative verb.

Paul is admonishing them to give brotherly, Christian greetings to the believers in Laodicea and one person in particular there in whose home the church was gathering. It seems as though his point is to promote the bond of brotherhood between himself, the Christians in Colossae and the Christians in Laodicea. A reminder that we’re not in this spiritual journey / spiritual battle alone but we have faithful brothers and sisters who think of us and pray for us as we do for them.

It is imperative for Christians to make every effort to “greet,” encourage, support other believers. We get all caught up in our own struggles and burdens, we often forget to reach out to others who are struggling. (Not just in our local fellowship of believers, but even those far away.)

2. Promote truth.

v. 16 “see…” (KJV – “cause”) that this letter is read to the church in Laodicea, and make sure you read the letter from there.

Most commentaries indicate that he probably expected the recipients to make a copy of the letter and share it with the other church. This is also a command (imperative), so he is emphasizing the importance of passing the Word of truth to all those who need to hear/read it.

3. Promote encouragement.

v. 17 “say…” Make sure you tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry to which he was called so he can fulfill his calling.

“pay attention” – (KJV, “take heed”), lit. see, look at.

Some writers (e.g., Tyndale NT Comm.) think that Archippus may have been assigned to a particular type of ministry within the church of Colossae. We’re not told any additional details about Archippus. It seems like he might have been slack or even discontinued his ministry. Perhaps it was through discouraging circumstances. That is all speculation, but in any case, Paul wanted them to encourage this brother to keep his focus on it and complete the task God entrusted to him.

II.        Final Greetings (4:7-14, 18)

These next several verses provide some personal greetings and information that involve people who were currently with the apostle.

A. The News Bearers (vv. 7-9)

Tychicus – a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord

“will tell you all the news about me” – KJV, “my state.” He would provide more specific details about what all had happened and was happening to the Apostle Paul.

v. 8 Tychicus will also seek to find out all he can about the church at Colossae in order to take news back to Paul. And he will seek to “comfort your hearts.”

Onesimus – He was originally from this city. He was the slave of a believer by the name of Philemon. In the book of Philemon, we learn that he had apparently stolen from Philemon and had run away.

Don’t know circumstances of his conversion, but Paul’s letter to Philemon urges him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord. He clearly indicates that Onesimus has come to know Christ and is currently walking in the truth and the faith. Here, Paul refers to Onesimus as “one of you,” and a “faithful, beloved brother.” Apparently had already proven by his life and assistance to Paul that there had been a change in his life.

Both of these men were to take news to the Colossians about Paul’s circumstances.

B. The Concerned Believers (vv. 10-14)

There are six men that Paul mentions in this section.

Aristarchus – “fellow prisoner”

Mark – KJV, nephew to Barnabas; commentators agree that the word here was not used to indicate nephew until years later in other literature. During this era, the word always meant cousin. In any case, he had deserted Paul and Barnabas in earlier missionary journey, but now, his life has gotten back on track and he has proven his usefulness to Paul. (2 Tim. – near his death, Paul is asking for Mark to come.) He his now urging the Colossians to receive him and welcome him. – A lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus/Justus – Nothing is said specifically about him, except that he, along with the two previous names, were all Jewish believers.

Epaphras – Col. 4:12 ^(NKJV) 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.

Luke – a well-loved physician. Accompanied Paul on missionary journeys. Wrote the books of Luke and Acts.

Demas – Nothing is said about Demas. In 2 Timothy, Paul states that Demas has forsaken him, having “loved this present world.”

All of these people send greetings and offer their concerns about the progress and status of the Colossian Christians.

C. Personal Touch (v. 18)

It was typical for letters like this to be dictated to a “secretary” or representative, but this closing statement written by him personally. Remember my imprisonment. i.e., pray for me and keep encouraged yourselves.

Grace to you. May God provide all you need!

Conclusion:

As we apply the author’s final instructions and greetings to our own lives, it is fitting to ask God, “Make Me a Blessing!”

Song: Make Me a Blessing