Flourishing Fellowship
7 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
Colossians 4:7-9 (CSB)
Believers are called to collaborate, as we are more effective when united than working alone. One of the strengths of being a Southern Baptist pastor in a Southern Baptist Church is the inherent cooperation among us, understanding that we achieve more together than separately. When a fellowship embraces the 'together' mindset, several indicators appear, and the apostle Paul mentions five of them in these three verses.
The Mark of Brotherly Love. The apostle Paul called Tychicus "our dearly loved brother.” This highlights that family love is present within the Body of Christ. Such love does not stem from personal preferences or similarities, but rather from the Lord. The capacity to love one another as brothers indicates the Lord's active presence in a person's life. Brotherly love is a horizontal love that flows from believers' vertical love relationship with the Lord. Do you extend family love to others in the Body of Christ?
The Mark of Faithfulness. Paul described Tychicus as a “faithful minister,” highlighting his commitment to living according to the Lord. This mark of faithfulness reflects his character in Christ and his close relationship with Jesus. Tychicus showed his faith in Christ through his actions, consistently following the Lord's guidance. As believers, we should also aim to live faithfully by adhering to the Lord's leading and principles. Is your faithfulness visible to the world?
The Mark of Cooperation. Apostle Paul referred to Tychicus as a “fellow servant,” emphasizing the idea of being a fellow worker in the Lord. Tychicus exemplified a heart dedicated to living and serving within the Body of Christ. He aimed to collaborate with other believers, understanding that unity strengthens their collective effort. Would you be recognized as someone who cooperates within the Body of Christ, or as a person who prefers working alone?
The Mark of Encouragement. Paul understood that believers should encourage each other. When Tychicus visited Colossae, he was meant to boost the faith of the local church. This remains true today, as hearing a missionary's testimony inspires us to participate more actively in God’s work. When you share what God is doing through you, do others feel encouraged?
The Mark of Redemption. Tychicus traveled with Onesimus, a once-failed slave who was now redeemed. Once an outcast and a runaway, Onesimus is now faithful, redeemed, and useful. When Christ transforms our lives, we must live with the mark of redemption. Our old selves no longer define us; instead, we walk in the Lord and live faithfully. Living marked by redemption enables us to respond to questions like, “Weren’t you once?” with confidence in Christ and the message of the gospel.
QUESTIONS
Do you see ministry as “your thing” or do you genuinely see ministry as shared under Christ?
When you speak to others about ministry and needs – do your words encourage or drain?
