Colossians 4:7–18 That You May Stand Strong

Colossians 4:7–18 That You May Stand Strong

Main Point: The church is not built on one person, but on many faithful servants who work together for Christ’s glory.

Introduction

A divided Congress. A collective body of people with competing goals pulling in different directions. Inefficient. Ineffective. Unable to move forward. What a contrast to the church. The church is a collective body of people with one goal—to obey Jesus and exalt His name. That goal brings unity. That goal moves us forward. As Paul closes his letter, he shows us the kind of teamwork, maturity, and endurance it takes to fulfill the mission of Christ.

1. Paul’s Network of Co-Workers (Colossians 4:7–11)

Paul mentions five men who were serving alongside him in the gospel. Ministry was not a solo event for Paul. It was a team effort, where each person had a role to play.

Tychicus and Onesimus were faithful messengers. Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus were comforting companions. They were the only Jewish believers with Paul at that time, and he commends them for their faithfulness.

In the same way, we must see the church as a team. Like a quarterback who knows the routes and blocking assignments but can’t do them himself, no one person can do everything. We need each other.

Jesus modeled this by sending others out to preach (Mark 1:35–38, Luke 9:1–2). Moses was told by Jethro that leadership must be shared (Exodus 18:17–22). Paul reminded the church in Corinth that the body needs many parts (1 Corinthians 12:17–20).

If we want to move forward as a church, we must all invest in the goal. Every person matters. Every gift counts. There is no such thing as a useless Christian. Whether it is in teaching, administration, hospitality, prayer, evangelism, service, cleaning, greeting, or giving—your contribution is essential to the health and future of our church.

2. Maturity in Christ for Ministry (Colossians 4:12–17)

Paul highlights Epaphras, Luke, Demas, Nympha, Archippus, and even the churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Again, ministry is never one person—it is always a team. And that team must grow in spiritual maturity.

Epaphras was praying for others to become fully assured and mature in the will of God. That should be our desire too—not just attendance or involvement, but spiritual growth and strength in Christ.

Ephesians 4:11–16 shows that teachers are given to equip the saints, and the saints are meant to do ministry. Together, this builds up the church toward unity, knowledge, and spiritual adulthood. We don’t want to be tossed around by false ideas or worldly influences. We want to grow into Christ.

Everyone brings something of value. Never doubt that you have something to offer. If you are in Christ, you have been sealed with the Spirit and equipped with a gift meant to serve the body. Maturity means using that gift, staying faithful, and encouraging others to do the same.

3. Remember Paul’s Chains (Colossians 4:18)

Paul closes the letter by reminding the Colossians that he is writing from prison. Every command, every encouragement, every instruction was penned while chained for the gospel. This is not theory. This is not detached from real life. Paul is living proof that following Christ costs something.

But Paul didn’t give up. And he didn’t go it alone. His team, his companions, his fellow laborers—these were the people who helped carry the weight.

In our day, we may not be in chains. But we will face resistance. We will grow tired. We will feel alone. That’s why we need the church. Not just a place to attend, but a people to walk with. When we come together under God’s Word and the leading of His Spirit, united in love for Christ, nothing can stop what He will do through us.

Conclusion

Let us work together for the purpose of making Christ known. Let us hope in the kingdom He has promised. And let us invest our time, energy, and gifts into His church.

You are not useless. You are not alone. You are gifted, sealed, and invited to be part of something eternal. Find your place, fulfill your role, and let us grow together into maturity in Christ.

Scripture Reference Index

Mark 1:35–38
Jesus goes out early to pray but is reminded that many are looking for Him. His response shows the purpose of gospel proclamation and movement beyond the familiar, a call echoed in the teamwork of Paul's ministry.

Luke 9:1–2
Jesus sends the twelve out with authority to heal and proclaim the kingdom. This passage supports the idea that ministry is not a solo effort, but a shared mission given by Christ Himself.

Exodus 18:17–22
Jethro advises Moses to delegate leadership in order to prevent burnout. This Old Testament example reinforces the need for shared responsibility and distributed service in God’s people.

1 Corinthians 12:17–20
Paul explains the value of every part of the body of Christ. Just as no body part is useless, every believer is vital to the health and function of the church.

Ephesians 4:11–16
God gives spiritual leaders to equip the saints for ministry. The goal is unity, maturity, and doctrinal stability. This is a key passage showing the connection between individual service and corporate growth in Christ.

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