Friday, August 17, 2018

Today's Passage - Col 4:14-18

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english

Colossians 4:14-18

 

Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.  After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.  Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.

 

Paul knew how to collaborate with coworkers in the Lord.  In the Book of Acts and his epistles, Paul has mentioned no fewer than 100 names.  Not only did he bring up their names, he also expressed his concern for each of them.  It could be just one or two sentences, but he really knew the needs of his coworkers.  His relationships with the coworkers were not just casual, but they were deep and spiritual.  Also, every time Paul went out on mission trips, he seldom went alone, for he always brought a team of coworkers with him.  Even while in the prison, he had good coworkers and they supported one another through prayer.  Paul really understood how to collaborate with others!

 

The other principle concerning coworkers that Paul taught us is that we must encourage each other.  Archippus was only a lay believer in the Colossian church, for we don't even know what position he held at the church.  Paul, however, encouraged him to take all the work assigned to him seriously and cautiously.  When believers get together, sometimes we just talk about business, work, investment, stocks and TV, and that is a real pity!  When we meet at church, we need to encourage each other with God's work and remind each other of God's will.  When the believers in the early church got together, they always said to one another "Lord is alive!"  We also need to encourage each other with "brother, you need to love the Lord more" or "sister, surrender your worries to God."  Paul, for example, often reminded Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" and "point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus."

 

The act of reminding I'm talking about here is not for picking on others or unveiling their shortcomings, but it's to bless each other with God's word.  Starting today, when you run into brothers or sisters, you should greet them using God's word.  You can say "peace to you, brother, and may the Lord's joy fill you!"  This might sound simple, but it will give the person strength for renewal.  Are you willing to start today?

            

Pray with Pastor Tong     

    

Lord Jesus, I thank you because by the example of Paul we understand our responsibility to encourage one another and running the good race together in the Lord.  I ask you to forbid me from speaking any word on malice or complaint.  Let my mouth be filled with your promises and your comfort.  Whenever I speak to other brothers and sisters, your grace will flow from my mouth.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!

 

 

                            

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