Last Night at TBT

Last night at TBT we read from Colossians 4 and Proverbs 15:1-15.

The take home message was that as Christians we must be who we are in the world (which for regulars is a continuing theme). That is, the gospel flows down into all aspects of our lives including how we relate to the world itself.

Our relations to the world are twofold: 1. Speaking to God about people (petitionary prayer for those who dont know Christ) and 2. Speaking to people about God (not just in words, but action, wise action).

We also saw a few odds and ends from the final dozen verses of Chapter 4 (since the Bible does not come in a vacuum, instead it comes from God via Paul and Timothy to the Colossians then the Laodiceans, and finally to us).

We saw how the gospel shapes Paul's life, as he calls it to affect our life. This was bourne out by him working with Jews and Gentiles, women and slaves, as Col 3:11 says we must.

We saw how ministry is best conducted in a team environment, with supporters, prayers, and fellow-workers.

We saw how the letter of Colossians, while specifically written for the Colossians and containing some very specific admonishments (see Chapter 2), is still general enough for it to be read in the church of the Laodicea, which means it is also general enough for us. This also means it is specific for us, and it applies directly to us.

We were warned about Demas, who sadly, whilst being a fellow worker with Paul at the time of Colossians being penned (Col 4:14), abandoned the faith (2 Tim 4:10). Demas didnt listen to the take home message of Colossians (Col 2:6-7) - that we continue walking by faith in Christ. Sadly Demas abandoned the faith. Dont do a Demas.

On the other hand, Paul offered forgiveness to Mark, despite their previous disagreement (Acts 15:36-40), such that they are working together again (Col 4:10). Offer forgiveness to others in the church (Col 3:13).

The Gospel causes us to persistant prayer, wise conduct and gospel support.