Zambia Hunt

From a sermon by Hector Garcia, at Kitwe Church

If we are to extend Christ’s kingdom on earth, we must follow God’s design for ministry and work together.

Colossians 4:7-18

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He’s a beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. And with him, Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you, they will tell you of everything that has taken place here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, concerning whom you have received instructions. If he comes to you, welcome him. And Jesus, who is called Justice, these are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you always, struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, see that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Introduction

When I was on holiday with my family, we watched a movie at the theater. At the end, as the credits rolled, I noticed how few people pay attention to all the names scrolling across the screen. Everyone knows the director, but behind the scenes, there’s much happening that goes unrecognized. In a similar manner, what we learn from Colossians 4:7-18 is that Paul didn’t do the work of ministry alone—he had many companions.

Most of these individuals we don’t know much about. Some are only mentioned once in Scripture. Yet they were all instrumental in the work of the Lord. Paul was not a lone ranger; he was the ultimate team player. He constantly gave credit and praise to those who worked with him. His ministry was successful because he enlisted others to work with him as a team.

General Principles for Ministry

1. The Work of Ministry Is Teamwork

Looking at our passage, we notice many names mentioned. It’s obvious that the work of ministry was done by a team. The Bible mentions about 100 people who contributed to Paul’s ministry—both men and women. In Romans alone, 26 people are mentioned as Paul’s co-workers.

Paul never thought the work would be done by him alone. In his missionary journeys, he always traveled with companions. Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, was often with him, recording what happened. The work of extending Christ’s kingdom cannot be done by one person or a small group.

Many people attend church without giving thought to all the work that goes into preparing the service: cleaning, setting up, preparing music, overseeing operations, security, children’s classes, sermon preparation, and much prayer.

It’s often said that 80% of church work is done by 20% of the people. What a sad reality if true! The work of Christ cannot be done alone. We have many ministries in our church that need help. The whole church needs to be involved because ministry is a team effort.

2. God Uses Ordinary People

Look at some of the names mentioned: Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Jesus (called Justice), Epaphras, Nympha, Demas, and Archippus. Most of these individuals are barely known to us. Yet the Lord knew them and their work. They were instrumental behind the scenes for spreading the gospel.

History may not record their deeds, but they sacrificed for the kingdom. This shows that if you’re a believer and surrender everything to Christ, He can use you for His glory. You may not be a pastor or famous evangelist, but God can use anyone—even a lady who simply opens her home for church meetings.

Some think, “If I’m not involved in a program, or if I’m not a pastor or deacon, what can I do?” But God can use everyone. The people in Philippi were financially poor, yet they gave beyond their poverty. No one may know your work for the Lord, but God knows and will reward faithfulness.

When you become a Christian, God gives you a spiritual gift to use for His kingdom. Exercise it! People may not know what you’re doing, but God does.

3. We Need to Overcome Cultural Barriers

Notice in verses 10-14, six names are mentioned: Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus (called Justice)—who were Jews—and Epaphras, Luke, and Demas—who were Gentiles. In those days, this diverse grouping would never happen except through the gospel.

Jews would not welcome Gentiles into their homes. The cultural and religious barriers were significant. But in Christ, as Ephesians 4 teaches, those barriers came down. There’s no more Jew or Gentile; in Christ, we are one.

Imagine the cultural differences as they traveled together! Their backgrounds, upbringings, and customs differed greatly. Yet they worked together for the sake of the gospel.

Similarly, our church has members from many nations. How is it possible that we’re together? Only because of the gospel of Christ. Cultural barriers may arise, but what brings us together is more powerful—the gospel of Jesus.

In the Roman Empire, peace (Pax Romana) was enforced through military might. But in the church, there’s no police force keeping us together. We unite because we love Christ, and because we love Christ, we must love one another.

Your primary identity is not your nationality, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. You are first and foremost in Christ—a citizen of His kingdom. That’s what unites us and breaks down barriers.

Examples from Paul’s Companions

1. Aristarchus: Be Willing to Sacrifice Your Life

Verse 10 mentions “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner.” He lived a life of sacrifice for the gospel. He was in jail with Paul for his faith. In Acts 19, when a mob in Ephesus wanted to seize Paul, Aristarchus went out instead and was captured. For two hours, the crowd shouted against him in the theater.

In Acts 27, he traveled with Paul to Rome, knowing Paul might be executed. They experienced a shipwreck together. Every time we see Aristarchus, he’s sacrificing for the gospel.

Are you an Aristarchus? Many Christians in free nations become weak in their faith, making excuses to avoid minor inconveniences. Yet Aristarchus risked his life repeatedly. If you’re not willing to sacrifice a little of your time, comfort, or money, what will you do when God requires your life?

Similarly, Nympha (v.14) opened her home for church gatherings, despite the danger. Christian homes were often seized by authorities, yet she was willing to sacrifice her resources. How much more should we be willing to use our homes and resources for God’s kingdom!

2. Demas: Stay Faithful in Your Service to Christ

Verse 14 mentions Demas alongside Luke. His story is sad—he started well but later showed his true colors. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes: “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”

In Philemon, Demas is called “my fellow worker.” In Colossians, he’s mentioned neutrally. Then, in 2 Timothy, we learn he abandoned the gospel for the world. He was faithful at first—sacrificing, traveling, suffering persecution—but he grew tired of it. In his heart, he always wanted what the world offered. He decided a comfortable life was better than serving the Lord.

Watch your heart! Don’t let money and possessions consume you. If you love what this world offers, you’ll end up like Demas. Faithfulness in the past doesn’t guarantee maturity in the present. What makes a Christian is faithfulness until the end.

Some of you might be drifting right now. You were once on fire for Jesus, but now you’re discouraged. Your heart is being drawn away toward the world. It’s time to return before you end up like Demas. This world is passing away, but the world to come is eternal.

3. Mark: Forgive Each Other’s Mistakes and Faults

In verse 10, Paul instructs the church to welcome Mark if he comes. His story is remarkable. In Acts 13-14, Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but abandoned them before it was complete.

Later, when planning another journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark again. Paul refused, leading to such a disagreement that the two great men of God parted ways. Barnabas took Mark while Paul took Silas.

But Mark’s story wasn’t finished. As Paul writes to the Colossians, Mark is back on his team. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul says: “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me in the ministry.” He went from being considered unreliable to being very useful!

If we are to work together for Christ, we must learn to overlook faults, mistakes, and even sins. Because Mark was forgiven and helped, he became a great man of God who wrote one of the Gospels.

God is merciful—He forgives, restores, and matures people. As He is merciful, we must also be merciful. The story of another person’s life isn’t finished. God still has work to do in them.

Some Christians aren’t gracious. Once they form a negative impression of someone, it remains even years later. But we’re all in a process of growth. If you’ve messed up, don’t be discouraged. Repent, find a “Barnabas” who will help you mature, and serve the Lord with a team. God isn’t done with you until He takes you to heaven.

4. Epaphras: Friends in Ministry Pray for One Another

Verses 12-13 highlight Epaphras, who planted the Colossian church and possibly churches in Laodicea and Hierapolis as well. Though he was physically with Paul (around 2,000 kilometers from Colossae), he prayed fervently for his churches.

Notice how he prayed:

1. He prayed constantly (“always”)—not just before meals or when in trouble, but without ceasing.
2. He prayed passionately- “struggling” (Greek: agonizomai) in prayer, with the same intensity Jesus showed in Gethsemane. His prayers were fervent, not distracted.
3. He prayed specifically that they would “stand mature and fully assured in the will of God.” He didn’t just offer general blessings but knew what they needed.

Many Christians pray vaguely: “Lord, bless everyone everywhere.” But Epaphras prayed with focus and purpose. If we are to work together effectively, we must pray for one another with the same dedication.

Conclusion

As we conclude our study of Colossians, I pray these principles will take root in your hearts. May we work together as a team to extend Christ’s kingdom, recognizing that God uses ordinary people to overcome cultural barriers, those who are willing to sacrifice, remain faithful, forgive one another, and pray fervently for each other.

The work of ministry was never meant to be done alone. It’s done by a team of believers who, despite their differences, unite around the gospel of Jesus Christ.