Monthly Archives: March 2025

Bible, Church, Faithfulness, Forgiveness, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

THE RETURN

COLOSSIANS 4:9

“and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here.”

Sometimes people move away and then return years, maybe even decades, later. I know when I go home to visit my family in South Georgia, I may see someone I haven’t seen in a long time. Most of them I recognize, but some are almost unrecognizable. While I remain eternally youthful, they have aged badly. Lol. Seriously, people change when they move away.

Onesimus was no different. We know Onesimus from Paul’s letter to Philemon, his owner. We know from that book that Onesimus had run away and had perhaps stolen something from Philemon. Now Paul is sending him back home with a letter for the church. I am pretty sure he delivered that letter to Philemon at the same time. He is a changed man. He is now a believer.

APPLICATION

Paul had paired Onesimus up with Tychicus (whom we discussed the last two days) knowing that Tychicus could guide him well and speak on his behalf to Philemon and the church. Even though Onesimus had probably left on bad terms, he was now returning as a “faithful and beloved brother” of Paul. That in itself should have spoken loudly to his owner and the church. If Paul trusted him, they could too.

Whom has harmed you in the past, only to return to make things right later? What did you do? Did you forgive them? Did you listen to their story of how they had changed? Take another look at the book of Philemon and put yourself in his sandals. How would you have reacted?

As Christians, we must always look at what God has done in a person’s life and evaluate from God’s perspective. In today’s verse, it is obvious that Paul had placed a lot of trust in Onesimus. Now he was placing a lot of trust in Philemon and the Colossian church to receive him back with open arms as a brother in Christ.

When people see you after years apart, are they amazed at what God has done in your life? Are you a shining example of God’s grace and mercy? Our goal should always be to encourage others in their walk and live a life that reflects His glory. Let us all strive to be like Onesimus, faithful and beloved.

Lord, You have done such wonderful works in all of our lives. Thank You.

Standard
Bible, Encouragement, Ministry, Scripture, Trust

ENCOURAGEMENT

COLOSSIANS 4:8

“For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;”

I have known some real encouragers in my lifetime. One of those was my late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber. He just had the gift of encouragement. If I ever needed spiritual advice, he was the one I would call or go see. To Wayne, the glass was always half full, not half empty. Did Wayne always have the answer I was looking for? No, but his advice and encouragement always lifted my spirit and sent me on my way ready to face whatever I was dealing with. I sure miss that goof ball.

In today’s verse, Paul basically calls Tychicus (mentioned in the last verse) an encourager. Paul had sent him to Colossae to bring news about his situation and probably his health. He was to encourage them and instruct them to not lose heart just because he was in prison. Can’t you just hear the words Paul gave Tychicus to share? Remember, Paul was brought along into ministry by Barnabas, whose name means “Encourager.”

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon says, “The verb parakaleó is used in the New Testament to convey a range of meanings centered around the idea of calling someone to one’s side for the purpose of exhortation, encouragement, comfort, or urging. It is often used in contexts where believers are encouraged to live out their faith, comfort one another in times of distress, or be urged to adhere to the teachings of Christ. The term reflects both a personal and communal aspect of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the body of Christ.”

Paul uses this same word in a most recognized verse in Romans 12:1. “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Paul was an encourager who was taught by an encourager. Therefore, he was encouraging another encourager to encourage others. Did you get that? Read it again.

In fact, did you know that Paul uses the word parakaleó in 12 of his 13 epistles? Encouragement was important to Paul. He knew how rules and laws could weigh you down. He knew the perils of persecution for your faith. He wanted to encourage everyone to remain strong and trust in the One who saves. Can you do the same?

Father, I want to be known as an encourager. Give me the words to say when it is time to do that.

Standard
Beloved, Bible, Scripture, Servant, Service, Trust

A TRUSTED BROTHER

COLOSSIANS 4:7

“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.”

Do you have someone in your life with whom you could entrust information of high importance? Maybe you have appointed someone to be the executor of your will or to oversee your financial affairs. Maybe you are that person for someone else. People in those positions have earned that trust through how they have proved themselves and by their character. We should all strive to be that kind of person.

Paul had such a person – Tychicus. Not much is known about him except he was from the region of Ephesus and delivered the letter from Paul to Colossae. We are not told when he came to Christ or what became of him. Paul did consider him to succeed Titus in Crete (Titus 3:12). Paul had great trust in Tychicus. He is mentioned in Acts, Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Timothy and Titus. I bet Paul and he had a great reunion the day Titus arrived in heaven.

APPLICATION

In Acts 20:4, Tychicus is named among a number of men who accompanied Paul went he left Greece. “And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.” Do you think for a second that Tychicus thought his name would be recorded in God’s Word for us to read about? I don’t think so. He was just serving Paul.

In the last letter written by Paul, he mentions Tychicus once again. 2 Timothy 4:12 says, “But I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.” He was probably delivering another letter to the church which we don’t have. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, he was in his last days in a Roman prison. He trusted one of his most trustworthy servants to go to Ephesus, a place Paul dearly loved.

How can you be a Tychicus? Whom can you serve that way? Husbands, how about your wife and children? Wives, how about your husbands and children? Deacon, how about your Pastor? We all have someone to whom we can show that kind of service. Do it today.

Father, make me like Tychicus, an unfailing servant of others.

Standard
Bible, Grace, Scripture, Speech, Tongue, Words

SALTY SPEECH

COLOSSIANS 4:6

“Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

When you think of “salty speech,” you probably think of someone who curses a bit too much. My father-in-law was saved late in life and had kind of a salty mouth. He wasn’t crude or rude about it. He had just used these words a long time and would let a word or two slide out every once in a while. I’ve known other people who “cursed like a sailor” (no offense to all my Navy buddies out there).

Paul is not talking about that kind of salty speech today. Salt is used to season things, right? Not enough salt and the food is kind of blah. Too much salt and it is inedible. Paul is saying we should season our speech with just enough grace for the occasion. The Holy Spirit, of course, will guide us in our speech if we will just listen.

APPLICATION

Once again, Albert Barnes gives an excellent description of this “salty speech.” “Salt, among the Greeks, was the emblem of wit. Here the meaning seems to be, that our conversation should be seasoned with piety or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ salt in our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable. So, with our conversation. If it be not imbued with the spirit of piety, it is flat, insipid, unprofitable, injurious. The spirit of piety will make it what it should be – useful, agreeable, beneficial to mankind. This does not mean that our conversation is to be always, strictly speaking, religious – wherever we may be – any more than our food should be mere salt; but it means that, whatever be the topic, the spirit of piety should be diffused through it – as the salt in our food should properly season it all – whatever the article of food may be.”

So, let me ask you a question. How is your speech toward others, especially unbelievers? Do you give too little grace or too much grace? Is your speech palatable? We should weigh our words carefully. I’ve always said that words are like toothpaste. Once they are out, they can’t be put back in. Squeeze carefully.

O Lord, guard my tongue and give me the right words to say.

Standard
Bible, Conduct, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

PERSONAL CONDUCT

COLOSSIANS 4:5

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Personal conduct is lacking in our world today. Well, I should say “proper” personal conduct is lacking. There is a lot of conduct going on that is not good, not very Christ-like. But I can’t judge others. I can only judge my own conduct to see how it measures up to God’s Word. Every word I speak and every action I take reflects on Jesus. I have to remember that.

Paul was very aware of that and wanted the Colossian believers to be that salt and light to their unbelieving neighbors and friends. Remember, these early believers were living in a pagan society that worshipped all kinds of gods. They had all sorts of personal conduct that we would find reviling to God. Hmmm, kind of sounds like today, doesn’t it.

APPLICATION

What did Paul mean by “conduct”? The Greek word is peripateo means to walk about or manner of living. It’s written in the Present Imperative which means it’s a command that we are to continue to do all the time. Paul is telling the Colossians (and us) to live our lives in such a manner with all wisdom that unbelievers see it and are changed by it.

I am reminded of a verse in Matthew spoken by Jesus. Matthew 5:16 says, “‘Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.’” That’s a pretty good admonition, don’t you think? As we live our lives for Jesus, people are drawn to Him. They see the change in us. They notice how we behave when we face temptations and struggles.

Who is watching you? You see, that’s the problem. We really don’t know who is watching. So, we have to live our lives every day giving glory to Him who died to set us free from this world and all its temptations. Today, make your actions matter. Let your words reflect Jesus. Then look around to see who is watching. Don’t miss out on opportunities to lead someone closer to Him.

I do not know who is watching me today, Lord, so help me reflect Your glory.

Standard
Bible, Gospel, Proclaim, Scripture, Witnessing

PROCLAIM!

COLOSSIANS 4:4

“that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.”

I was called to full-time ministry as a high school senior. In fact, shortly after my salvation, I knew the Lord was directing me to that. Little did I know all that was involved in that. But there was one thing I knew it involved – proclaiming the Gospel. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are called to preach. You can proclaim the Gospel in a lot of ways.

Paul knew he was called by God on that Damascus road to reach the Gentiles. What?! A Pharisee reaching out to Gentiles? Do you remember what the Lord told Ananias to tell Paul? In Acts 9:15, we read, “‘This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.’” Paul knew he was called to proclaim!

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul tells the Corinthian believers that we all have this calling – to proclaim the Word. “Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.” We have the duty to try to persuade others using God’s Word. Persuade to what? To follow Jesus.

Acts 20:20-21 tell us Paul’s thoughts regarding this call to proclaim. “20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul knew his calling and was always telling others to proclaim and share the Gospel.

Don’t think for a moment that you are exempt from this as a believer. Don’t try to claim Moses’ excuse (stuttering) or Simon Peter’s excuse (too busy fishing). Ask the Lord how He wants you to proclaim the Gospel. You may be surprised at the way in which He leads you. Just proclaim!

O Lord, use me to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in whatever manner You desire.

Standard
Bible, Body, Church, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COLOSSIANS 4:3

“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”

Praying for others is such a privilege. I have been praying for some of my friends and some missionaries I know for over twenty years. As part of my role with Every Man A Warrior, I lead the Prayer Ministry. I ask quite often for prayer requests from our leaders so I can share those with some of our Intercessors. It truly is a privilege to pray for others.

Paul is asking the Colossian believers to pray for him. He asks specifically that they pray for an open door to “proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Don’t miss the point that he is asking this even though he is in prison for doing exactly that. Paul was not afraid. He wanted more and more opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians a similar request. “19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul was asking everyone to pray for him.

2 Corinthians 1:11 gives us another glimpse into Paul asking for prayers from others. “if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.” Even the writer of Hebrews asks for prayers in Hebrews 13:18-19. “18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you more quickly.”

So, what’s my point? Pray for others and let others know your requests. The Body of Christ needs prayer. We need to be praying for others. We need to lift each other before the throne of God daily. Don’t be bashful to ask for prayer. God may just use your request for prayer to spur someone to drop to their knees, thus drawing them closer to Him.

O Lord, I lift up all my family and friends today and ask You to work in their lives according to Your perfect Will.

Standard
Bible, Devotion, Distractions, Prayer, Scripture

DEVOTED TO PRAYER

COLOSSIANS 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;”

Call me weird (and many people do, lol) but when I read this verse the song “Hopelessly Devoted to You” came to mind. Remember that song from the movie “Grease,” starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John? They were so in love and vowed to spend their lives together.

Paul is not talking about teenage love when he talks about devotion in today’s verse. He is talking about us being totally and steadfastly devoted to prayer. The Greek word translated “devote” is proskartereó, which comes from pros (towards, interactively with ) and karteréō (show steadfast strength). I really like how HELPS Word Studies defines this word. “To consistently show strength which prevails (in spite of difficulties); to endure (remain firm), staying in a fixed direction.”

APPLICATION

Are you that way in prayer? My problem is I can be so easily distracted. My phone is the worst culprit. If it dings, I look at it. So, I have learned to silence it and lay it face down. We men are such visual creatures. It doesn’t take much to draw our attention away from what is truly important.

We see proskartereó used in Acts 2:42 where it says, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Don’t you want to be like that? I do. I read a quote the other day that said, “Prayer is not preparation for battle; it is the battle.” I really like that.

Proskartereó is also used in Romans 12:12. In a large list of things (Paul loved lists, lol) he says, “devoted to prayer.” I wonder how much time Paul spent in prayer. I bet a lot, but he probably thought he could have prayed more. We all do, don’t we? Even Jesus was devoted to prayer, getting up early to spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35). Let’s be like Him.

Father, time spent in prayer is time spent with You, the Maker and Creator of the universe. What a privilege.

Standard
Bible, Equality, Fairness, Justice, Lord, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JUST AND FAIR

COLOSSIANS 4:1

“Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

The whole topic of slavery, which Paul has been addressing in the past few verses (3:23-25), can be confusing for us in the 21st century. Slavery has been abolished in the U.S. since December 18, 1865. There are still areas of the world, however, where slavery is practiced, whether it is legal or not. Slavery does just the opposite of what this verse is commanding – granting justice and fairness.

Paul knew he could not change the slave culture that was all around him by simply penning a letter to a church in Colossae. But he could give God’s Word to Christian masters, like Philemon, who lived there. He could point them to the justice and fairness of God in their own lives. He even says, “you also have a Master in heaven.” The Greek word for “Master” is kurios, which is often translated “Lord,” referring to God or Jesus. I believe these masters of slaves in the Colossian church got the message.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 7:21 Paul tells the Christian slaves, “Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.” In other words, don’t rebel and lash out at your masters, but do all you can to be set free. Often slaves could earn money enough to buy themselves out of slavery. By doing this, they would have to work extra hard, which in turn would please their masters.

Paul also addresses this issue in 1 Timothy 6:1-2, where he says, “1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.” This was obviously a contentious topic in the early church that was living in this slave culture.

So, how can we learn from this verse? Treat everyone with justice and fairness. To show justice means to do what is right in God’s eyes, not yours. And to show fairness means to treat everyone as equal. You are above no one. I believe these two truths are important in our relationships with others, whether they are believers or not. Do this to please your “Master in heaven.”

Father, You truly are my Master. I want to do all things according to Your justice and fairness.

Standard
Bible, Consequences, Discipline, Scripture, Sin, WRONGS

GOD’S DISCIPLINE

COLOSSIANS 3:25

“For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”

I have to admit that I did not get caught for all the things I did wrong growing up. I started at an early age doing wrong things. Me and my best friend used to sneak our dads’ cigarettes and smoke them in the backyard. I have disobeyed numerous traffic laws. Don’t point your fingers at me, lol. If I was judged for all my wrongs, I would be in so much trouble.

Paul tells us pretty plainly today that we will receive consequences for our wrongs. We may not get caught when we do them, but they will all come out one day. Now, let me clarify something. All our sins before salvation are forgiven and forgotten. We are children of God now. But we will be held liable for the sins we willingly commit afterwards. They won’t negate our salvation, but we will face some discipline for them.

APPLICATION

I think the best way to explain this is to show Hebrews 12:5-11. Hang in there and read it all. In fact, read it a few times to make sure you understand it.

“5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, ‘MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE PUNISHED BY HIM; 6 FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE PUNISHES EVERY SON WHOM HE ACCEPTS.’ 7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

I know that was a long passage, but I feel it explains today’s verse well. You may have heard it said that the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. This is a good example. Take some time to meditate on these verses in Hebrews and evaluate how you are living your life. Then, if necessary, repent of those sins that you have been holding on to.

Lord, forgive me for holding on to some of my “pet” sins and not laying them at the cross.

Standard