Truly Devoted Discipleship to Jesus, What Does it Look Like? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba %

As we close out this study in Colossians, I wanted to pause and consider. What does truly Devoted Discipleship to Jesus look like? Consider those of the early church. In the Closing chapter of Colossians, we get a glimpse into their life. Here Paul with great tenderness not only demonstrates his love for the gospel message, but also for his fellow ministers. Also, he expresses his true love and sincere care for these believers he has never met. Demonstrating the true nature of the body of Christ, which is the church, the bride of Jesus. This immediately after telling them to walk wisely concerning the lost, redeeming the time. Time is running short. Do we have tomorrow? We never know. If today we can spread the gospel, why not? Today is the day of salvation. Maybe today is the only chance we have to tell someone about Jesus Christ.

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts. Colossians 4:7-8 NKJV

Tychicus was entrusted with carrying letters to Ephesus, Colossae, and Philemon. We do not think much about that. However, remember Paul is in prison for teaching the gospel. Meanwhile, there were many Roman soldiers along the roads who were to stop this message from spreading. There were perilous seas to cross. Not an easy task. Actually, a very treacherous one. But in addition to his bravery, he was noted here as one who could comfort the hearts of others. He was an example of someone who exemplified truly devoted discipleship to Jesus. He protected the letters and made certain they reached their destinations.

Onesimus: Truly Devoted Discipleship to Jesus on Display

To accompany Tychicus with these two letters—Colossae and Philemon, Onesimus was sent. Well, we know from the letter to Philemon that Onesimus was a runaway slave. The penalty for being a runaway slave was severe, even death at times. But Onesimus had found Christ as his Saviour during a time with Paul. Now Paul is sending him back to his owner and asking that Philemon receive him as a brother in Christ. This is indeed a test of both these men. Are they able to demonstrate to the world that they are truly devoted disciples or not?

Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.f then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Philemon 1:8-22 NKJV

Despite the double danger, Onesimus went with Tychicus to carry the letters.

with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Colossians 4:9 NKJV

Further fellow workers present with Paul.

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Colossians 4:10-11 NKJV

Aristarchus was a Macedonian Christian from Thessalonica who we know followed with Paul on some of his travels. These had been noted in Acts. Mark, was the one who had at one time abandoned Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. After that, Paul did not want him on the next journey. But he continued to grow in Christ, and now he has been named as a faithful fellow worker for the kingdom of God. As also Jesus Justus whom we know little about. But he was with Paul and noted to be a comfort to him. Another characteristic of truly devoted discipleship to Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 NKJV

Truly Devoted Discipleship to Jesus calls us to comfort others as He comforts us. But guess what, that also means that we will have trials and tribulations. Otherwise, how can He demonstrate to us and teach us how to be comforters?

Then there is Epaphras

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Colossians 4:12-13 NKJV

Although Paul does not say it here, he tells us that Epaphras is a fellow prisoner with him in the book of Philemon, written at the same time.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. Philemon 1:23 NKJV

He also expresses his love and devotion for Luke and Demas here as well. This right before sending special greetings to Laodicea and to Nymphas who holds the services in his home.

Luke the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. Colossians 4:14-15 NKJV

Truly Devoted Discipleship Comes in Many Forms

Sometimes it is as simple as sharing communion with others, as sharing the letter. Or thanking someone for their service. Sometimes, it is a supportive encouragement and warning, as to Archippus.

Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:16-17 NKJV

Or perhaps it is taking the time to hand write a letter even when in chains. Paul could certainly have asked one of the fellow workers to write as he dictated. But he did not this time.

This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen. Colossians 4:18 NKJV

Sometimes, it is just that kind of genuine love going out of the way for someone to give the message. Mostly though, it is being so in love with Jesus that following Him is your greatest goal in life. It is seeing every circumstance, whatever it may be, as a gift from a Sovereign Righteous Father to whom you belong.

Speaking of.

Well, as I told you all last week. My mind was whirling around with the ideas of redeeming the time. I feel so pushed that this is urgent. I wanted to write a poem. But nothing except blank space. Praying for some breakthrough or just release from the idea, I waited. Then last Sunday (of all places) words started in my head. Trying to stay on track listening to the sermon, but my mind would not shut up. Not recommended.

However, to my defense. The entire sermon was about God’s commandment for marriages. Which I am far past entertaining even the thought of such. Was married, had my family, and now a widow content awaiting the return of Christ. Jesus is the only one I truly want to spend time alone with.

So, finally I found a bulletin in my Bible. I scribbled the edges. There formed the Chorus for the song. Yet, for the verses, nothing. So, I decided to wait. Then, Monday when I was doing my live Facebook Bible Study, I read an older poem I had written. Then I realized these were the verses for the song. So, I added the chorus and completed the song. Still working on the video. But this is the poem/song.

Redeeming the Time for God’s Glory

By Effie Darlene Barba

I heard the cries of the forlorn

The devastation, loss we mourn

While others filled with so much hate

Spewing words, they do berate

They try to say You do not care

Or that You are unjust, unfair

Yet, Lord you reign with Sovereignty

Your justice, righteous clarity

And still you temper it with Grace

That men might turn and seek Your Face

Open our eyes that we might see

The price You paid to set men free

Chorus:

Lord, light a fire in this heart of mine

With Passion Only for Your Grace Divine

To Die to Self Your Love to Shine

To a Broken World filled with sin and pain

Counting all else but loss for only this to Gain

Faith to Go into the darkest hour of night

Let me never count the cost

Proclaiming Your Son died to save the lost

Then Rose again Victorious

Oh Let Us all Rejoice

In Him We may be Justified

In His Righteousness Reside

Take me, Use Me Redeeming the Time

For Your Wondrous Glory Divine

Oh, Lord, repentant here I stand

How oft I failed Your dear command

To love You first above all things

To raise my voice in praise that sings

Of all Your love and grace toward me

My heart should shout in jubilee

Chorus:

Lord, light a fire in this heart of mine

With Passion Only for Your Grace Divine

To Die to Self Your Love to Shine

To a Broken World filled with sin and pain

Counting all else but loss for only this to Gain

Faith to Go into the darkest hour of night

Let me never count the cost

Proclaiming Your Son died to save the lost

Then Rose again Victorious

Oh Let Us all Rejoice

In Him We may be Justified

In His Righteousness Reside

Take me, Use Me Redeeming the Time

For Your Wondrous Glory Divine

I pray, Dear Lord, for this our land

That we would join now hand in hand

To lift in prayer as one single voice

Proclaiming that we’ve made the choice

To sing Your praise from sea to sea

And thank you for our liberty

And when the floods and storms arise

Let us dear Lord, look to the skies

Where there we see Your dear rainbow

A sign of hope to us below

Your covenant is always true

The skies once more will soon be blue

Chorus:

Lord, light a fire in this heart of mine

With Passion Only for Your Grace Divine

To Die to Self Your Love to Shine

To a Broken World filled with sin and pain

Counting all else but loss for only this to Gain

Faith to Go into the darkest hour of night

Let me never count the cost

Proclaiming Your Son died to save the lost

Then Rose again Victorious

Oh Let Us all Rejoice

In Him We may be Justified

In His Righteousness Reside

Take me, Use Me Redeeming the Time

For Your Wondrous Glory Divine

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Please note: This Post only has quotes from the KJV Bible except where otherwise indicated

¹ J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

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The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

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