Colossians 4:7-8

Introduction:

1. Two things speak to the mighty impact Tychicus had in the early church.

2. First, by inspiration, Paul gave him a divine endorsement preserved in Scripture.

3. Second, he used three key descriptors of Tychicus in that endorsement.

Discussion:

I. A Beloved Brother

A. Brotherhood implies a close, durable relationship based on shared parentage or origin, and common nature and purpose (Mounce, Thayer).

B. Sharing God as Father (2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 3:1) and following His ways our nature (Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 5:1; Hebrews 2:10ff), such is especially so (1 Peter 2:17; 5:9).

C. Tychicus held a warm place in Paul’s heart, a beloved brother.

II. A Faithful Minister

A. Minister: Gr. diakonos which basically means “one who renders service to another, an attendant, a servant” (Mounce).

B. In an official capacity, it is translated deacon(s) (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13).

C. In Ephesians 4:11-12, Christ’s gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors) were given to equip the saints for the work of ministry; Gr. diakonias from the same root.

D. Tychicus was faithful (reliable, trustworthy) in service.

III. A Fellow Servant

A. This may appear redundant, but the meanings are slightly different.

B. Paul called himself Christ’s slave/bondservant (Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:1-0; Titus 1:1).

C. This is the same term that is used of Christ emptying Himself and coming in the form of a bondservant in Philippians 2:7.

D. The word Paul used here literally means a fellow slave or bondservant, indicating the depth of the connection Paul shared with Tychicus in servitude to Christ.

Conclusion:

1. People love garnering praise and approval from people (Matthew 6:1-4; John 12:42-43).

2. We love to hear how beautiful, handsome, smart, funny, talented, etc. we are.

3. We ought to trade all of these in for such an endorsement as Tychicus received here.

Further Food for Thought

1. If the Lord were to describe your nature and character, what would He have to say?

2. Have you ever sought the wrong kind or wrong source of endorsements?

3. Have you ever looked at the wrong characteristics in others?