Sunday Sermon

Practical Theology Dave Shaner May 22, 2005

Introduction:  God never overlooks "ordinary" people. Maybe that is so ordinary people are mentioned in the Bible.

Text: Colossians 4:7-18

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[a] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

I. GET THIS PRINCIPLE:

Theology is for ______________ ______________.

A. The best theologians sit in the pew.

B. Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

II. Three ministries for ordinary people -- It is possible:

A. It is possible ... through the ministry of ________________.

1. Tychicus, Aristarchus, Mark and Justus were encouragers.

2. Colossians 4:8

I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

3. Ephesians 4:29

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

B. It is possible ... through the ministry of ________________.

1. Onesimus and Mark are examples of acceptance.

2. Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

C. It is possible ... through the ministry of ________________.

1. Epaphras wrestled in prayer.

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. - Colossians 4:12

2. If you don't pray, your theology doesn't mean much.

3. As ordinary people wrestle in prayer, heaven pays attention.

III. Let's Get Practical

A. Ordinary people ____________ to __________.

B. Ordinary ministry is both ____________ and ____________.

C. What matters most is an ______________ ______________ with Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Ordinary people matter to God, but what really makes heaven happy is when God matters to ordinary people.

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