Introduction

As Brother Wilson said, it was a long and difficult journey to Rome. Epaphras did not make this journey just to visit Paul — he made the journey because he needed help in his ministry.

If you needed help, would you go to a man in prison and possibly under sentence of death? Epaphras knew Paul — and he knew the man. We are all familiar with the ministry of Paul, but tonight we will look at the man himself.

To do this, we must go to the book of Acts (20:17–30). In this passage we see Paul's commitment and determination.

The Character of Paul

We see a man determined to finish his work regardless of chains or suffering. Paul not only was determined to finish the work — he knew who Jesus is.

If we establish in our hearts that Jesus is God, then like Paul nothing will move us from the work of the gospel.

The False Teaching at Colossae

Understanding the situation helps us understand the letter. Epaphras, who helped evangelize the Lycus Valley, arrived with greetings — and disturbing news from Colossae (1:7-9; 4:12).

After Paul departed from Ephesus, grievous wolves entered the church (Acts 20:29), causing chaos and leading many away from truth. The Phrygian culture had mystical religious tendencies, including:

• Mysticism — attempts to achieve union with God through special spiritual experiences
• Worship connected to Cybele (a pagan nature goddess)
• Gnosticism — secret knowledge leading to strange heresies

The Danger Affected Both Doctrine and Morality

Doctrinal Errors: A false understanding of Christ influenced by mysticism.

Moral Errors:

• Ritualism and formalism
• Strict asceticism (self-denial to purify life) — Colossians 2:20-23
• Antinomianism (no moral law) — Colossians 3:5-7

Intercession and True Knowledge

Paul prayed they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This knowledge is available for all believers — not just a special few. Our thoughts and emotions should be saturated with this knowledge. It contrasts with the secret "knowledge" claimed by the Gnostics. God expects us to understand His plan and purpose for our lives.

Walking Worthy

We are to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him and bearing fruit. Right knowledge produces right conduct. Wrong knowledge never produces right conduct.

God wants His children to:

• Walk worthy
• Honor Christ
• Live consistent with our union with Him

Supporting passages: 1 Thessalonians 4:1, Ephesians 4:1-3

Spiritual Strength

We are strengthened with power for patience and long suffering with joy. We are in a spiritual conflict and need spiritual power. The word strengthened indicates continuous action — God continually fills believers with His power.

The Believer's Salvation

God has:

• Qualified us to share in the inheritance
• Delivered us from the power of darkness
• Transferred us into the kingdom of His Son
• Given redemption through His blood
• Forgiven our sins