Before We Get Started

For our discussion today, we will be using the sermon series discussion guides. If you would like to follow along you can access this discussion guide on the website at mosaicchurchaustin.com and then select “community group resources” in the menu options.

Prayer

Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

This Week’s Topic

Over Every Power

Today’s Topic

The Power of Relational Discipleship

Discussion Questions

Introduction

At the end of the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul takes us on a little journey. By giving us a set of names here in this epistle and in others, we are given a fascinating glimpse into his relational world.

We are also invited to consider how different friendships worked together (or didn’t), and how considering the different outcomes in life of Paul’s friends might impact our own lives as Christ followers today. 

Let’s remember as we read and discuss, that “all Scripture is profitable”–even in those parts of the Bible where it’s not as obvious today for us as 21st century readers!

Scripture passage to read: 

Colossians 4:7-15

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 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.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 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. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 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.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

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

Considering John Mark

Colossians 4:10

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.) 

 

Why were instructions given specifically about Mark? We know from the book of Acts, that Mark originally traveled with Paul, but then abandoned Paul and  the ministry at a vulnerable moment. We don’t know exactly why he did so, but it’s possible that growing up in a wealthy family (his family owned a larger house the early church in Jerusalem met in) had not prepared Mark for the rigors of traveling and suffering with Paul.

Regardless, when Paul wanted to do another missionary journey, and it was suggested that Mark accompany him, Paul adamantly refused to take him. This stance of Paul’s caused such a relational rift with Barnabas that Paul and Barnabas’ friendship nearly permanently came apart over it (Acts 15).

And yet, now, at the end of Colossians, Paul is instructing the Colossian church to “welcome” Mark back. 

What happened? 

In a word, someone believed in him.

That someone was Barnabas, and through Barnabas’ mentoring, Mark was brought back into ministry and eventually wrote the earliest Gospel. 

It’s an amazing, full-circle story. 

Have you ever had someone not believe in you at a pivotal moment in your life? What was that like?

Looking back on your life so far, have you ever had someone who did believe in you at a pivotal moment? Who was that, and what did that person’s influence do for you?

How do you think you would have responded to Mark, if you had been in Paul’s shoes?

Considering Barnabas

We know that Barnabas’ given name was Joseph (Acts 5), that he was extremely wealthy, and used his wealth to further Jesus’ mission and bless his church. But not only that, he was so encouraging that he was given a nickname that stuck: Bar-nabas; literally, the son of encouragement. 

Barnabas had a knack for believing in and mentoring those whom no one else would: when the early church was scared of the soon-to-be Apostle Paul, because of his past, Barnabas stepped in. His influence provided space for Paul to grow and become a force that still shapes the world. 

And, at another key moment, as we have seen, he took a dejected Mark under his wing, encouraging him back to spiritual health to the point where Mark now used his own education and wealth to research and write the earliest Gospel that served as a source for two more (Matthew and Luke). 

Barnabas’ influence on the New Testament and on our lives is arguably underrated. 

Besides your parents and spouse (if you are married), what person do you feel has had the most impact on your life, and why?

Have you ever stepped in and mentored someone in such a way that their life was changed in some way for the good? If so, share what you feel is appropriate about that relationship.

What would it take for you to begin to mentor someone else spiritually, if you aren’t already?

Considering Demas

Colossians 4:14

Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.

We don’t know much about him, but the person of Demas is mentioned three times in the New Testament…and his end is not as good as his beginning.

He is first mentioned in Philemon verse 24, where Paul names him as one of his “fellow workers.”

Second, he is mentioned here in Colossians, but with no positive designation, simply as “Demas,” in contrast to the positive descriptions Paul gives his other named friends here.

Finally, he is given a discouraging ending in Paul’s final letter, where we are told:

“for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (4:10).

Mark’s and Dema’s life seemed to go in opposite directions.

What, most likely, made the difference? 

One clearly had a “Barnabas,” the other, perhaps not. 

What does it mean to “love this world”?

Have you ever felt like you have had a “Demas” in your life?

Put together, what does hearing all these stories make you want to do with your relationships?

Closing Time

Is there anyone in your life right now that you know could use meaningful encouragement? If so, take a moment to pray for them and let them know afterward.

Is there anyone in your group tonight that could use meaningful encouragement? Please feel free to let those you are with know!