Reflecting the Beauty of Christ Through Diversity / Colossians 4:7-18

Starstruck Moments and Street Credibility

Have you ever met somebody famous—somebody that left you completely starstruck?

I had a fun privilege just last week. Shay seems to be connected to everybody, and Winter Jam was in town. There is a hip-hop artist I really like named Tadashi, and apparently, he was in Shay’s college ministry years ago. So Shay reached out and said, “Hey, we’re going to lunch. Do you want to come?” I said, “Yeah!” I brought my daughter, who is really into hip-hop as well. So there we were, hanging out with Tadashi, just eating a fish taco, and I was thinking, Man, this guy is legit.

Meanwhile, our facilities director, Patrick Serban, walked in with his son, Archer. Now, if I’m a fan, Archer is a superfan. Archer walked through the door, and Patrick immediately said, “Well, I probably should have told him what we were doing right now.” Archer had no clue. Archer is about the height of a hobbit. He walked in, and Tadashi stood up and said, “Hey, my name’s Tadashi.” The look on Archer’s face was sheer shock—like, That’s really him! He was literally stunned. Tadashi reached out to shake his hand, and Archer just froze. It was awesome.

Watching that moment made me wonder: Have I ever had a moment where I was that starstruck? And I realized, yes, I have. I was a little older and a little taller than a hobbit at the time. It was the spring of 1994, and I was standing in a buffet line at a graduation party. As I was reaching for seconds, I looked up, and right there was Pastor Johnson.

Now, I don’t know if you remember Pastor Johnson. He is with Jesus now, but he pastored at Peoples Church for what felt like a hundred and fifty years. I deeply respected him for his longevity in ministry, for his character, and for the godliness he modeled for decades. He practically led half the city to Christ. The man was an absolute hero of the faith, and there he was, standing right next to me. I stood there just like Archer—totally stunned. I couldn’t think of what to say. Usually, I have plenty of words, but I couldn’t articulate a thing. I wanted to say, “Thanks for being my hero,” or ask for an autograph, but that feels a little creepy in a buffet line.

He saved the moment. A sweet woman walked up, and he turned to me and said, “Brad, I want you to meet my bride, Jackie.” They had been married for over sixty years. What struck me so deeply was the immense tenderness with which he introduced his bride of six decades. I walked away thinking, If that man wants to talk to me about marriage, I want to hear every word he has to say.

If a guy who has been married for six months wants to lecture me on marriage, I might take it with a grain of salt. In six months, what do you really know besides What have I gotten myself into? But after six decades? You’ve learned a few things. You have street cred because you’ve practiced what you preached.

As we come to the conclusion of the book of Colossians, we have an opportunity to practice what has been preached to us, because we see the Apostle Paul doing the exact same thing: practicing what he preached.

The Story So Far: The Supreme and Sufficient Christ

If you have your Bibles, open with me to the book of Colossians. We are wrapping up this series today, and I want to pull the big picture together starting back in chapter one.

Paul opened this letter with a remarkable prayer. He told the Colossians that he had not ceased praying that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, that they would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and continually increasing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 1:9-10 (NASB)

For this reason also, since the day we heard [of it], we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Paul wasn’t looking for them to merely gain intellectual head knowledge about Jesus; he wanted them to live it out. In verse 13, he introduced the hero of the story: He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son.

Colossians 1:13 (NASB)

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

Who is this “He”? In verses 15 through 20, Paul gave us an incredible portrait of Jesus Christ. He is preexistent. He is the agent of creation. He is preeminent over all things. He is the head of the church. In Him, all the fullness of deity dwells, and through His physical death on the cross, He has reconciled all things to Himself. Jesus is both supreme and totally sufficient.

Colossians 1:15-20 (NASB)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, [both] in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the [Father’s] good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say], whether things on earth or things in heaven.

Because of who Jesus is, Paul said, we proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ. That is why we labor, striving with His energy working powerfully within us.

Colossians 1:28-29 (NASB)

We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

In chapter two, Paul explained that this is why he struggled so intensely for believers he had never even met face-to-face. He had never visited Colossae personally, but Epaphras had brought word of the challenges facing the church. Paul longed for them to understand the mystery of God, which is Christ Himself.

Colossians 2:1-2 (NASB)

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and [attaining] to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, [resulting] in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, [that is], Christ [Himself],

Therefore, having received Christ Jesus the Lord, we are called to walk in Him—firmly rooted, continually built up, established in the faith, and overflowing with gratitude. In Him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him, we have been made complete.

Colossians 2:6 (NASB)

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him,

Colossians 2:9-10 (NASB)

For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

Moving into chapter three, Paul laid out the practical outworking of this theology. Since you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:1 (NASB)

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Because He set you free, do not go back to your old life. Put to death the things inside of you that are toxic and killing you.

Colossians 3:5 (NASB)

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

Strip off the attitudes, behaviors, and words that harm others.

Colossians 3:8 (NASB)

But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth.

Put on the new self—the identity of this new team, living under a new standard, wearing a new uniform. And on this team, human distinctions no longer divide us. There is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free person, but Christ is all and in all.

Colossians 3:10-11 (NASB)

and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him– [a renewal] in which there is no [distinction between] Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

Paul commanded us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. When that happens, whatever we do in word or deed is done in the name of the Lord Jesus. It transforms our marriages, our parenting, our work environments, and our everyday relationships.

Colossians 3:15-17 (NASB)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

This theology is not meant for the lecture hall; it is meant for the laboratory of real life. It isn’t meant to stay in the classroom; it is meant to hit the streets.

Finally, in chapter four, Paul urged us to stay alert in prayer, asking God to open doors for the gospel, and to make sure our speech is always seasoned with salt—gracious, attractive, and wise—so we know how to respond to everyone.

Colossians 4:2-6 (NASB)

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude of] thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, [as though] seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Practicing What He Preached: The Final Greetings

That brings us to Colossians chapter four, verse seven. When most people read the final verses of Paul’s letters, they tend to skim right past the names. We treat it like an ancient Facebook friends list: So-and-so says hi to so-and-so, great, let’s flip over to First Thessalonians.

If we do that, we miss something profound. We miss the opportunity to see Paul practicing what he preached.

In these verses, Paul listed ten names. There are men and women, slaves and free citizens, wealthy individuals and poor laborers, Jews and Gentiles. This list demonstrates two significant realities.

First, it reveals the power of the gospel to redefine human relationships. Throughout his letters, Paul consistently declared that the dividing walls have come down. In Galatians, he wrote that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 (NASB)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

In Romans, he reminded us that God’s righteousness is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, without distinction.

Romans 3:21-22 (NASB)

But now apart from the Law [the] righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even [the] righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

In First Corinthians, he proclaimed that we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (NASB)

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

We sometimes act as though our modern culture invented racial, political, and socioeconomic polarization. But deep human division has existed since Genesis chapter three. The question for us is: In the midst of cultural tension and division, how do we, as people living under the lordship of Jesus Christ, reflect His glory and embody our oneness in Him?

Second, this list gives Paul immense credibility. If someone tries to teach you something but their personal life doesn’t align with their message, it is hard to listen. Think of a boring motivational speaker, an out-of-shape personal trainer, or a disorganized personal assistant. When a leader lives out what they teach, they earn credibility. Paul wasn’t just writing high-minded theology about unity; he surrounded himself with a beautifully diverse community that proved the gospel actually works.

The Inner Circle: A Diverse Ministry Team

Look at how Paul describes the people around him.

First, there is Tychicus.

Colossians 4:7-8 (NASB)

As to all my affairs, Tychicus, [our] beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. [For] I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;

Tychicus was a beloved brother, a faithful servant, and a fellow bondservant. We know from Acts 20 that he traveled with Paul through Macedonia to Jerusalem, helping deliver the financial gift collected from Gentile churches to support struggling Jewish believers. He was actively involved in ethnic reconciliation. He was trusted with vital pastoral leadership in places like Ephesus and Crete. He was a faithful, self-sacrificing companion.

Next, Paul mentions Onesimus.

Colossians 4:9 (NASB)

and with him Onesimus, [our] faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your [number]. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

Who was Onesimus? If you know the little book of Philemon, you know that Onesimus was a runaway slave who had fled from his master, Philemon, and ended up in Rome. There, while Paul was under house arrest, Onesimus met Paul and came to faith in Jesus Christ. Paul sent him back to Philemon, carrying this very letter alongside his own personal appeal.

Paul appealed to Philemon with brilliant grace: “Receive him no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother.” In Roman culture, slaves were viewed as property rather than full human beings. But Paul declared that in Christ, Onesimus was a fully restored brother and an equal partner in the kingdom. Paul traveled and ministered alongside a runaway slave with a complicated past.

Then in verse 10, Paul mentions Aristarchus and Mark.

Colossians 4:10 (NASB)

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and [also] Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);

Aristarchus was a Jewish believer from Thessalonica and a fellow prisoner with Paul. In Acts 19, when a riot broke out in Ephesus over the goddess Artemis, the angry mob dragged Aristarchus into the theater. He survived the riot, accompanied Paul back to Jerusalem, endured the shipwreck in Acts 27, and was now sitting in prison with Paul. He was a battle-tested friend.

Alongside him was Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. This is John Mark. On Paul’s first missionary journey, John Mark got overwhelmed, abandoned the mission, and went home. When it came time for the second journey, Paul refused to take him, causing a painful split between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas took Mark, patiently discipled him, and restored him. Over time, Mark grew into maturity. Later in life, Peter called him a son in the faith, and Mark wrote the Gospel account that bears his name. Now, near the end of Paul’s life, Paul welcomed Mark back onto his team, telling the church to receive him with open arms, and later noting that Mark was valuable to him for ministry.

Next is Jesus, who was called Justus.

Colossians 4:11 (NASB)

and [also] Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

Justus was a Jewish believer whose name meant “righteous.” Along with Aristarchus and Mark, he was one of the few Jewish co-workers standing faithfully with Paul in Rome, providing deep encouragement to the apostle’s heart.

Then Paul highlights Epaphras.

Colossians 4:12-13 (NASB)

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

Epaphras was a native of Colossae—a hometown hero. He likely planted the church in Colossae after hearing Paul preach in Ephesus. He traveled roughly a thousand miles to Rome to seek Paul’s counsel regarding false teachings threatening the church. Paul described him as a faithful bondservant of Christ who wrestled earnestly in prayer for the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

In verse 14, Paul names Luke and Demas.

Colossians 4:14 (NASB)

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and [also] Demas.

Luke was Paul’s beloved physician, traveling partner, and the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. He was an educated, cultured Gentile who stayed by Paul’s side even when others walked away.

Then there is Demas. Paul simply writes, “and Demas.” Sadly, Demas’s story took a tragic turn. While he was faithful for a time, Paul later wrote in Second Timothy that Demas, having loved this present world, deserted him and went to Thessalonica.

In verses 15 and 16, Paul extends greetings to Nympha and the church in her home.

Colossians 4:15-16 (NASB)

Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter [that is coming] from Laodicea.

Nympha was a woman of means who opened her home to host the local body of believers. She provided a gathering place for the church to worship, share meals, and grow together.

Finally, Paul addresses Archippus.

Colossians 4:17 (NASB)

Say to Archippus, ‘Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.’

Paul gave him a direct charge: “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” He challenged him to stand firm and carry out his calling like a faithful soldier.

Paul then closed the letter in his own handwriting, asking them to remember his chains.

Colossians 4:18 (NASB)

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

Stepping Out of the Echo Chamber

When you step back and look at this list, what do you see?

You see a remarkable cross-section of humanity: cultured physicians, runaway slaves, wealthy homeowners, former deserters, faithful pastors, Jews, and Gentiles. If we truly comprehend the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ, that reality cannot remain hidden inside our heads. It must overflow into our relationships.

The gospel cannot be lived in isolation, and it cannot be lived exclusively among people who look, think, and act exactly like us.

Naturally, we gravitate toward people who are similar to us. When we walk into a room, we instinctively scan the crowd to find someone familiar. If you have gray hair and walk into a room full of teenagers, you might feel out of place. If a teenager walks into a room of senior adults, they might feel the same way. We look for comfort zones.

Years ago, my friend John Bryson, who mentored me through graduate school, moved to Memphis to plant a multi-ethnic church. If you know anything about Memphis, you know that planting a diverse church there is a challenging undertaking. He hired a gifted African American associate pastor, and they set out to build a unified congregation.

I remember talking with John, and he asked me, “Brad, is your church multi-ethnic?”

I said, “Not really.”

He asked, “Well, do you value ethnic diversity?”

I replied, “Of course I do!”

Then I paused and looked at my life. My close circle of friends was entirely white. My staff was entirely white. Our elder board was entirely white. It was an uncomfortable realization. I don’t believe a church is automatically in sin simply because its demographics reflect a particular neighborhood, but I do believe a church is in sin if it is deliberately trying not to embrace diversity, or if it remains indifferent to the unifying power of the gospel.

Paul emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and then immediately showed what that looks like in community. He surrounded himself with people across cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic spectrums.

I love the friends in my life who share my background, but I often wonder: What richness am I missing if I never build relationships outside of my comfort zone? What happens when we intentionally cultivate friendships with people who vote differently, read differently, have different backgrounds, and carry different life experiences? We get to experience the depth of oneness that only Jesus Christ can create.

Recently, during a staff development training on racial reconciliation, the facilitator asked us to write down the names of our closest friends and note their backgrounds—how many are white, black, Hispanic, or Asian. It was an eye-opening exercise. Human nature pulls us toward sameness, but the gospel calls us into something far greater.

Reflecting the Fullness of God’s Image

This small, seemingly ordinary church in Colossae received a letter that helped shape the entire region. The message for us today is clear. In a world characterized by political division, socioeconomic divides, and racial tension, our ultimate unity is not found in a political party, a zip code, a tax bracket, or the color of our skin.

Our unity is found under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

He alone is supreme. He alone is sufficient. When we bow together under His headship, our differences do not disappear—they become beautiful. Those unique backgrounds and perspectives become reflections of the multifaceted image of God. When the church lives in genuine, Christ-centered unity across diverse backgrounds, we display the beauty of the gospel to a watching world.

Let’s pray together.

Father, thank You for Your Word. We are encouraged and challenged by it. As we have walked through this incredible letter highlighting the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus, we ask that You would draw our hearts freshly to Him. Teach us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing You in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. May our lives and our relationships accurately reflect the beauty of the gospel purchased through the blood of Jesus. Help us to reflect Your glory and Your heart for all people. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.