LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT (Colossians 1:6-8)

Colossians, Expository, Letters of Paul, New Testament

COLOSSIANS 1:6-8 – LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT

CHRIST SUPREME (COLOSSIANS) #2

LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT

  1. In the harvest field now ripened
    There’s a work for all to do;
    Hark! the Master’s voice is calling,
    To the harvest calling you.
  2. Does the place you’re called to labor
    Seem so small and little known?
    It is great if God is in it,
    And He’ll not forsake His own.
  3. When the conflict here is ended
    And our race on earth is run,
    He will say, if we are faithful,
    “Welcome home, My child—well done!”
    • Refrain:
      Little is much when God is in it!
      Labor not for wealth or fame;
      There’s a crown, and you can win it,
      If you go in Jesus’ name.

This hymn, written by Kittie L. Suffield in 1924, reflects a major lesson found in the Book of Colossians. The Theme of Colossians is “Christ Supreme”, or “The Supremacy of Christ”.

With Christ as “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords”, We can be assured that, as we do things His way, The Lord Jesus will use little people in great ways for His glory! Indeed, “Little Is Much When God Is in It!”

First let’s consider how this church came to be. Yes, we have to speculate a little, but there is an excellent possibility that it happened something like this.

  • Acts 19:8-10 – Paul spent over 2 years in Ephesus preaching the Gospel. Ephesus being a major city had many visitors that would come to Ephesus, hear about Paul, and go listen to Him.
  • Two of these people who heard the Gospel were Epaphras (Colossians 4:12), and Philemon (Philemon 19)
  • Evidently Epaphras was sent by Paul to proclaim the Gospel in what is know as the Lycus River Valley (Modern day Turkey). The cities included Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. Churches were established.
  • Now we said, “Little is much when God is it.” Let’s begin considering more about Epaphras.

A LITTLE-KNOWN PREACHER HAD A BIG HEART

A HEART TO SHARE

  • Epaphras was not an Apostle, not a big name, and not famous. We aren’t either.
  • He found salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, evidently discipled by Paul, and willing to share his new-found faith. Matthew 28:19-20
  • That’s all we need! Psalm 107:1-2

A HEART TO CARE – Colossians 1:3-8

  • Epaphras went to Rome to care for Paul, but also to report to Paul about the churches in the Lycus Valley, specifically the Church in Colosse.
  • Epaphras cared not only to report the good but also the concerns about heresy being planted in the church. He cared enough to share the truth.
  • Many times, if we have caring hearts, we will not remain silent.

A HEART FOR PRAYER – Colossians 4:12-13

  • Epaphras worked hard in prayer for the people for whom he had a spiritual responsibility.
  • We need to work hard in prayer for the people we have a spiritual responsibility.
  • In the largest sense it’s everyone, both those who are believers and those who aren’t yet. Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1-4

A LITTLE CITY RECEIVED A BIG MESSAGE

  • Of the three cities mentioned in the Lycus Valley, Colosse, which was once prominent, shrunk in importance and size by the times of Paul. A trade route was rerouted and Colosse was bypassed.
  • Colosse was not unimportant to God! The same big message was preached in Colosse by Epaphras that Paul was preaching in Ephesus and other large cities.
  • The same big Gospel message was preached in that little city and bore fruit! Colossians 1:3-4a
  • New Holland is not a big town, and Lancaster City is not a big city. But we, as little-known believers, have received a big message that still needs sharing!
  • Living in a big area is not important. Sharing the big message in your little area is.

A LITTLE CHURCH HAD A BIG IMPACT

  • Colossians 1:4 – That little church in that little city was having a big impact because of their love for all saints!
  • Colossians 1:5-6 – They were also bearing fruit AND growing just like bigger churches in bigger places.
  • The more people in a church grow spiritually, the more a church will grow in outreach. Acts 9:31
  • Colossians 1:7 – The more the Spirit controls and leads us, the more our love will as well!
  • This little church in New Holland can have a big impact in the place God has placed us! Are we willing?

 

A LITTLE-KNOWN SERVANT HAD A BIG HEART

  • A HEART TO SHARE
  • A HEART TO CARE
  • A HEART FOR PRAYER

A LITTLE CITY RECEIVED A BIG MESSAGE

A LITTLE CHURCH HAD A BIG IMPACT