MEMORY SCRIPTURE
Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
(2 Corinthians 1:6)
True leadership involves guiding and nurturing the potential in others to shine in their unique ways, e.g. Paul’s commitment to developing Luke and Tychicus in the early church.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 13: Faithful Paul In The Lord’s Accord (Eph.6:21b)
Tue. 14: Observe: This Thing We Can Afford (2 Cor. 7:11)
Wed. 15: Preach Only Christ’s Word (2 Cor.4:5a)
Thur. 16: “I Am With You”, Christ’s Words (Acts. 18:10a)
Fri. 17: Wrestling Not Flesh, Our Foes Untoward (Eph. 6:12)
Sat. 18: Be Strong In The Lord (Eph. 6:10)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
A true leader turns vision into reality and leads by example.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Acts 16:10-17; Colossians 4:7,14; 2 Timothy 4:11 Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21-22; Titus 3:12
We thank God for iast week’s lesson, where we learnt more about how Paul discovered and developed leaders. Gaius and Epaphroditus were close friends of Paul who learnt leadership skills from him. Euodia and Syntyche were also willing to be mentored by Paul. Clement benefited from Paul’s guidance and displayed leadership qualities like him. Let us cooperate with the Holy Spirit and our mentors to become effective leaders for God’s glory. Amen.
This current lesson explores how Paul discovered and developed Luke and Tychicus, who faithfully followed him. Luke accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys and stayed with him in prison. Unlike Demas, who loved the world, Luke and Tychicus remained loyal and humble learners Tychicus also served as an encourager. Let’s learn and enjoy the lesson. May God inspire us to be faithful, provide us with godly leaders and faithful servants, and enable us to encourage others in the body of Christ. Amen.
LESSON OUTLINE
- PAUL AND LUKE
- PAUL AND TYCHICUS
LESSON EXPOSITION
PAUL AND LUKE (Acts 16:10-17; Col.4:14;2 Tim. 4:11)
Luke, the beloved physician and Demas greet you
(Col. 4:14).
a) Acts 16:10-11: Luke’s decision to join Paul during his missionary journey to Troas illustrates his initial step towards spiritual leadership.
b) v. 10-17. His active involvement in Paul’s ministry (cf. 20:5-15) underscores his commitment to spreading the gospel and serving alongside Paul. He was being developed in the process.
c) vv.10-11: Through his close association with Paul (20:5ff; Col. 4:14; Phm. 1:24), Luke experienced significant spiritual growth and received mentorship, which shaped him into a mature leader.
d ) His exemplary service and dedication to the mission of spreading the gospel, coupled with Paul’s guidance, contributed to his development as a respected leader within the Christian community.
e) 2 Tim. 4:11: His steadfast loyalty to Paul (Col. 4:14) reflects his spiritual growth, maturity and leadership. As a historian, Luke preserved Paul’s journeys and early Christian history, gaining valuable insights.
f) Col.4:14: Luke’s role as a trusted companion proves his importance to Paul’s ministry. His writings (Luke-Acts) detailing Paul’s actions, affirm his leadership in preserving Paul’s legacy.
PAUL AND TYCHICUS (Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21-22; Col. 4:7; Tit.3:12)
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord will tell you all the news about me
(Col. 4:7).
a) Acts 20:4: During his missionary journeys, Paul met Tychicus, who accompanied him through Macedonia, and eventually became vital to Paul’s ministry (Col. 4:7-8), revealing their close relationship during missions that would have positively impacted Tychicus.
b) Col. 4:7: As Tychicus embarked on his journey with Paul, he obviously learnt from his teachings and example, indicating his initial steps towards leadership (cf. Eph. 6:21-22).
c) Eph. 6:21-22: Paul entrusted Tychicus with delivering important letters, affirming his reliability and leadership. Commended for faithful service, Tychicus earned respect in the Christian communig (Col.4:7-8: 2 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 3:12).
d) vv. 21-22: Tychicus supported believers and engaged in Church planting, showcasing his growth and effectiveness as a leader (Col. 4:7-8;2Tim. 4:12;Tit. 3:12).
e) Tit. 3:12: Paul likely mentored Tychicus through direct teaching modelling, practical experience and letter delivery, equipping him for ministry and leadership (Acts 20:4; Col. 4:7-8).
LESSONS DERIVED
a. Leaders must ensure their decisions align with God’s principles, aiming to lead people towards Him, especially those who are lost.
b. Great leaders, as servants and followers, are priceless gifts from God to His Church, uplifting and guiding their followers with humility and devotion.
QUESTIONS
- Whatare the lessons that can be learnt from the life and writings of Luke?
- Discuss lessons that can be drawn from the life of Tychicus.
