A Christlike mindset: Hezekiah or Tychicus? Colossians 4:2-9

Review from Colossians 3 (set your hearts on things above) Being a Christian means cultivating a Christlike mindset. We are to pursue an eternal perspective because we are now in Christ and He is all that really matters. We are to seek the “things above” with single mindedness

Hezekiah Isaiah 38 Got very sick Got the death notice Turned his face to the wall Wept bitterly

Hezekiah’s response I walked with you all my life (doesn’t that count for anything?) You have robbed me I will be gone from this world I made it through the ‘night’ but you crushed me at dawn I can’t praise you when I’m dead I want to stay with the living (keep things as they were)

God’s response Gave him another 15 years Promised reprieve from his enemies Gave him an amazing sign (turned back time?)

Not a happy ending … 2 Chronicles 32:24 - 33:9 Hezekiah was healed but became proud Became very rich but foolishly revealed all his riches to envoys from Babylon His son Manasseh did much evil Erected poles for Baal Worshipped the stars Sacrificed two of his sons in fire Practiced sorcery, witchcraft, consulted mediums

A self indulgent father produces evil children Eli the priest – sons blasphemed God King David Amnon raped his sister Absalom killed Amnon and took the kingship Solomon wasted himself with wealth and too many women

Instead of that … Colossians 4:2 - 6 Devote yourselves to prayer (consistent, disciplined, hard work…continually steadfast) Be watchful and thankful Focus on mission Open door for the message Clear, powerful proclamation For one another Be outwardly orientated – to your friends

For example: Tychicus Colossians 4: 7 - 9 Dear brother => Relational closeness Faithful minister => Committed to task Fellow servant => on the same page => no sense of competition => travelling with others