Colossians 4:7-18

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our 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 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.

As we conclude our time in Colossians Paul reminds us of the continued need to live in the power of the new life. Paul has called us to take the power of the new life to all people, first our family, then those far from the Father the lost and then our friends. Paul reminds us that our faith should affect our friendships. Instead of self we need serving together. We need to recognize that we were built for relationship. We really do need each other, we are members of one body. We often operate as if God created us to be independent instead interdependent.

1. The church was created to be a community – Paul did not operate alone. Paul mentions over 100 people by name in his New Testament letters! In Romans 16 alone, there are 26 people listed. Here, in Colossians 4, he mentions 10 individuals. Paul was definitely not a lone ranger, but functioned as a member of a team.

2. Friendships forge – As we live out the supremacy of the Savior in our lives, it should impact as we interacted with others. Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Together we temper and toughen each other.

3. People are more important than programs. It’s important for us to remember that ministry always flows along relational rivers.

4. We need the differences of diversity – We act like differences detract yet others often have strengths in areas we are weak.

Five Groups

As Paul closes his letter to the church at Colosse, he mentions several different groups as we look at each group ask yourself which category you would put yourself in. What type of friend are you?

· Those that are Faithful

· Those that are Fervent

· Those that Finish

· Those who Falling Away

· And those who are Forgiven