I, once again, get the privilege of closing out a study through a book of the Bible; this time, it’s Colossians. I hope you were encouraged and challenged like I was with the central theme of keeping our focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ in all matters of living.

[Colossians 4.16-18]

4.16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Archippus is mentioned in another epistle we will study this summer, Paul’s letter to Philemon. There, he is described as “a fellow soldier”. Some scholars believe he may have been Philemon’s son and a pastor of a house church. With that in mind, what do you make of Paul’s request for those who would be listening to the reading of this letter to speak to Archippus the words quoted in verse 17? Can you think of a way to encourage “a fellow soldier” you know this week?

+ Why would Paul want those reading and hearing this letter to “remember his chains”? Do some research. Find places around the world where people are in prison (or worse) JUST for their faith in Jesus and start regularly praying for them, by yourself, or better yet, in a community group.

+ What did Paul mean by the phrase “grace be with you”, specifically to the Colossians he had just written?

+ What was the main lesson you learned from this letter and how do you plan to apply it to your Christian walk? Find a verse or verses in Colossians you can commit to memory. I am going to memorize Colossians 3:1-4. Find a friend that will ask how you are doing in your application and Bible memorization!!!

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What was the main lesson you learned from this letter and how do you plan to apply it to your Christian walk? Find a verse or verses in Colossians you can commit to memory. I am going to memorize Colossians 3:1-4. Find a friend that will ask how you are doing in your application and Bible memorization!!!

“Colossians provides a reminder that idolatry, setting up ANYTHING instead of or alongside God to rival Him in one’s thoughts, service, or affections, is an ongoing temptation in the life of God’s people. The attraction of rivals to Christ wanes and the bonds of devotion to Him strengthen only when believers truly grasp the beauty and the glory of their all-sufficient Savior”. (Notes from the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, The Reformation Study Bible, 2015)

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?