Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] 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[c] 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.
~ In what ways have you been challenged by this letter? What have you been called to do differently?
~ How have you been encouraged or inspired through this letter?
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
~ What might keep us from making the most of every opportunity God gives us to love on non-believers? How can we pray for each other in this?
~ How would you describe your conversations with non-believers? Salt not only flavors but also prevents corruption: Would this be true of your speech? Why and/or why not?
Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
~ What does your prayer life look like these days? Are you devoted to persistent prayer? do you keep alert praying prayers focused on the needs God has revealed to you?
~ Will you pray verses 3 & 4 for yourself?
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
~ Are you tempted to do a good job only when it it being seen or recognized by someone else? How do these verses challenge your approach to your work?
~ How do you treat those who fall under your authority? Would you say you treat them justly and fairly? Are you submitting your leadership to God's authority?
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
~ Why do you think the command for wives is to submit to the husband? Why do you think husbands are commanded to love their wives? Why might they be given different commands?
~ What is the parental guidance given in vs. 21? Why do you think this is so important?
