This chapter begins with an exhortation to masters to behave towards their servants in a just and equitable manner, from the consideration of their having a master in heaven, which should have concluded the preceding one; and in it the apostle gives some general exhortations, and some particular instructions about reading this, and another epistle, and stirring up their minister to his duty; and great part of it is taken up in expressing his love to the Colossians, and in the salutations of others, and of himself. The general exhortations are to prayer, with watchfulness and thankfulness, not only for themselves, but especially for the ministers of the Gospel, Col 4:2-4 and next to a wise behaviour towards them that were of the world, Col 4:5 and also to a prudent conversation, particularly in language, with everyone, Col 4:6. And then the apostle proceeds to declare his great affection for them, and care of them, which he showed by sending two proper persons to them from him, partly to make known his affairs to them, and partly to know the state and condition they were in, and comfort them, Col 4:7-9 and next follow the salutations of various persons to them, who are mentioned by name, and whose characters are given, Col 4:10-15. And then he orders them to read this epistle in the church of Laodicea, and also that which came from that place, Col 4:16 and to admonish Archippus to take heed to, and fulfil his ministry, since it was what he had received in the Lord, Col 4:17. And then closes the epistle with his own salutation and benediction, entreating a remembrance of him and his bonds, Col 4:18.
In Colossians chapter four we’ll consider the value of friends in the ministry. As we conclude this section of scripture – we’re reminded that even the best of friends face challenges.
C. S. Lewis in his book Four Loves asserts that “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, or art.” But adds, while “friendship has no survival value; it is one of those things which gives value to survival.” So, friendship is necessary after all. And it’s our focus today on Study The Word.
We’ll be finishing up Colossians, with the apostle Paul’s closing comments. In the final few verses of the epistle Paul mentions several people that worked alongside of him. They were near and dear to his heart, and pastor John Randall believes this has a lot to say to us about the importance of people in our lives. We weren’t meant to go it alone, in our daily walk.
As you look back a few years to when we were going through Covid, perhaps you’ve learned a few things about what’s really important in life. One thing many of us have discovered is how important it is that we’re together! We need to be with others, and God intended it to be that way. That’s emphasized in today’s message on a Daily Walk, as pastor John Randall is in the closing verses in Colossians.
Today we will conclude the book of Colossians with encouragement to do what God has called us to do, keeping our eyes on Jesus all along the way. Not everyone will applaud you for doing it, and you might even be unpopular, but the Lord will be pleased and that’s what counts.
We’re on the final leg of our journey through Colossians on Light on the Hill. In fact we’ll finish up the epistle tomorrow. Pastor James Kaddis will be looking at chapter four, and verses 7-18. The apostle Paul finishes his letter with some important instructions to the church.
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