Jesus Christ is God in the flesh – the one by whom, through whom, for whom all things were created.

Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In Jesus Christ, we have everything we need for salvation. We’re not to add anything to Christ or take anything away from him.

Colossians 2:3–4 (ESV) - …in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

Colossians 2:8–10 (ESV) - See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

We live a new life in Christ.

Colossians 3:1–3 (ESV) - If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

The people in your life matter.

Colossians 4:7–15 (ESV) - Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Colossians 4:7–8 (ESV) - Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,

Colossians 4:9 (ESV) - …and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Philemon 10–12 (ESV) - I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.

Colossians 4:10-11 (ESV) - Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Colossians 4:12-13 (ESV) - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

Colossians 1:28 (ESV) - Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Colossians 4:14 (ESV) - Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

Colossians 4:15 (ESV) - Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

Acts 2:46 (ESV) - And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Acts 20:20 (ESV) – …I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house,

The larger we get, the smaller we must become.

Who can you include in your letter?

Who can include you in their letter?

Discussion Questions (Read Colossians 4:7-15 and pray as you begin)

1. How does Paul's mention of specific people in Colossians 4:7-15 highlight the importance of community in the church?

2. What qualities of Tychicus stand out to you, and how can we strive to be encouragers like him?

3. Onesimus went from being a runaway slave to a "faithful and beloved brother." What does this story teach us about reconciliation in Christ?

4. Epaphras is described as someone who “struggles in prayer” for others. What does it mean to pray fervently for others, and how can we grow in this area?

5. Paul notes that the early church often met in homes. How does this compare to our experience of church today? How can we cultivate deeper community in our church gatherings?

6. If you were writing a letter of gratitude and encouragement, who would you include in your letter? Who do you think would include you in their letter?

7. What is a significant encouragement or reminder for you from this passage and how will you be more mindful of it this week?