Ambassador Bible Fellowship

Paul’s Final Words to the Colossians, 1. His Personal Greeting, 2. His Prayer Request, 3. His Closing Blessing, Paul’s Overall Message to the Colossians

Promote Fellowship with Other Churches (4:15), Pursue Knowledge of God’s Word (4:16), Press for Faithfulness in Church Leaders (4:17)

Who Were They? Theological Questions Raised: Questions we need to ask ourselves after considering the lives of these two men…

Epaphras—A True Prayer Warrior. Who is Epaphras? How Did He Pray? How can we grow in prayer?

Who were they: I. A Man of Great Mystery—Jesus/Justus II. A Man of Great Loyalty—Aristarchus III. A Man with a Great Return—Mark What we learn from them: I. Shared Ministry is God’s Design for the Church II. Comfort is a Natural Result of True Christian Fellowship

Connection #1—Our Past Justification Assures Us of Our Future Salvation (5:9). Connection #2—Our Past Reconciliation Assures Us of Our Future Salvation (5:10). Connection #3—Our Past Reconciliation Leads to Our Present Rejoicing (5:11)

Our Desperate Need for a Savior (5:6a). Christ’s Atoning Death for the Ungodly (5:6b). God’s Great Love for Sinners (5:7-8).

The context of Luke's Gospel. Jesus' concern for His disciples (22:40, 45-46). Jesus' prayer to His Father (22:41-42). Jesus' agony in His prayer (22:43-44).

Q: Who is Wise and Understanding? A: Let a Genuine Believer show it by his Good Behavior 1) Christian Pretender’s heart is motivated by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition 2) Christian Pretender is warned not to boast that he is right with God to deceive himself and others

The "A" Team - Available, Approachable, Attentive, Affirming, Assuring, Authentic

The "seemingly" insignificant messengers: Tychicus and Onesimus. The "seemingly" insignificant message. The Significance of the Messengers and their Message.

Walk in wisdom in your relationships with those outside the church (4:5a)... By making the best use of your time (4:5b)... By seasoning your speech with grace (4:6).

The call to steadfast prayer (4:2a), by being watchful and thankful (4:2b). Praying for and seizing gospel opportunities (4:3-4).

Background to slavery in the Roman Empire and Old Testament Israel Obey Your Masters, Because Jesus is the One You Fear (3:22) Work Wholeheartedly, Knowing Jesus will Reward You (3:23-24a) Serve Christ, Because He will Be Your Judge (3:24b-25) Show Justice and Fairness, Knowing Jesus is Your Master (4:1)

Two alignments to be made in parent-child relationships… Children, Align Yourselves Under the Lordship of Christ By Obeying Your Parents (3:20) Parents, Align Yourselves Under the Lordship of Christ By Not Provoking Your Children (3:21)

Two Ingredients to a Christ Exalting Marriage: The Willing Submission of a Wife (3:18) The Sacrificial Love of a Husband (3:19)

The Attitude—You must be willing to submit every area of your life to Christ’s lordship (3:17a) The Action—You must be willing to conduct every area of your life in Christ’s name (3:17b) The Affection—You must give thanks to God in everything through Christ’s Mediation (3:17c)

The Word of Christ must Live in Us Inwardly ...by teaching and admonishing horizontally to one another ...by singing vertically to God

The Peace of Christ… …is what should control your heart …is what you were called to experience …will result in your being thankful

Colossians 3:14 The Perfect Bond, The Priority that Love Deserves, The Identity that Love Reveals, The Unity that Love Produces