In order for Christians to have deep friendships, we must first learn to befriend ourselves by realizing our identity in Christ. Instead of envy or coveting what others have, we find our peace and satisfaction in Jesus.

Colossians 4 wraps up with instructions on prayer. Paul reminds us to be devoted to prayer, praying that the message of Christ is presented clearly. Making the most of every opportunity, speaking to each other with grace in our conversations.

We are instructed to put them aside along with our old self. And in its place, to put on our new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge and image of our Creator.

Colossians 3 reminds us that we have been raised with Christ so we should set our hearts on things above. We died with Christ to the things of this world.

Paul reiterates his mission, which is to present the Word of God in its fullness… a mystery hidden for ages but now revealed in us. This mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Paul prays that we might be "filled with the knowledge" of God’s will. He encourages us that the gospel continues to grow and bear fruit just as it is doing in us. He then paints a beautiful picture of Christ’s supremacy demonstrated by his eternal nature that both created everything and continuously holds it in place.

Historical and cultural context. Paul's use of phrases and images is loaded with political ramifications.

What began as a ragtag community of Jesus-followers begins to pick up size and speed as it spreads throughout the region and foreshadows the establishment of a global community united in Christ.

After Jesus' ascension, he "made good" on his promise to give the Holy Spirit. Jesus' followers immediately formed unprecedented COMMUNITIES that both subverted the status quo while inviting the entire world.

God's original covenant with Abraham was based on his grace to build a COMMUNITY for himself; his covenant with Moses was based on Law for that COMMUNITY, (which failed to keep them close) and God's new covenant reestablished a COMMUNITY of grace