THE POINT

We Really Do Need Each Other

09/10/2023

Everyone needs a good friend

  • God designed us to thrive only when connected in meaningful ways
  • Friendships lead to healthier, happier, longer lives, stronger immune system, less depression, stress, anxiety or other types of mental illness
  • To stay alive you need other people

 

As Important Jesus was to Paul, his friends were a close second

  • Paul was a friend maker
  • He referred to them as beloved, deeply loved brothers or dearly loved brothers 
  • Nothing particular about them stood out. But they were faithful, dependable, reliable

 

Aoife & Caoilfhionn

 

Colossians 4:7-18

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 

8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our 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 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.

 

What makes a great friend?

  • 4 qualities faithfulness
  • DEPENDABLE - Dave and Tom. Olivia, Maricela, Lucero
    • Paul sending two men back
    • We've all seen talented folks with incredible potential who lack dependability 
  • ENCOURAGEMENT prayer requests, Alli
    • The letter’s ending
    • Never underestimate the power of encouragement
  • FORGIVING - church job
    • Onesimus - friends overlook our failures - ran away with his masters
    • Always err on the side of grace
  • FEARLESS - fearless in building from the pandemic
    • Luke went through a lot with the Paul
    • A real friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.

 

Close friends are a gift of grace

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