DAY 31 - LAST WORDS
- Pastor Dick Warner
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
DAY 31 - Last Words by Pastor Dick
“This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.” —Colossians 4:18 (NKJV)
Paul’s Heart in His Last Words
We’ve made it to the final verse in Paul’s letter together. And you know, last words can really show a person’s heart—like what my grandma always said, “You learn a lot about someone by their goodbye.” Paul’s goodbye is no exception.
Usually, Paul had someone else write down his words (which, honestly, I get—it’s nice having a little help).
But here, Paul wanted to pick up the pen himself. It’s like he’s leaning in, waving right at you, saying, “Don’t miss this!”
Those closing lines are packed with love and meaning that lingers.
“Remember My Chains”
Paul says, “Remember my chains.” Not exactly the vacation souvenir you put on the fridge, is it? But Paul isn’t fishing for sympathy—he’s reminding us that following Jesus won’t always be easy. Sometimes, we might feel chained up by troubles, too.
But here’s the twist—Paul found a joy that wasn’t tied to his situation. He drew his strength from God’s power holding him up. Not from comfort. Not from safety.
(I can relate: sometimes my comfort zone is my recliner and a good cold drink of iced tea. Paul, though, finds his comfort chained up and praising God anyway!)
“Grace Be with You”
Paul wraps up with, “Grace be with you.” Oh, what a word! Before he met Jesus, Paul caused his share of headaches for the early church.
He learned—maybe the hard way—that grace is the “game-changer.” Grace doesn’t run out. It’s like that bottomless glass of iced tea at the diner—always enough for another refill.
“Amen” — A Word of Hope
Paul finishes with “Amen,” which means “I believe and I agree.” It’s more than just a period at the end of the sentence—it’s a confident, hope-filled “Yes, Lord!”
Paul trusted that every promise he’d written about Christ would one day come to full bloom.
What Can We Learn?
Here’s my gentle challenge:
Love people deeply, even when it’s hard.
Glorify God, not just in comfort, but in complications.
Rest in Christ as “the hope of glory” (not just on easy days).
Live with a big, unshakable hope in God’s faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
What do last words usually show us about someone’s heart?
How do Paul’s last words speak into your faith today?
As we wrap up this study, ask: “Am I experiencing Christ as my hope and my all in all—right here, right now?”
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for Paul’s honest example of hope, faith, and love—even in chains. May your enabling grace help me to trust You deeply. May Christ truly be my all in all. Amen.
Closing Encouragement from Pastor Dick
Dear friends,
We’ve finished our journey through Colossians—and what a rich journey it’s been! Paul’s message is clear: Jesus isn’t just a good story or even only a Savior.
He’s Lord over everything. Creator. Sustainer. Head of the church. The glue that holds things together (something I need every day!).
Paul wanted the Colossians—and us—to know that in Christ, we lack nothing. Life brings storms and wrinkles (and a few “chains”), but Jesus remains victorious, working in us and through us.
Because Jesus is supreme, we get to “trade in” our old ways for His love, grace, and mercy. We grow together as a church family—living in unity, hope, and a confidence that Jesus will finish the good work He has started in us.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, friends. Let His supremacy fill you with peace—even when life is less than peaceful.
Remember Paul’s words: “He is before everything, and everything is held together by Him.” Let that be the steady anchor for your life and faith.
Thanks for walking along this road with me. Your commitment to Christ, your love for others, and your service in God’s kingdom—you inspire this old preacher (and give me fresh stories for Sunday!).
May the Lord’s peace and joy fill you to overflowing.
In Christ’s love and authority, Pastor Dick
New Hope Church of God
1250 Waggoners Gap Rd
Carlisle, Pa
(717) 241-5544
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