“Those who follow me, do not walk in darkness,” says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate his life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from blindness of heart. Therefore let our main aim be to study the life of Christ. - Thomas A. Kempis (Parke, Simon. The Imitation of Christ: A 2011 Edition . White Crow Books. Kindle Edition.)

Colossians 1:3-8 We give thanks.

1) Main Clause: We always give thanks to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray for you.

2) Participle Clause, 2 Reasons: We give thanks because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints.

3) διὰ Clause, Reason: You have this faith and love because
of the hope which is reserved for you in heaven - this hope you have heard of before in the word of truth, this hope is the gospel.

4) Participle Clause, Explanatory: This is the gospel that has come to you and is bearing fruit and increasing in all the world, the same way it is in you, ever since you heard and knew the grace of God in truth.

5) καθὼς Clause, Comparative: This is the gospel
you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf. He’s the one who revealed to us your love in the spirit.