Tag: Colossians 4
Prayer and gracious speech!
Scripture reading for September 11: Colossians 4
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare they mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison–that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:2-6
The life of a follower of Jesus is tied to steadfast prayer and thanksgiving. Paul’s final words to these believers concerned prayer and witness to others. Both these topics were inter-related. Prayer was a lifeline where we communicate with our Savior the things we are observing and going through for direction and counsel. We listen for what to do next and how to give answers to those outside the faith.
Paul asked the church to pray for him as well. He was in prison at the writing of this letter, but he did not ask them to pray for his release. Instead, he asked for a door of witness to be opened that he might preach the Word of God, the Gospel to those outside the faith. He asked for a clear declaration of the Gospel to flow through his lips and that he would have wisdom towards outsiders. He encouraged the church to also walk in wisdom towards outsiders and to make the best use of their time. Through prayer, they would be directed when and to whom to share the Gospel. Only God knows each heart and His timing. He also encouraged them to be gracious, offering words that brought out the flavor of Christ Jesus like salt does to food. When speaking graciously, the goodness of God draws people to repentance and answers their deepest questions and needs.
Does prayer have a regular place in your life and daily routine? Do you pray regularly for your pastor, missionaries on the field, or those in need? Have you experienced the flavoring or salting of your speech as you have sought the Lord for how to reach those outside the faith?
Prayer: Father God, I thank you for the privilege of prayer any time of the day, but especially to start my day. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and wisdom today that I might know how to reach those outside the faith. Open a door of witness and give me boldness to share the Gospel of grace, with salted speech. Amen.
Praying for open doors!
Scripture reading for September 12th: Colossians 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Colossians 4:2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should.”
Paul was in chains for preaching the Gospel but was not hindered from encouraging the Church! He knew that prayer was a key factor in evangelism and that missionaries and apostles especially needed prayer. He did not want to be left out as the church in Colossae prayed. He told them to devote themselves to prayer and to be watchful in the Spirit over themselves and those laboring for the Gospel. He did not ask prayer to be released from his chains, but rather for clarity and boldness in preaching the message and an open door to share Christ. He asked that he might have appropriate responses to each person that would salt them with the knowledge or hunger for Christ Jesus!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers must be devoted to prayer for open doors each day among those the Lord puts in their path. Prayer for boldness and clarity is appropriate and commanded! “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
Devote yourselves to prayer!
Scripture reading for September 11th: Colossians 4
In order to live successfully with a continual view towards heaven and God’s will, Paul encouraged the Colossians to pray specifically. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Colossians 4:2-4)
Paul knew that prayer was a key to fruitfulness and protection from the forces of evil. Believers must be watchful against the tide of evil in the culture as well as the schemes of Satan through false doctrine and teachers. (Colossians 2:7) Thankfulness is a state of humility that continually acknowledges God’s generous supply of all things in every circumstance.
Paul also asked for prayer himself. Although in jail, he didn’t ask to be set free. He asked for a open door for the Gospel message. Asked for empowerment to preach clearly and effectively, sharing the mystery of Jesus Christ, God’s Son and Savior of the world. This lead naturally to the next instructions!
Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know hot to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6) Believers are called to reach the lost–those outside the family of God. Watchfulness in prayer also includes recognizing opportunities to share the Gospel. Our conversations and life must exhibit the freedom of living under God’s grace. We must depend on the Holy Spirit to give answers to the questions and objections of the lost. Prayer and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit season our speech with salt, making the lost thirsty for God!