This is Part 14 of a 15 part Bible Study on the book of Colossians.
Compiled and written by Norma Becker – a true woman of God and God’s word.
FREE – Printable e-book version
Part 14 – Characteristics of the New Christian Life
In chapter three Paul talked of the new Christian life and some of the characteristics we are to have as Christians. Then he got down to some practical applications for our daily lives – in our homes, and in the working place. Now he will continue the thoughts and ideas he left off with in Colossians 3:16, 17 where it says,
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Prayer and Thanksgiving
Now in 4:2 he says:
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Another translations says:
“Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, with thanks to God.”
This is the seventh time that thanksgiving is mentioned in the letter. Paul followed the pattern of prayer and thanksgiving when he thanked God for the Colossians and then prayed specifically for them – in the beginning of the letter.
Prayer is not an option – it is an essential for Christian growth. Just like breathing, it should be continual. When we quit breathing we die physically. When we quit praying we die spiritually.
Be alert and watchful, both against inattention caused by the pull of the world and that we do not become mechanical and say words that we really aren’t listening to or thinking about.
Thankfulness should always accompany prayer because it places a believer in the proper attitude before God. Praise and thanksgiving given even before we see answers are proof that we trust Him.
Proper Perspective in Prayer
It goes on in verse 3-4:
“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 is asking that when they are praying for their congregation, friends, relatives and themselves, that they remember him too.
Notice what he asks for and especially what he doesn’t ask for. He was in prison undergoing great hardships while awaiting trial. What would you be praying for? Would you be saying,
“Lord, I’ve been such a good and faithful servant; I’m getting old and feeble; you can see how much I am suffering – can’t you please get me out of here by giving me a quick trial where I won’t be found guilty so I can have a little peace and rest in my last years.”
Instead, what is he praying for?
“Give us a good opportunity to preach his message. Pray that I may speak in such a way as to make it clear.”
He is in prison for preaching and he asks for more opportunity to do the same and words that will even make the message clearer.
When we pray, do we ask for release from a trial or a job He has given us to do, or do we ask for strength and wisdom to get through it? Trials usually make us spend more time with Him and sometimes they are the only thing that will bring us to Him.
What should we ask for when we pray for Christian workers, missionaries, priests, pastors etc. Col 4:3-4 tells us:
“That they will have a good opportunity to preach and that they will give a clear message that is easy to understand.”
Here are some answers we might receive from prayer:
I’ll give you patience to wait for My timing.
I’ll make you willing not to want what we think we must or should have.
I’ll supply your needs in a way that you never expected.
I’ll give you something better than you asked for.
I’ll help you realize that what you asked for was not according to My will or for My glory.
The Mystery of Christ
He wants to preach about the “mystery of Christ.” What is the “mystery of Christ”? Remember back in Colossians 1:23-27 (GNB).
“And I have been made a servant of the church of God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all mankind but has now revealed to his people. God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.”
Also:
“…in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
Paul never prayed with a selfish motive. His consuming interest was for the advancement of the gospel, not for his own blessing. Also Paul never resorted to prayer only in an emergency when all else failed.
Paul tells them what he wants and needs prayer for in his telling others about Christ and then he goes on to give helpful instructions to the Colossians:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).
Our actions and conversation with unbelievers is to be governed by wisdom. Where do we get that wisdom? Go back to Colossians 2:3:
“He is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.”
Motivation to Share
What should motivate us to share our knowledge of Christ? 1 John 4:19 says we should be motivated to share our knowledge of Christ because…
“…we love because God first loved us.”
Our actions and conversation should be such an example that others would want to follow our example and become Christians too. 1 Peter 3:15 says:
“But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all time to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect.”
What is this hope? Are you sure enough of it that you can tell others? Is it possible to be a silent obedient Christian?
2 Corinthians 4:13 says,
“‘I spoke because I believed.’ In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe.”
1 John 1:3:
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”
2 Timothy 4:1:
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience.” (GNB)
In our daily life we should pray that we take advantage of every opportunity to share our faith and that we will do it with knowledge, wisdom and compassion.
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