Lesson: Colossians 4:1-6
Golden Text: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:5).
INTRODUCTION. This week’s lesson gives us instructions on how to reach out to others with the message of Christ that we have received. Each of us has a different personality, different relationships, and different opportunities. Yet there are essential spiritual activities for us all. Every Christian can accomplish these tasks. Each Christian has a unique opportunity to impact the world for Christ.
II. RELATIONSHIPS WITH SERVANTS (Colossians 4:1). In the previous chapter (Colossians 3:18-25), the Apostle Paul gave instructions to wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants. He continues in this verse saying “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” In the times of the Roman Empire, “servants” were actually slaves. They were considered property and were treated as harshly as their masters desired. Those Colossians who were “masters” or slave owners, and were now believers were instructed to treat their servants “just and equal.” In other words “masters” were to treat their servants with fairness and equity and provide what was right and fair. By application for today, employers, especially Christian employers should pay fair wages and treat their employees justly. In addition leaders should take care of their volunteers and not abuse them. If you have responsibility over others, make sure you do what is right and fair. Paul said that the reason we are to respond this way is because “ye also have a Master in heaven.” Leaders in any arena are reminded that they too have a “Master.” Whatever position of leadership we may have, we were placed there by God (see Psalms 75:6-7; Daniel 2:20-21). Since Christ is our Master who is in heaven, we serve Him and are to follow His example. Christ treats His children with love and respect, and that is what masters and all employers today should do as well.
III. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LORD’S SERVANTS (Colossians 4:2-4)
A. Earnest prayer (Colossians 4:2). Now Paul tells his readers what they have to do to be able to live by what he taught. He exhorted the Colossians to “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Three characteristics of their prayers are mentioned here.
1. First, they were to “Continue in prayer.” In other words, they were to be persistent in prayer. The word “continue” in Greek means “to persevere” or to “be constantly diligent.” This is the same idea that Paul presented in I Thessalonians 5:17 when he wrote, “Pray without ceasing.” This does not mean that a person should pray all day and do nothing else. Instead, it is an attitude of prayer that is constant and results in many short prayers throughout the day. Being in an attitude of constant prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for all things.
2. Second, they were to “watch” in prayer. The word translated “watch” means “to stay awake” and indicates spiritual alertness. A synonym for “watch” is “vigilance” which speaks of being watchful and alert, especially to guard against danger.
3. The third characteristic of prayer mentioned is “thanksgiving.” We should be alert to recognize answered prayer. Giving God thanks is repeated numerous times in Colossians (see Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17). It is always good to be grateful (see Philippians 4:6-7).
B. Specific prayer (Colossians 4:3-4).
1. (vs. 3). As the Colossians were encouraged to pray constantly, Paul added “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” The phrase “Withal praying also for us” indicates Paul’s desire that the Colossians remember him and his coworkers in their prayers. This is a reminder that we should not only pray for ourselves, but we should spend a lot of time lifting others and their needs to God. We should especially pray for those in the Lord’s work, such as pastors and missionaries. They are constant targets of the evil one, who does not want them to have success in their ministries. Specifically, Paul wanted the Colossians to pray that “God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.” He wanted God to open doors of opportunity for him and his coworkers. Paul often referred to opportunities for ministry as open doors (see I Corinthians 16:9; II Corinthians 2:12). It’s not possible for us to minister if a door is closed before us. It’s only when God swings a door open that we can proceed in ministry. Paul was especially interested in opportunities to explain “the mystery of Christ.” He had spoken of this “mystery” earlier (see Colossians 1:24-28). There he identified the “mystery” as the church which was unknown in the Old Testament but now had become a reality made up of Jews and Gentiles because of salvation in Jesus Christ. The word “mystery” refers to something that was once hid in the mind of God but is now revealed to those who are spiritually able to receive it. Paul also said that sharing this message was the reason “for which I am also in bonds.” Although Paul was already being held a prisoner for preaching the gospel, he still wanted his readers to pray that he could continue to spread that message.
2. (vs. 4). In this verse Paul gives another reason why he wanted the Colossians to continue to pray for him. He said so “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Paul felt compelled to preach the gospel message (see I Corinthians 9:16). He wanted to “make it manifest” meaning he wanted to continue to spread the Word “as I ought to speak” or as he was obligated to do. Nothing was going to stop Paul from spreading the gospel. He puts many of us to shame with his eagerness to share God’s Word, exposing our reluctance to speak up for Jesus.
IV. RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS (Colossians 4:5-6)
A. Walking in wisdom (Colossians 4:5). In this verse, Paul addresses the witness of his readers. He directed them to “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. The phrase “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” means that the Colossians were to be wise in their daily conduct before unbelievers, here referred to as “them that are without.” In other words, the conduct of these believers could have a powerful evangelizing influence on the unsaved. Note: A believer can give a bad testimony or lose a sterling reputation with a few unwise words or actions that are contrary to what he or she professes to be. Unbelievers are always paying attention to how believers live. Many of them take delight in finding reasons not to become Christians themselves. They are quick to say, “If that’s what a Christian is, I don’t want to be one.” When Paul said “redeeming the time” he meant that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way to live right before the world. As we “walk in wisdom” we will not miss such opportunities (see Ephesians 5:15-17).
B. Speaking with grace (Colossians 4:6). Paul concludes by saying “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” One of the areas Christians have a difficult time with is our speech or language. The apostle said “Let your speech be always with grace.” This means that whenever we speak to others, especially when we tell them about Christ, we must always be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to hear what we have to say. Not only should our speech be gracious but Paul said that it should also be “seasoned with salt.” Salt is known for two particular qualities. It once was used widely for preserving food, keeping it from spoiling as in Paul’s day. This indicates that our speech should be pure and wholesome and not corrupt. Salt also is known as an additive used to enhance the flavor of food. That is an appealing use of salt and probably indicates that our speech should be something that draws people to us. Note: When our speech or language is gracious, wholesome, and appealing, we will be effective in drawing the attention of unbelievers to our Lord. Paul said that as our speech draws people to us “ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” In other words, once people respect us, they will listen to our message. This will cause doors to open for us as we attempt to reach the world.
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