Colossians 4 - Paul's Final Encouragements to the Church
Pastor Caleb Clark
September 15, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Reflect on the journey through Colossians and what we've gained:
Paul’s introduction, emphasizing his authority and connection with the church.
How Paul grounded the gospel in the supremacy of Jesus as Lord over all creation.
Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross—canceling the debt of sin and setting us free.
How this gospel impacts our personal lives, transforming how we live, love, and build our families.
Paul's Final Instructions (Colossians 4:2-6)
Steadfast Prayer (Verses 2-4)
Call to be Steadfast in Prayer:
Paul emphasizes the need to be devoted, persistent, and consistent in prayer, suggesting that prayer should be a central, daily practice.
Being Watchful in Prayer:
This means being alert to God’s will, aware of His presence, and vigilant about our own spiritual state.
It includes praying with eyes open to God’s work in our lives and the world around us.
Thankfulness in Prayer:
Thanksgiving reminds us to acknowledge God's goodness and builds a heart of gratitude.
Even in difficult situations, we can find reasons to thank God, shifting our focus from problems to His blessings.
Pray for the Gospel Mission:
Paul asks for specific prayer that God would open doors for the word, showing the importance of praying for gospel opportunities.
Despite his imprisonment, Paul’s primary concern is clarity in sharing the gospel, illustrating the priority of the mission over personal comfort.
Wisdom Toward Outsiders (Verses 5-6)
Walk in Wisdom:
Paul encourages a lifestyle that reflects Christ’s teachings, being mindful of how we present ourselves to non-believers.
"Making the best use of the time" suggests being intentional with every interaction, seeing each moment as an opportunity to witness.
This could mean choosing actions that reflect Christ's love, even in mundane situations.
Gracious Speech:
“Let your speech always be gracious” emphasizes kindness, compassion, and respect when speaking, even when faced with opposition.
“Seasoned with salt” means our words should be wise, interesting, and thought-provoking, making the gospel attractive.
Being prepared to answer each person requires understanding others' perspectives, questions, and needs, ready to share the hope we have with gentleness.
Paul’s Greetings and Final Words (Colossians 4:7-18)
Introduction to Paul’s Companions (Verses 7-14)
Tycheus and Onesimus:
Described as faithful servants, Tycheus is sent to inform and encourage the Colossians, while Onesimus, a former slave, represents transformation and reconciliation in Christ.
Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus:
These Jewish believers have remained loyal, highlighting the unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
Mark’s inclusion is significant, considering his earlier conflict with Paul, showing restoration and forgiveness within the body of Christ.
Epaphras:
A passionate prayer warrior for the Colossians, his example challenges us to labor earnestly in prayer for others’ spiritual growth.
His desire for the Colossians to "stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God" reflects Paul's heart for the church's spiritual maturity.
Luke and Demas:
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, who later deserts Paul, remind us of the realities of ministry—faithfulness and the risk of falling away.
Greeting Other Churches and Individuals (Verses 15-17)
Paul’s greetings to the church at Laodicea and Nympha, who hosts a house church, reflect the early church's communal and interconnected nature.
Encouragement to Archippus to "fulfill the ministry" he received reminds us that every believer has a unique calling and responsibility in God’s kingdom.
Paul’s Personal Conclusion (Verse 18)
"I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand." This personal touch emphasizes Paul’s authenticity, commitment, and the reality of his ministry.
"Remember my chains" serves as a reminder of the cost of following Christ and Paul’s dedication to the gospel.
Ending with "Grace be with you," Paul reinforces that God’s grace is central to the Christian life, sustaining us in all circumstances.
Application and Reflection
The Importance of Prayer:
Are we committed to a steadfast prayer life? Do we intentionally include thanksgiving and watchfulness?
How often do we pray for the spread of the gospel and for those sharing it?
Walking Wisely Toward Outsiders:
Are our actions, words, and attitudes drawing others toward Christ, or pushing them away?
Are we ready and prepared to share the gospel when opportunities arise?
Unity and Partnership in the Gospel:
Paul’s mention of his companions encourages us to value partnerships and relationships within the church.
How can we support, pray for, and encourage others in their ministry roles?
The Reality of Christianity:
Paul’s greetings serve as a reminder that these were real people with real struggles, just like us.
Are we living out our faith in a way that demonstrates the reality of Jesus to the world around us?
Conclusion
The end of Colossians isn’t just a list of names but a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, wisdom, unity, and reality in our faith.
Encouragement to embody these truths in our daily lives, using every opportunity to make Jesus known.
As we conclude this letter, may we be inspired to live with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and commitment to the gospel.
Biblical References
Colossians 4:2 - "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."
Colossians 4:3-4 - "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:5-6 - "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 4:7-18 (Various sections quoted):
Verse 7: "Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord."
Verse 9: "And with him, Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that has taken place here."
Verse 10-11: "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus."
Verse 12: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."
Verse 14: "Luke, the beloved physician, greets you, as does Demas."
Verse 16: "And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea."
Verse 17: "And say to Archippus, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.'"
Verse 18: "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you."
Reflection Questions
In what ways can you cultivate a more steadfast and watchful prayer life as Paul instructs in Colossians 4:2? How might thanksgiving become a more consistent aspect of your prayers?
How does Paul’s encouragement to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” challenge the way you engage with those who don’t share your faith? What steps can you take to make the most of the opportunities (kairos) God has given you?
Reflecting on Paul's personal greetings, how do you see the reality of the Christian community being lived out in your own life? Are you investing in relationships that demonstrate the authenticity and love of Christ to others?
Paul emphasizes that our speech should be gracious and seasoned with salt. How does this instruction challenge your everyday conversations? What changes can you make to ensure your words reflect the love and wisdom of Christ?
Considering Paul’s reminder to “fulfill the ministry you have received in the Lord,” what specific ministry or calling has God entrusted to you? How can you be more intentional in fulfilling it, even when facing challenges or uncertainties?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Prayer Journal
Activity: Dedicate a notebook or journal to record your prayers each day. Start each entry with thanksgiving, and then include your personal needs, concerns for others, and prayers for open doors to share the gospel, just as Paul encourages.
Application: This activity helps you develop a steadfast and watchful prayer life, aligning with Paul's call to be consistent in prayer. Over time, you will see how God responds to your prayers, strengthening your faith and your connection with God.
2. Intentional Conversations Challenge
Activity: Commit to having at least one meaningful conversation with an "outsider" (someone outside your faith community) each week. Approach the conversation with wisdom and grace, aiming to be "seasoned with salt," and be prepared to share your faith if the opportunity arises.
Application: This challenge encourages you to walk in wisdom toward those outside the faith and make the best use of your time, as Paul instructed. It helps you practice being a light in the world, using your words to reflect Christ’s love.
3. Family Prayer Time
Activity: Set aside one evening each week for family prayer and scripture reading. Focus on how the gospel transforms your family dynamics and relationships, and encourage each family member to express gratitude and needs.
Application: This activity reinforces the message of family redemption and unity under the gospel. It helps build a Christ-centered home and creates a habit of seeking God together, strengthening the bond between family members.
4. Encouragement Letters
Activity: Write letters or emails to fellow believers, encouraging them in their faith journey. Highlight the qualities you appreciate in them and how they’ve made a difference in your life, just as Paul did in his letters.
Application: This practice helps you cultivate the habit of edifying others in the faith, following Paul's example. It reminds you that we are part of a larger Christian community and encourages you to be a source of strength and comfort to others.
5. Living Out the Gospel in Your Workplace
Activity: Identify one way you can demonstrate Christ-like character in your job or daily interactions this week. Whether it's through acts of kindness, showing patience, or speaking with grace, aim to be a reflection of the gospel and be open to answering questions about your faith when they arise.
Application: This activity challenges you to walk in wisdom and let your speech be "seasoned with salt," as Paul advised. It provides a practical way to live out your faith in your everyday environment, making the gospel visible to those around you.
