SCRIPTURE: COLOSSIANS 4
MEMORY VERSE:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5)
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS (vs. 1-6)
- Provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (v. 1)
- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (v. 2)
- Pray for us that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly. (v. 3-4)
- Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (v. 5)
- Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (v. 6)
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 7-18)
Paul was sending Tychicus, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord together with Onesimus to tell the Colossians the circumstances and everything that was happening in Paul’s place.
The following are sending greetings to the Colossian church:
- Aristarchus (v. 10a)
- Mark (v. 10b)
- Jesus, who is called Justus (v. 11)
- Epaphras (v. 12)
- Luke (v. 13a)
- Demas (v. 13b)
Paul was also sending his greetings to the brothers at Laodicea and to Nympha and the church in her house. He told them to read his letter in the church of the Laodiceans and they also read the letter from Laodicea. He reminded Archippus to complete the work he had received from the Lord. Paul sent his greetings and told them to remember his chain.
THOUGHTS:
Slave owners were to provide what was just and fair. Today, employers should also pay fair wages and treat their employees justly. Leaders should take care of their subordinates and not abuse them. Do what is right and fair because you are accountable to your Master in heaven.
Paul told us to “devote’ ourselves to prayer and be “alert”. Never get tired of prayer even if you do not get any answers from God. Have faith in Christ and be persistent to wait for God’s time and follow his will. God may not answer in ways you had hope. But he is always listening and answering in ways that he knows are the best.
Paul asked for prayer that he could proclaim the Good News about Christ clearly and effectively. When we want to tell others about Christ effectively, we should be gracious courteous and respectful.
Paul encouraged Archippus to carry out the work he had received from the Lord till the end. There are times when we leave our work unfinished. We stop and quit due to many reasons. But remember that we have to finish God’s assignment and complete the work we have received.