Good Morning “Free From Chains.” Today we wrap up Colossians with chapter 4.
At first glance one might think… chapter 4 is literally just Paul’s salutation to the church in Colossae, what is there for me to apply from this chapter? Each time I approach The Word I pray, God teach me what you want me to get out of this. I know there must be something here because 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells me it’s ALL useful to grow me up. Not part, but ALL.
So I re-read Colossians 4, and it hits me like a lead balloon.
“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. 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 4:2-6 NIV
What do you see? At first the obvious… “Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.” Watchful because we have a ruthless enemy looking to derail any good in and through us. Thankful because… well, we’re still breathing in Jesus which means we still got more good work to do, which means more incredible blessing.
But check Paul’s prayer request. Not as much what he prays for, but what he doesn’t! He’s in chains! Literally! Prison wasn’t then what it is now. He was likely chained, at least part of the time - in a hole. You ate what people brought you, if they did. There was no bed, no bathroom. Beatings on the regular, for fun. You do the math. He only asks for prayer that doors might be opened for him to clearly proclaim the Gospel. Wait, what??? What’s missing?
His focus was SO much on Jesus and the Gospel he doesn’t even ask for prayer for his release, or horrible circumstances. I have to contrast that with my whiny prayers. I glean that application, in part, because right after his request, he reminds them / us in vs 5-6 how we should act as we make the most of every opportunity. Why… because The Gospel is at stake.
Love you all! Dig in! Get after it!
At first glance one might think… chapter 4 is literally just Paul’s salutation to the church in Colossae, what is there for me to apply from this chapter? Each time I approach The Word I pray, God teach me what you want me to get out of this. I know there must be something here because 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells me it’s ALL useful to grow me up. Not part, but ALL.
So I re-read Colossians 4, and it hits me like a lead balloon.
“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. 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 4:2-6 NIV
What do you see? At first the obvious… “Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.” Watchful because we have a ruthless enemy looking to derail any good in and through us. Thankful because… well, we’re still breathing in Jesus which means we still got more good work to do, which means more incredible blessing.
But check Paul’s prayer request. Not as much what he prays for, but what he doesn’t! He’s in chains! Literally! Prison wasn’t then what it is now. He was likely chained, at least part of the time - in a hole. You ate what people brought you, if they did. There was no bed, no bathroom. Beatings on the regular, for fun. You do the math. He only asks for prayer that doors might be opened for him to clearly proclaim the Gospel. Wait, what??? What’s missing?
His focus was SO much on Jesus and the Gospel he doesn’t even ask for prayer for his release, or horrible circumstances. I have to contrast that with my whiny prayers. I glean that application, in part, because right after his request, he reminds them / us in vs 5-6 how we should act as we make the most of every opportunity. Why… because The Gospel is at stake.
Love you all! Dig in! Get after it!
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