The theme verses for Colossians are 2:6-7. Paul writes, there, that we have been taught in Christ and we need to walk in Him. Therefore, we are to live a different life. Knowing that, then, What Shall I Be?
If I have learned Christ and I am baptized into Him and I am seeking the things that are above (3:1-2), here are a few more behaviors I will do:
I WILL BE A PERSON OF PRAYER & THANKSGIVING – 4:2:
There are only two commands, two imperatives in our passage: “Continue” (NKJV) and “Walk” (vs 5). These two commands, then, govern the subsequent thoughts and verses.
So, verse 2: “In prayer” (put first in the original language for emphasis), devote yourselves. This verb means “to persist obstinately in…, to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of [praying, p.h.] despite difficulty.”
We need to be people of prayer. And in all of your praying, Paul says, be sure you do not forget: “being vigilant” (a participle, showing that it occurs at the same time as the main verb) in your prayers with thanksgiving.
I WILL BE EVANGELISTIC – 4:3-4:
Verse 3 begins with a participle (not translated as a participle in some translations), which shows that it is part of the previous sentence. Paul’s sentence is: “Continue earnestly in prayer …praying also for us.”
But the point here is that Paul wants the Christians in Colossae to pray that God “would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak.”
You and I need to be evangelistic.
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Connected with that point is verse 5. Again, in the original “in wisdom” is first in the sentence showing that Paul’s emphasis is on that point. “In wisdom” walk toward those who are outside. Here, he is referring to those who are “outside” the church, towards non-Christians.
One way we do that, Paul says, is to “redeem the time.” That is, “make the most of our opportunities.” If we see an opening to direct a conversation to the Bible or to Christ, to spiritual matters, take that opportunity.
You and I need to “think souls.” We need to be wise toward outsiders.
I WILL CONTROL MY TONGUE – 4:6:
I mentioned that the verb that begins verse 5, “walk,” also governs verse 6. There is no finite verb in verse 6 so “Walk” governs this verb as well. So, Paul is saying in verse 6, “In wisdom, walk… your words always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
First, your words should be with grace. Grace is “unmerited favor.” That means if someone does not deserve a kind, gentle answer, give them one anyway.
Second, let your words be seasoned with salt. Salt has the impact on food that makes it easier to eat; it gives it flavor. So, in your words with others, especially non-Christians, make your words easy to hear.
Be prayerful & thankful; be evangelistic and be wise toward non-Christians; control your tongue.
–Paul Holland
