Colossians Chapter 4
In this final chapter to the church at Colossae we find that Paul intended for his letter to be read by neighboring churches as well. Paul knew that the words that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write would be beneficial to the church at large. The first verse is a continuation from chapter 3 as Paul teaches us how to handle inter-personal relationships. But sprinkled throughout the chapter is a teaching on the importance of prayer. Paul prayed for the church, and he asked for the church to pray for him. We need each other to stand along side of us to approach the throne of God on our behalf, to strengthen us as we walk through various circumstances of this life.
2 Timothy 3:16-17All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Let's Reflect
1. How often should we pray for one another?
2. Your Bible may say to pray being vigilant or being watchful in it. The Greek word literally means to be wakeful. When we pray we need to be alert and recognize that we are approaching the throne of our King. Other believers are counting on us to be alert and to pray on their behalf. I think this also has the idea that we being alert, always watching and looking out for the needs of others so that we can pray for them. What other ingredient should be included in our prayer life?
3. What was Paul requesting that the church pray for him and his team? See verses 3-4 and 18.
4. Taking the example of Paul, we need to pray that God would teach us how we are to speak to others, especially the lost. We need God’s wisdom so that what we say, no matter what subject we are talking about, it would show evidence of the gospel. To be effective witnesses for Christ, when we talk to outsiders (unbelievers) we need our speech to have two main characteristics. What are they?
5. Paul wrote in this letter about several other servants of Christ that labored with him in the gospel. He knew that introducing the church to men of strong faith would be influential in encouraging the church in their walk with Christ. He mentions Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus (called Justus), Luke and Demas who were all Jews. Who did Paul mention that was a strong man of faith but was not a Jew?
6. This man cared so deeply about his people coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, that he is described by Paul as one who prayed __________________ on your behalf. And that he worked or served tirelessly to bring the gospel to the church at Colosse, ______________ and in Hierapolis.
7. It is clear that the purpose of this letter was to be an encouragement to the church. Paul wanted to encourage them in the faith, in prayer, in Godly conduct, and he encouraged them to be effective testimonies of the gospel. Are you allowing God to use you to reach others with the gospel?
