Colossians 4:2-6
Today we are reading Colossians 4.
As we read, these verses stood out to me:
Colossians 4:2-6 - Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it. 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Please, take some time to Share Your Thoughts With Us as they relate to this passage.
You can share anything that is on your heart but, if you don't know where to start, try reading these verses and answering one or more of the following "Honest Questions."
Honest Questions
1. There are at least 18 individual people or people groups mentioned by name in Colossians 4. Make a list of the names of people you have worked directly with in the spreading of the Gospel and say a prayer for each of them.
2. As you pray through that list, are there any specific words of wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, or correction that you could give them to help them as they continue in their walk of faith? When is the next time you could reach out and encourage them?
3. As you pray through that list, are you aware of any physical or financial needs these friends of yours might have has they share the faith, do their jobs, or live their lives in their community?
4. The book of Colossians was written somewhere around 62 AD. Paul was in prison. This letter was written about 28-32 years after Jesus was crucified. (est. April 7, 30 AD) I do not know exactly when the church at Colossae was started but it was probably less than 10-15 years old when Paul wrote this letter. How long have you been following Jesus? How long has your church been established? What sort of encouragement would you give to the "new believers" in your church?
5. Apparently, the church in Colossae was ministering to several slaves. I think Onesimus was from Colossae and in this letter he is returning to Colossae with Tychicus to encourage the church regarding the Apostle Paul's condition while incarcerated. What is an under served demographic in your community and do you know anyone that could minister to them effectively?
6. Do you know anyone who has continued to have an effective Christian witness from prison or after they were released from prison?
7. If Paul had faith to pray from prison that God would "open up to us a door for the word, so that he and his companions could proclaim the mystery of Christ" is there any reason we should doubt that God could use us to share His word as well?
8. As you interact with people that are not part of your church today, ask God to give you wisdom and grace so that you can respond in a Christ honoring way in each interaction. God bless you. I hope you have a wonderful day. I also hope you enjoyed reading the book of Colossians with us.
9. What is was your favorite verse in Colossians 4 and why?
10. Do you have any specific questions or prayer requests after reading Colossians 4?
We use our Basic Bible Reading plan to guide the discussions in this group.
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