Colossians 4

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 2-4

When you pray, be serious and fervent, but also be thankful. Make your prayers a combination of joyful praise to God as well as focused and serious.
- Don't be sleepy when you pray either (Matthew 26:40).
And pray for opportunities to share the Word with people. If you are looking for opportunities, you will find them.

Verses 5-6

Be wise and careful around unbelievers, to make your time around them most effective for getting them closer to Jesus.
A big part of this is being careful with your speech. Let your speech be with grace” does not apply only to how we speak to others, but also to how we speak about ourselves. Grace-filled speech makes room for human limitation. It allows us to acknowledge that our understanding may be incomplete and to remain teachable. When speaking truth, to teach others, do so with humility—using phrases such as, “as far as I understand,” or “to my current knowledge.” This posture anticipates grace if we are mistaken and guards us from pride and harshness.
At the same time, grace must extend outward. When others speak incorrectly, grace responds with patience and kindness rather than contempt. A gracious reply creates a climate where truth can actually be heard. Without grace, even correct words can become ineffective; with grace, truth is seasoned in a way that invites understanding rather than resistance.

Verses 7-15

Many believers are named here, and the overall takeaway is that they all found comfort in each other.
Believers are meant to be a necessary part of what brings you comfort in time of need, so always be cultivating your relationships with fellow believers.

Verse 16

In gatherings with believers, read the Bible together, and read it out loud.
Teachers, teach out of the reading of the Scripture.
- Arrange your words to explain the Scripture's points. Do not arrange Scripture to fit your own points. This is faithful teaching.

Verse 17