Introduction
A young man was called to pastor a large church in Philadelphia. After his first sermon, a man from the congregation approached him. "You're pretty young to be pastor of this church,” he said. “But you preach the Gospel, and I'm going to help you all I can. I'm going to pray for you that you may have the Holy Spirit's power upon you. Two others have covenanted to join with me in prayer for you." Every Sunday before the service these three men gathered to pray. Soon their number swelled to five, then ten, fifty, until hundreds of Christians gathered each Sunday morning to ask for God’s power in their preacher and the service. You will not be surprised that God added many souls to that church. Nor will it be a surprise that this preacher, Wilbur Chapman, became a mighty preacher and evangelist. In Colossians 4:2-6 Paul asks the Colossian Christians to pray for him in a similar way. Study this passage to learn how to live a healthy Christian life of effective prayer, wisdom, and grace that is spent well.
Observation
Pray
Before studying this passage of Scripture, ask the God who wrote it to make it plain to you and to show you how He wants to change your life through it.
Read Focus Verses
Read Colossians 4:2-6 noticing the structure of the passage.
4 Commands
What are the four commands in this passage?
Keyword – Verbs
Underlining the main action words in this passage will make the structure of the passage clear and easy to study.
Clear Directions
Underline the 5 main action words in Colossians 4:2-6. There are 2 for the first command, and 1 for each of the others.
Giving Thanks
What is a significant part of biblical prayer according to verse 2?
For Us
Who are the believers especially urged to pray for in verse 3?
What?
What did Paul and Timothy ask the Colossian believers to pray for them in verse 3-4?
In Bonds
What does verse 3 reveal about Paul’s condition because he preached the gospel?
Sharing the Gospel
What should our presentation of the gospel be like according to verse 4?
Walk in Wisdom
A Christian needs special wisdom to know how to live with whom in verse 5?
Analogy
What physical analogy is used to describe godly speech with grace in verse 6?
How Often?
How often is a Christian’s speech to be gracious?
Why?
According to verse 6, why is it important to speak with grace to build others up?
Interpretation
Continue
Verse 2 commands that Christians continue in prayer. Take a look at the word used in the command to get a fuller sense for the way a Christian is to pray.
Strong's G4342
Greek,proskartereo [pros-kar-ter-eh'-o]
--Verb
Origin: from (4314) and (2594)
Definition:
- to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
- to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
- to continue all the time in a place
- to persevere and not to faint
- to show one's self courageous for
- to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly
Pray and Give Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 also pairs praying and giving thanks.
Thanks in Prayer
Notice how Philippians 4:6-7 makes the same emphasis of thanksgiving in prayer.
Why?
Why is giving thanks such a significant part of biblical prayer?
The Labor of Prayer
If we go down a few verses to Colossians 4:12 we see an interesting description of Epaphras’ prayer life.
In Your Own Words
In your own words, what does Colossians 4:12 teach you about prayer and how seriously you should take it?
Words of Boldness
If anyone was an effective, bold evangelist with the blessing of God on his ministry, it was the apostle Paul. But in Colossians 4 he asks the believers there to pray that the Lord will open doors for him to share the gospel and for the words to say when those opportunities come. Notice how similar his request to the Ephesian church is in Ephesians 6:18-20 and how he asks them to pray for boldness for him.
Specifics
In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 we are given some more very specific ways to pray for those who minister and preach the word.
Praying Mightily
What are some of the specific things you should pray for the ministers of the gospel you know?
Clarity
In Colossians 4:4 Paul asks the believers to pray that he will be able to share the gospel with clarity. Notice what 1 Peter 3:15 says about this.
Who?
Are people like Paul and other pastors and evangelists the only ones who need prayer for open doors and clear presentation so they can share the gospel? If not, who else?
Wisdom and Time Management
The first part of Ephesians 5 talks about how Christians should relate to unbelievers. Notice how similar the conclusion of this passage in verses 15-17 is to Colossians 4:5.
Relation
Why are the two ideas of relating properly to the world and redeeming time so closely related in these passages?
Christian Speech
This short exposition of Colossians 4:6 is very helpful.
Click To Visit WebsiteA Ready Answer
You already looked at 1 Peter 3:15 which talks about having a ready answer just as Colossians 4:6 does. What does this mean?
Christian Communication
Notice what Ephesians 4:29 says about a Christian’s communication.
When?
From the exclusive language of Ephesians 4:29 and the inclusive language of Colossians 4:6, is there ever a time when a Christian has a good enough excuse to speak corruptly or not be gracious? Why or why not?
Application
Praying
How should your prayer life change based on what you’ve seen from Scripture?
Redeeming the Time
What are some ways the Lord wants you to redeem your time today?
Communication
How will you begin to hold the things you say accountable to this passage of Scripture?
Wrapup
Closing
We hope this study has encouraged and equipped you to live a healthy Christian life.
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