Speaking

Context: After defining where the “word of Christ” comes from (Col 1), what it is (Col 2) and what it accomplishes in those who believe it (Col 3), chapter 4 is about how to speak it. Considering what else could have been added, the brevity of Colossians in general and of chapter 4 in particular is striking. If words are chosen carefully, less can be more: Less distraction, for the sake of increased impact.

Warm-up: What do you like about people who make few words?

Read: Colossians 4:2-18

1) Of all things that could be said about praying, how does v2 show what is most needed?

• The context addresses individuals. How can you “continue steadfastly” (gr. proskartereo) in prayer? cf Lk 18:7; 20:47
  • The parallel passages in Eph 6:18 and 1Thes 5:17 add “…at all times in the Spirit” and “…without ceasing”. How can we do this? cf 1Cor 14:15, 19
• What’s the idea of being “watchful” in prayer?
  • gr. gregoreo literally means to be awake: What distinguishes this state of mind? cf Lk 21:36; 22:45-46
• In chapter 3:3-7, we asked whether Mosaic law is of use for Christians. Can you remember Moses saying anything about thankfulness?
  • Moses has only two passages on thanksgiving (Lev 7:11-15; 22:29). Did he ever ask for thankfulness? Why not? Why was his only concern how to make thanksgivings acceptable?
  • Thanksgiving became the heart of worship thanks to David (1Chr 16:7). How did this enhance David’s profile as a type of Christ? Ps 42:4; 50:13-14, 23
• Who needs “thanksgivings”? God, or our own heart? cf Ps 100:4
  • Why do we need to cultivate thankfulness?

2) vv3-4: What was the heart of Paul’s prayer request(s), and why?

• What did Paul mean by “mystery”?
  • Does mysterious mean unknowable? Why not? cf Eph 1:9; 3:3-6
  • Why can now the mystery of the gospel be known and communicated, Eph 3:5?
  • Did Paul feel free to communicate it as he saw fit, v4? Why not?
• If we depend on the mercies and grace of God to preach the gospel rightly, how about believing? Eph 2:8; 1Pet 1:21
  • What is a “door for the word”? cf Acts 14:27
  • Why must we pray for it?

3) vv5-6: What have wisdom, and our use of time to do with each other?

• v5 is not about faith, but about its wisdom; not what faith must believe, but how it must act. What does our use of time tell about our wisdom? How does wisdom use time responsibly?
• Who is called “outside/without” (gr. exo), and why?
  • The translation “outsideRS” is compatible with the context of evangelism. Should our time management depend on whom it serves?
• v6 “…each person” (not limited to folks outside your church): What can make our conversation with everyone gracious and “salted”?
  • Apparently, Moses himself was aware that this was not his forte (Ex 4:10), and he confessed his lack of faith in God’s help (Ex 4:12-13). Where else are we meant to learn grace and truth if not from Moses? cf Jn 1:17
  • How are salt and saltiness perfect metaphors for the truth of the gospel and for our faithfulness to that truth? cf Mk 9:50

4) vv7-17: What do you find noteworthy about the fellow workers mentioned here?

• What were their relations to the Colossians, and what are they commended for?
  • Except Tychicus and Justus, all of them are also mentioned in Phmn 1:2, 10, 24. If you were recruiting, which of them would you have wanted to hire?
• vv12-13: Epaphras, imprisoned at the time of Phmn 1:24, is not described here as such (whereas Aristarchus is, v10). Why did Paul write such an unreserved endorsement for Epaphras to the Colossians when they evidently knew him themselves?
  • vv7-9: Why did Paul send Onesimus back together with Tychicus to deliver his letter, rather than Epaphras whom the Colossians already knew, and in whom at least Paul confided, v12? cf Phm 1:10

5) v17: Who was Archippus? cf Phmn 1:2

• What do you make of the fact that Paul did not address that minister personally, nor sent him greetings from Epaphras, but instead wanted his own pastoral letters read in public, v16?
• Compare v17 with Col 2:8. Was Archippus slacking?
• How did Paul model what it means to be both gracious and “seasoned with salt”, v6?
• According to tradition, Archippus died as a martyr. What does that suggest about the impact of Paul’s letter on those who held Archippus accountable?

6) Personal & application

• What can we learn from how Paul addressed a likely doctrinal disagreement with Archippus?
• How do you make use of time for your wisdom to grow and benefit everyone you interact with?
• How can you watch your tongue to only build up, and to always speak truth with grace, and to be truly gracious without sacrificing truth?
• What strategies do you use to practice ‘wakefulness’ as a state of mind and pray ‘without ceasing’?
• Why don’t we pray every day that God may open doors for His word to reach our communities and the world? What difference will it make if we do?