4:3,4
As well as urging the Colossians to pray at all times, Paul also urges them to pray for Paul and his colleagues. The effectiveness of evangelism, or any other church enterprise, is not dependent upon having “star” evangelists or whatever, it is dependent upon God. So Paul asks for prayers that God will open a door for the gospel. Note that it says “our message”. Paul was so closely identified with the gospel. And the message was about Christ. The word “mystery” here is used as a counter to the gnostic type teaching. Paul wanted prayers that he would proclaim the message clearly. We need to declare the gospel clearly so that people can understand.
4:5,6
Attention then turns back to the Colossians. They are to be wise in how they act towards outsiders. The letter has dealt with the danger of them being wrongly influenced by the world, but they are to seek to have a godly influence on the world, as, of course, are we. So we are to act with wisdom, and we are to seek to make the most of opportunities. We are to act and speak with grace, not bashing people on the head. “Seasoned with salt”. So we are to be winsome. This does not mean watering down the gospel in any sense. One can never imagine Paul having anything to do with that! But we are to give people the chance to hear and understand the gospel, and not put any unnecessary obstacles in the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment