DECLARING THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

​By Graeme Tearle

Colossians 4: v2-6
In what will be the final passage of exhortation, Paul now turns to two of the most important areas of our Christian life – prayer and conduct.

1. Prayer, v2-4.

 
Paul says three things about our prayer activity in these verses.
 

• a)  Continue steadfastly in prayer.
• Paul uses the Greek word ‘proskartereo.’  This compound word is made of two words of particular emphasis: ‘pros’ (preposition), meaning ‘movement towards,’ plus ‘kartereo’ (verb) meaning ‘to be strong’ From this we derive the focus on ‘strong commitment.’ Paul uses the same word in Rom. 12v12; and this is the same word used by Luke of the early disciples in Acts 2v42; “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.”
• This commitment to be a high priority, ongoing, and focused on the Lord’s blessing and work.

        b)  Be watchful in prayer.

• Committed praying is watchful. The Greek word ‘gregoreo’ has the basic meaning of ‘wakefulness,’ and is defined by W E Vine as “spiritual alertness.” Jesus used the word three times in Matt. 26v38-40, exhorting the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he prayed that forceful, pleading prayer to the Father.
• With thanksgiving. Not only do we make petitions to God in prayer, it is important to constantly give thanks for His grace and His works.

        c)  Pray for Paul and his associates.

• Paul was in prison, and other associates were in Rome as well, potentially in prison with him. This prayer request from him:
• Is unselfish and un-demanding – the focus is that the work and the word will be open
• Is to glorify God – to declare the mystery of Christ.
• And to declare it with clarity.
• In our prayers today, seek the Lord’s protection for those in need, strength and boldness to spread His word with relevance and clarity. 




• 2  Conduct, v5,6

 
Paul says three things about our lifestyle in these verses.

 a)   Conduct:
The Greek word Paul uses here is ‘peripateo,’ as in ch.2v6. This means literally to walk.
But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations.
Our lifestyles and attitudes are to be such that they demonstrate wisdom and attractiveness to the world around. 
b)  Make the most of the time. The word literally means ‘to buy back, redeem.’ And the word for ‘time’ literally means ‘opportunity,’
What Paul is saying here, is not so much that we aren’t to be time-wasters, but that opportunities to present the work and the word of the Lord to the world around can be gained or they can be lost. But we must focus. Use those opportunities to best advantage. 
c)  Seasoned speech
Just as we add seasonings to food for flavour and preservation, so our speech is to be governed in such a way as to timely, effective, and gracious to those around.
 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
 
Consider:  Does my conduct, my speech, my prayer add to the declaration of the mystery of Christ to those around?