Colossians 4:2-6 | Food for Thought
Questions
After addressing the way we’re called to live as Christians in various relationships (marriage, kids/parents, slaves/masters), Paul directs his attention to the way we’re called to relate to non-Christians in the world. First, he addresses our prayers.
What - and who! - does Paul want us to pray for?
Why does Paul want them - maybe even need them! - to pray for him?
How is sharing the gospel a think we work together with God in? What do we do and what do we need God to do?
Why is clear speech important? (And why is praying for clear speech important?)
Do you pray for these things?
How can you be praying for these things? Who are the people, doors, etc. you can be praying for?
Next, Paul addresses the way we live among outsiders. Notes:
Making best use of “the time” is specifically pointing to the time we live in - the already/not-yet, in which we’re waiting for Jesus’ imminent return!
“Gracious” speech isn’t just “nice” speech. It’s talking with the intention of giving grace!
Speech that’s “seasoned with salt” is a way of talking that’s “attractive to the spiritual appetites” of others.
“Answering” each person has more to do with responding as part of a back-and-forth conversation. It’s not about winning a debate or giving a “last word” answer, but how we talk and what we say to other people!
This means clear speech and gracious speech aren’t at odds with one another. Does that seem strange? What does speech like that sound like? Have you heard speech like that before?
How should we be prepared to talk with other people with wisdom and knowledge?
How do we prepare ourselves? (It seems like we need to soak in the grace-giving intention God has with his words for us… and let ourselves find the gospel “attractive” to our own “spiritual appetites.” How do we do that?)
How might continuing steadfastly in prayer, staying alert, and being thankful fuel our readiness to walk in wisdom with outsiders?