JESUS FIRST: COLOSSIANS 4: THE CALL

Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Last week, we studied Colossians 3 in which we are called to put off the old, put on the new and change our way of living. In chapter 4, Paul gives us a practical workflow to enable that change. So, let’s see where Paul takes us in this last part of this epistle to the church at Colossae. 

1. A call to fervent prayer 

Vss 1-4 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

• Verse 1 is a holdover from chapter 3 in its messaging
• Here, the clear indication is a changed life is only possible through continual, fervent prayer

James 5:16b the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much

• Paul’s encouragement in prayer
  • Pray for self
    • A continual attitude of prayer in life
      • ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication)
    • Pray with diligence
      • Vigilant – grēgoreō = alert, awake
    • Pray with gratefulness
    • Pray for others

2. A call to a faithful witness

Vss 5-6 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

• It is expected of all believers that we “walk the walk AND talk the talk”
• “outside” (exō) refers to “those on the perimeter, on the outer edge”
  • It is important that we treat one another well but we are called to treat everyone well
• “redeeming the time” refers to making the most of every opportunity
• “grace, seasoned with salt” connotes words which are attractive

Warren Wiersbe says, “It is important that we Christians live wisely when among the lost, for unsaved people look at our lives and try to find things to criticize…. We wonder what unsaved people think of Christ and the Gospel when the Christians they do business with fail to pay their bills or keep their promises.”[1]

3. A call to fellowship

Vss 7-15 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

• We’re in this thing together, it is important that we stand together in service and in prayer
  • Tychicus was the pastor of the church at Ephesus ( 6:21, Acts 20:4, and 2 Tim. 4:12)
  • Onesimuis was a slave of Philemon in Colossae
  • Aristarchus was a fellow prisoner and co-laborer with Paul
  • Mark (John Mark) was the author the Gospel of Mark
  • Jesus (Justus) co-laborer to Paul
  • Epaphras was the pastor of the church at Colossae though was now in prison
  • Luke was a co-laborer with Paul; writer of Gospel of Luke and Acts
  • Demas was a co-laborer with Paul but would soon forsake him (2 Tim. 4:10)
• Paul made clear there were many who served alongside of him in his work for the Gospel

Max Anders: “For Epaphras prayer was not a game, it was a battle. He prayed continually, fervently, and with purpose. Aware of what the Colossians were facing, he knew their need was to grow to maturity in Christ in order to continue to resist the alluring lies of the false teachers.”[2]

4. What’s your call?

Vss 16-18 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

• We have all been called to a particular work and to complete it
• This world is desperate for the message we hold

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Application:

1. Determine to be continual, fervent prayer warrior (1 Thess. 5:17)
2. Know how to share YOUR story of the Gospel
3. Find like-minded people to walk this road
4. Always seek out God’s plan for your lives

[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992), 585.

[2] Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 347.