Colossians - An Expositional Study
"AS I OUGHT TO SPEAK"
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:2 (KJV)
We spend a lot of time, much of it wasted time, talking. So we can be sure that the ever-practical Paul will take up the matter, dealing with the various aspects of it from the Christian point of view.
"Continue"
Keep at it. Satan will, of course, do his evil best to hinder us. Besides, often when "the spirit indeed is willing...the flesh is weak" (Matt. 26:41). Sometimes we are tired, lazy, impatient, and doubtful. Consider that the Master told more than one of His parables to press home that "men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1). But we are often in such a hurry that if the answer does not come at once we drop the asking. We should bear in mind that God always answers true prayer – sometimes He says "Yes"; sometimes He says "No"; sometimes He says "Wait." A little girl once said, "Mother has always taught me that 'No' is an answer." If God does say "No" to our prayer, we should view it from a threefold background: first, His love wants the best for us; second, His wisdom knows the best for us; third, His power gets the best for us.
All of this should conjure up in us a readiness for His "No." And if, by delay, He seems to say "Wait," then "continue in prayer" until in His own time and His own way our petition is granted. We need to learn how to speak to God. But, we do not need to be self-taught, for "the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us" (Rom. 8:26). What a joy to have Someone Who is able and willing to teach us the what and the how of prevailing prayer. In this way the effectual speech of supplication can be ours (James 5:16).
"Prayer"
What a man of prayer Paul was and how constantly we find him longing for the prayers of others. He knew how much Christians can do for one another if we only pray. In fact, we can do nothing better for anyone. No doubt, Paul reckoned prayer as one of the pieces of Christian soldier's armor, "Praying always" (Eph. 6:18, if we assume that the list of armor does not end with verse 17). Thus, we understand that Paul's military guard was with him (Acts 28:16); and as he picked out the parts of the soldier's accoutrement, he used each bit as a spiritual illustration of Christian warrior's equipment. In Paul's catalogue of armor equipment, an item was left out, the "greaves," a protection for the knees and shins. Paul knew that the armor was not "whole" without them. Although he does not mention the graves by name, he does not leave out the spiritual truth they stand for. The knees: prayer! Paul must have appreciated the prophet's exhortation, "confirm the feeble knees" (Is. 35:3).
"Watch"
Certainly Paul knew of the Master's coupling together of "watch and pray" (Matt. 26:41). Watch before you pray, that you do not rush into the audience chamber of the King; so that Satan does not spoil your spirit before you draw near, for "Satan trembles when he sees, The weakest saint upon his knees." Watch while you pray, lest any wandering thought come in to distract you from your holy business. Arrest that thought at once, like a policeman on the watch, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5); arrest it "in the Name" of the King. Watch after you pray, looking for God's answer. Remember Charlotte Elliott's reminder "Watch, as if on that alone
Hung the issue of the day; Pray, that help may be sent down; Watch and pray."
"Thanksgiving"
Prayer and thanksgiving are so often joined together by Paul. This is our "Thank You" to prayer's "please." We are often guilty of bad manners toward God, in that we frequently forget to thank Him for answering our prayers. How thankful Christians should be for the privilege of praying to God at all.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:3-4 (KJV)
"Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak"
"I ought to"
Here is the speech of prayer. Every Christian should say with Paul, "I ought to", for if we know God ourselves it is incumbent upon us to tell others of Him. "The mystery of Christ", the secret of the saving grace and mercy of God toward sinners, hid through ages, but hinted at through type and prophecy, is now laid open in the appearing of the Son of God from heaven and in His suffering upon the cross.
"make it manifest"
Paul now conceives it his duty to "make it manifest", i.e., to speak it clear and plain to the souls of mankind who so desperately need Him, as those dying need Water and Bread of Life. There is a pictorial illustration in the story of the four leprous men at the gate of Samaria. A "mystery" of supply is available to their need, like that brought about by God through the mysterious noise of armies He caused the Syrians to hear. While the unfortunate four discuss their hunger, the mystery is hid; but at last the plentiful store is revealed to them. In their excitement they take their fill; but presently one remarks, "We do not well, this is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace" (2 Kin. 7:9); at which they proceed to "make it manifest" to the besieged city. Today, Christians live in a gospel day. How can we hold our peace, when multitudes around us are starving for Bread? After all, "we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel" (1 Thess. 2:4). From the moment we heard the Gospel, believed and obeyed it, we were put in trust with it. Surely, then, we ought to pass it on.
"a door of utterance"
Paul bids his friends pray for him to have "a door of utterance" opened to him. He knows that he ought to speak and he longs for the opportunity. The story is told of a young boy who was applying for his first summer job. The prospective employer asked, "Have you a motto in life?" The boy replied, "Yes sir, same as yours." "What do you mean?" "Saw it on your door, sir – push." This will never do for some Christians. Too many mistakes have been made, too many lives spoiled by trying to push doors open. Paul seems to have fallen into that error, when "they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit suffered them not" (Acts 16:7). Also, perhaps when they "were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia" (Acts 16:6). In his eagerness, Paul was perhaps inclined to make opportunities; but Asia was a closed door. Europe was God's door for him (Acts 11-12). It is better not to attempt to make opportunities for Christian service, simply be eager to take them when they appear. In our present text, Paul prefers praying to pushing. After all, God is expert regarding doors – I am "He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth...behold, I have set before thee an open door" (Rev. 3:7-8).
When He shows the way in, we can expect His blessing to follow, even though there may be opposition from enemy quarters. Thus Paul writes of his experience at Ephesus, "A great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Cor. 16:9). Of course, we must want to have opportunities of speaking a word of testimony for our Lord, always ready to see and seize them, otherwise doors will not open. If God knows we really want them, He will assuredly offer them. Perhaps the wise plan is to stop rushing and pushing and simply ask Him to guide, gird, guard, and, if necessary, goad us.
"in bonds."
The apostle Paul longs to speak of the mystery, but he regrets that he can't do it; he is "in bonds." However, in his heart of hearts he knows prayer can change chains from opposition into opportunity. Even in a Roman prison, his door chained, Paul knew that prayer could slip the chain, opening the "door of utterance" to him. Paul cannot do it by himself – he can't push the door open; his hands were chained, but prayer moved God's hands; He opened it. Consider the conference he had with fellow Jews (Acts 28:17). Consider also his correspondence to the Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Paul's correspondence was the tongue of a ready speaker (cf. Ps. 45:1). And, he won converts – Onesimus (Philemon 10); soldiers who became the "saints of Caesar's household" (Phil. 4:22). Do we feel we can't witness to others? Does shyness hold us back? Is it fear of what others might think, say, or do? Do we dread saying the wrong thing or becoming tongue-tied because of nervousness? If so, we are in distinguished company. Moses felt the same, "What shall I say...I am slow of speech" (Ex. 3:13; 4:10). God replied, "I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." Jeremiah felt the same, "I cannot speak, for I am a child" (Jer. 1:6). But God replied, "I have put My words in thy mouth." Do we feel the same? Not ashamed to speak, we want to, but fear takes over and we can't. We know we ought to; "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" (Ps. 107:2). We should ask ourselves, "do we love Him enough to trust Him?" Do we trust Him enough to open our mouths and witness to others? Remember the infallible secret, "They were all filled with Holy Ghost, and began to speak" (Acts 2:4). We should not be overly concerned about "other tongues", just our own. We should never hold back, but use our tongues to tell others about the Good News of Jesus Christ. Seek His in-filling and the words will come out-flowing. Open your mouth and begin. Never forget that salvation is only enjoyed when "with the mouth confession is made" (Rom. 10:10).
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:5 (KJV)
"Walk"
Here is the speech of behavior. In the New Testament, "walk" is frequently used for life – the way we behave, whether bad as in Colossians 3:7 "in the which ye also walked some time", or good as in 1 Thessalonians 2:12 "walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory." Occasionally a Christian's walk is not what it should be. Someone is heard to say, "Excuse me, but what you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say." But no one should look down on such. Is any Christian blameless in this regard? May all Christians so closely "walk with God" (Gen. 5:22; 6:9), that such a rebuke will never be heard.
"walk in wisdom"
We desperately need "wisdom" if we are to: display the right character; say the right word; recognize the right time; employ the right tact – putting people in the Lord not out of and away from the Lord. What a comfort to know that "Christ Jesus is made unto us wisdom" (1 Cor. 1:30). Let us observe how He walked, then "follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21) always remembering that our walk talks. Consider that strange little word in Proverbs 6:13, "He speaketh with his feet." A young boy was told not to walk across a certain muddy field. When he came home his mother asked, "Did you go over the field?" "No, mamma, you told me not to." She merely pointed to his shoes covered with mud. "He speaketh with his feet." His walk was inconsistent with his profession – his lips told a lie, his feet told the truth. In the first century, Christians were said to be of "the Way" (Acts 9:2; 19:23; 24:14). How appropriate and significant a name for following Him who said "I am the Way." To company with Him is true wisdom.
"toward them that are without"
Those that are astray must always be a concern to those who are within the fold. By all means at our disposal we must seek to win them, luring them within. Consider the Lord's parable of the Great Supper. Some of those invited refused to come and the servants were sent out with the invitation to the streets and lanes of the city, to the highways and hedges. In the same way, we are bidden to the Gospel feast of the Christian life, where "all things are now ready." Some do not want it. Still, in this Gospel age, the invitation is extended because "still there is room." Servants of the Master are graciously commissioned to "Go out...and compel [lovingly persuade] them to come in" (Luke 14:23). Are we intent on involving ourselves in that blessed task? If so, we must "walk in wisdom toward them that are without". But is our walk more persuasive, more productive than our talk? Let us be mindful of our behavior, of our walk as well as our talk lest by any inconsistency we put a stumbling-block in the way of others. Some have been "near to the kingdom," only to be put off by a Christian's behavior or speech. It behooves us to carefully seek "wisdom" from our Lord, so that we may avoid being the cause of any such tragedy – "Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way" (Heb. 12:13). Pray for them? Yes. But our lives must correspond. "And help us, this and every day, To live more nearly as we pray."
"redeeming the time"
This phrase is often rendered, buying up the opportunity. Losing no chance to "catch men" in the Gospel-net (Luke 5:10). "Redeeming," buying, contains an idea of cost. Certainly, this business of soul-winning is a costly affair. Watchfulness, patience, courage, tact, prayer, testimony, life, energy – spiritual currency building up into the human side of the purchase cost of this fishing industry. In 1843, Horatius Bonar wrote the Hymn, "Go, Labor On." Two lines in his original poem did not get into hymn books. Nonetheless, they are impelling: "Speed, speed thy work; cast sloth away, With great strong wrestlings souls are won." May God lay on each one of us the burden of souls, and, in the light of His suffering, make us willing to pay the price.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 4:6 (KJV)
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt"
Here is the speech of conversation.
"speech"
James 3 warns us of the ill that our tongues can bring into other lives, yet our tongues can also bring great blessings. There is a remarkable claim made by the ungodly, "Our lips are our own, who is lord over us?" (Ps. 12:4) – no Christian can say that. Christ is Lord over us, our lips are not our own, nothing of ours is ours. "Ye are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19). Mind, mouth, and all of other members of our body belong to Him who bought us. May our lips always be used for good and for God. Never forget that God hears everything we say. Sometimes it distresses Him, "He hath heard your murmurings" (Ex. 16:9). Sometimes it delights Him, "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name" (Mal. 3:16). "Hearkened" is noteworthy. It indicates speaking humanly, that He not only heard, but, in a sense, cupped His ear to catch it all. In the first case, He had to listen; in the second, He wanted to listen. As opportunity presents itself, let us, both to believers and unbelievers, use our tongues to talk tactfully about the One who means everything to us.
"salt"
Yes, sometimes pungent when dealing with corrupt things. But graciousness always characterized by the Master's conversation; "Never man spake like this Man" (John 7:46).
If we are "in Christ" and if He is in us, then should not we catch something of His tone and accent? Surely this means that we have no: repetition of slander; suspicion of uncleanness; temper; criticism of others; undue exaggeration; variation from truth; unkind word; or giving as much as we get – "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man" (James 3:2), a man of full stature in Christ. Keep in mind the prayer, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" (Ps. 141:3).
"That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man"
Here is the speech of exposition. This can be linked up to another passage, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3: 15). The latter part of this verse corresponds to the "how" of Colossians 4:6. When we are trying to explain to another the reasonableness of accepting Christ, there is a proper way to talk – a true Christian spirit. As important as knowing what to say is to "know how" to say it. As in the Christian's ordinary conversation, this is to be "alway with grace, seasoned with salt." At the beginning of the church of our Lord we are told of two great characteristics of the apostle's "witness", which should qualify both our public and private testimony – "great power...and great grace" (Acts 4:33).
We should ask for strength of conviction and kindness of manner. If our "answer", reason, is to be intelligent and effective it will need careful and constant study. We should make it our aim and goal in life to get a firm grasp on the Bible. To get a growing and deepening knowledge of the Bible is surely the ambition of every Christian. If the Bible is to be to us "the Sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17), then we must learn to wield it effectively by constant sword-drill. That comes, not by reading a few verses in the morning, though an excellent preparation for the day, but by earnest and diligent study of the sacred record of God's dealings with and purposes for mankind. Added to all this equipment for the head must be a personal heart experience with God. This will bring the "grace" into our "answer" – not only Book knowledge, but Look acquaintance (Is. 45:22).
