Sermon Notes
Sermon: Paul’s Final Instructions to the Colossians by Rev. Jessica Johnson
Date: September 29, 2019
Key Scripture Passages: Colossians 4:2-6
Sermon Notes:
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV
If you were going to give the Church final instructions, what would you say to them? What if it was a Church that you did not know personally? What kind of final word of instructions would you give them?
Today, we are finishing up our sermon series on Colossians with one of my most favorite passages – Colossians 4:2-6. Here is what it says:
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Now you have to remember that Paul had never been to the church in Colossae. It was not a church that he started, and he did not really have any personal connections with them. Yet, they knew of him, and they had written to him for help regarding some heretical teachings occurring in their midst regarding Christ. The book of Colossians is his answer, his letter back to them. And while we don’t know exactly what the Colossian heresy was, we do know that it had to do with the denial of the preeminence of Christ. We know this, because the entire central theme of this letter is all about Christ, specifically His preeminence. With that in mind, how would you close out your letter? What would be your final word to them?
Watch & Pray (vs. 2-4)
The first thing Paul says is to continue steadfastly in prayer. He knows that prayer and having a good prayer life is essential. Just like in any relationship, communication with God, which is all prayer is, is a necessity for any good relationship.
Then, Paul requests that they pray for him and his companions. I would suggest that we also pray for the same things that he does. Pray for us that God may open the door for the word and that we are able and willing to declare the mystery of Christ. Pray that God makes it clear how we ought to speak. One of my most common prayers is, “God, please, give me the words to say.”
Walk in Wisdom (vs. 5)
In verse 5, Paul encourages them to be wise as they go about their daily lives. Be wise about what they say and do, especially in how they interact with others. He specifically mentions making the best use of their time. Time is a tricky thing. I know that I am more selfish with my time than I am with my money. How do you use your time? Do you make the best use of it? How much of your time do you devote to worshiping God or studying the Bible? How much of your time do you put towards doing God’s work and fulfilling His mission and purpose for us?
Seasoned Speech (vs. 6)
Verse 6 is one of my most favorite verses, and one of my life verses. It is about interacting with others and how we treat them. We should be gracious and kind and deliberate with how we speak and treat other people. Our speech and interactions should also reflect God and share about who He is. We need to meet people right where they are at, in the midst of their struggles, and share with them the teachings and encouragement they need in that moment. It is not just about being a good listener, but also about caring enough to know them personally in order to respond and speak to them in the way that they need. It is reaching out to them without a preconceived agenda.
I pray that God gives you the words to speak to all people in the way that they need to be answered. Be intentional with your time, your actions, your speech, and how you interact with others, and cover all of these things with prayers to God.
Challenge: Read the entire letter to the Colossians in one sitting.
Sermon: Paul’s Final Instructions to the Colossians by Rev. Jessica Johnson
Date: September 29, 2019
Key Scripture Passages: Colossians 4:2-6
Sermon Notes:
Colossians 4:2-6 ESV
If you were going to give the Church final instructions, what would you say to them? What if it was a Church that you did not know personally? What kind of final word of instructions would you give them?
Today, we are finishing up our sermon series on Colossians with one of my most favorite passages – Colossians 4:2-6. Here is what it says:
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-- 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Now you have to remember that Paul had never been to the church in Colossae. It was not a church that he started, and he did not really have any personal connections with them. Yet, they knew of him, and they had written to him for help regarding some heretical teachings occurring in their midst regarding Christ. The book of Colossians is his answer, his letter back to them. And while we don’t know exactly what the Colossian heresy was, we do know that it had to do with the denial of the preeminence of Christ. We know this, because the entire central theme of this letter is all about Christ, specifically His preeminence. With that in mind, how would you close out your letter? What would be your final word to them?
Watch & Pray (vs. 2-4)
The first thing Paul says is to continue steadfastly in prayer. He knows that prayer and having a good prayer life is essential. Just like in any relationship, communication with God, which is all prayer is, is a necessity for any good relationship.
Then, Paul requests that they pray for him and his companions. I would suggest that we also pray for the same things that he does. Pray for us that God may open the door for the word and that we are able and willing to declare the mystery of Christ. Pray that God makes it clear how we ought to speak. One of my most common prayers is, “God, please, give me the words to say.”
Walk in Wisdom (vs. 5)
In verse 5, Paul encourages them to be wise as they go about their daily lives. Be wise about what they say and do, especially in how they interact with others. He specifically mentions making the best use of their time. Time is a tricky thing. I know that I am more selfish with my time than I am with my money. How do you use your time? Do you make the best use of it? How much of your time do you devote to worshiping God or studying the Bible? How much of your time do you put towards doing God’s work and fulfilling His mission and purpose for us?
Seasoned Speech (vs. 6)
Verse 6 is one of my most favorite verses, and one of my life verses. It is about interacting with others and how we treat them. We should be gracious and kind and deliberate with how we speak and treat other people. Our speech and interactions should also reflect God and share about who He is. We need to meet people right where they are at, in the midst of their struggles, and share with them the teachings and encouragement they need in that moment. It is not just about being a good listener, but also about caring enough to know them personally in order to respond and speak to them in the way that they need. It is reaching out to them without a preconceived agenda.
I pray that God gives you the words to speak to all people in the way that they need to be answered. Be intentional with your time, your actions, your speech, and how you interact with others, and cover all of these things with prayers to God.
Challenge: Read the entire letter to the Colossians in one sitting.
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