I’ve really enjoyed a quick read through Colossians. I encourage such a read regularly; it really helps keep our focus in life on Christ. And how does Paul end this epistle, which is basically a Christology? By highlighting what the lives of strong believers look like, based on following the Almighty Christ.
Devoted to prayer, and prayer with an attitude of thanksgiving. Prayer for open doors for the gospel message. Prayer for clear speech when presenting the gospel. Yes, we know we need to share the gospel, and how often do we remember to pray for those opportunities, open doors, and clarity of speech? The Spirit desires to help, if we’ll let Him.
We need wisdom toward “outsiders”, those outside of faith in Christ. A focus on truth and defending our faith is great, and we also need not be belligerent in how we present that. Our speech should be such that those in need of Christ want to hear us, want to listen to our message; or if they are offended, that perceived offense should only be the working of the Spirit on their hearts, offending them about their sin.
Making the most of opportunities is a key as well. We ought to pray for our sensitivities to be sharpened to see more of the opportunities that face us each day. It is so easy to miss them, as we busy ourselves with ourselves.
Epaphras labored "earnestly" in his prayers for others to stand firm. What a great prayer from one believer for another!
Finally, we have been handed a ministry, just like Archippus. And we, too, should take heed to that ministry. We are to be on guard, be careful, in essence, take care of it. And we do this so that we can fulfill it! Paul uses some military terms here; so, as a soldier takes his role seriously, we, too need to own the ministry from Christ, which is the Gospel of Christ!
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