To hear the audio version
of this message click here.
It is time to begin our session.
Welcome everyone to today’s Bible study.
The title of our lesson today is: Live in Light of the Gospel
Introduction
As we come to the final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we find in verses 1 through 6 a powerful and practical guide for Christian living. These six verses are packed with timeless wisdom for how we are to conduct ourselves in our relationships, in our spiritual walk, and in our witness to the world.
As we study Colossians 4:1–6 together, let us ask ourselves:
How do we treat others when we are in positions of influence?
Is our prayer life alive, watchful, and filled with thanksgiving?
Are we using every opportunity to represent Christ with wisdom and grace?
May this lesson not only inform our minds but also transform our hearts and shape our daily conduct as we strive to live for Jesus in every area of life.
Let us open with prayer
Opening Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the opportunity to gather and study Your Word. Thank You for giving us the book of Colossians and for the truth and instruction found in chapter 4, verses 1 through 6.
Lord, as we open this passage, we ask that You open our minds to understand, our hearts to receive, and our lives to reflect what You are teaching us. Help us to learn how to walk in wisdom, speak with grace, lead with fairness, and live with purpose for Your glory.
Holy Spirit, guide our thoughts as we explore this portion of Scripture. Remove distractions, soften our hearts, and convict us where change is needed. Let us not be hearers only, but doers of Your Word.
May this time of study draw us closer to You and equip us to live as faithful witnesses in a world that desperately needs Your truth and love.
In Jesus’ precious name we pray,
Amen.
Verse 1 says: “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” — Colossians 4:1 (KJV)
In Colossians 4:1, the Apostle Paul gives a direct and powerful instruction to Christian masters: “Give unto your servants that which is just and equal.” This verse is part of Paul’s broader teaching on Christian household relationships, which began in Colossians 3:18.
He addressed wives and husbands, children and parents, and now he speaks to masters—those in authority over others, especially in the context of servanthood or employment.
In Paul’s day, slavery was a common part of the Roman world. While the Bible never condones the abuse of people or treats them as less than human, it does speak into the systems of the time to elevate justice, fairness, and dignity.
Rather than endorsing oppression, Paul challenges Christian masters to treat their servants in a godly way—doing what is just (morally right) and equal (fair, balanced, and impartial).
These two words call for a radical shift from the common view of slaves as property, instead recognizing their humanity and worth in the eyes of God.
Today, this principle applies to anyone who holds a position of authority—employers, supervisors, managers, teachers, or leaders in any capacity. Paul’s message is clear: treat those under your care or employment with justice and fairness.
Don't exploit them, mistreat them, or act with bias. God expects His people to reflect His character, especially when they hold power over others.
The second part of the verse provides the reason for this command: “knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” This is a powerful reminder that no one is above accountability.
All people, regardless of their status or authority, are under the rule of Almighty God. Christian masters are not the ultimate authority—God is. They must answer to Him for how they treat others.
This truth brings humility to leadership. It reminds those in charge that their position is temporary and their power is delegated. They are stewards, not sovereigns.
Just as they expect respect and obedience from those under them, they must likewise act with integrity, compassion, and fairness—because God is watching, and He is just.
In Application
Are you in a position of authority in your home, job, or church? Then God is calling you to lead with justice and equality. Examine your actions and decisions. Are they fair? Do they reflect God’s love? Do they honor those you lead?
When we lead in a godly way, we become a testimony to the world of God’s character—righteous, merciful, and just.
Verse 2 says: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” — Colossians 4:2 (KJV)
The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Colossae, gives a profound and practical command in Colossians 4:2: “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
This verse lays out three essential pillars of the believer’s prayer life—persistence, vigilance, and gratitude.
1. “Continue in prayer” – Be Persistent
Paul first tells believers to continue in prayer. This word implies steadfastness, devotion, and consistency. Prayer is not meant to be an occasional emergency response; it is to be a regular, ongoing conversation with God.
Paul is encouraging a prayer life that is deeply rooted in daily dependence on the Lord. Whether in times of peace or trial, we are to remain faithful in our communication with God.
This idea echoes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 18:1, where He told a parable to show that men “ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Consistent prayer is a sign of a healthy, growing relationship with the Lord.
It is how we seek His guidance, express our worship, intercede for others, and receive strength.
2. “Watch in the same” – Be Vigilant
To “watch” in prayer means to be spiritually alert. It is the opposite of spiritual laziness. Just as a soldier on guard must stay awake and watchful, the believer must stay spiritually aware.
This involves being sensitive to the needs around us, discerning the attacks of the enemy, and recognizing the opportunities God places before us.
In Matthew 26:41, Jesus said to His disciples in Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Watching in prayer means being mindful of the times, the temptations we face, and the spiritual condition of our hearts. It involves a readiness to hear from God and to act in faith.
3. “With thanksgiving” – Be Grateful
The third instruction in this verse is to include thanksgiving in our prayers. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God’s provision. It reminds us of His faithfulness in the past and stirs up confidence for the future.
Thanksgiving prevents prayer from becoming a list of complaints and transforms it into an act of worship.
Philippians 4:6 reinforces this: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” A thankful heart glorifies God and keeps us grounded in His goodness.
James 2:26 says: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Thanking God for answering prayer before we see results is one of the ways the Bible instructs us to activate and work out our faith. We are to think, talk, and act as if God has heard and answered the prayers we pray, until we see the results. Amen
Because Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have already received it, and it will be yours.”
Therefore, God expects us to believe that God answers prayer at the moment we pray. Then, with unwavering, confident expectation, we continue to thank Him and act as if God has already answered until we see the results.
If we fail to approach God in prayer this way, with determination in our hearts to see results, then we are sinning. Because Romans 14:23 says: “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” And James 1:6 says, “We should not expect to receive anything of the Lord if we waver in our faith.”
Hebrews 11:6 says: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
To earnestly seek Him means we put God first. We read and study the Bible daily, meditate on its teachings day and night, discuss them frequently throughout every day, pray, and trust the Holy Spirit to help us obey what the Bible instructs us.
Otherwise, we can thank Him all we want, but we will never move the hand of God on our behalf. Because Proverbs 15:8 says: “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”
Isaiah 59:2 says: “Your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Psalm 34:15 says: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.”
Remember: God said, “I love those who love Me.” And in case somebody wants to argue and say, “No. Wisdom said that in Proverbs 8:17.” Let me tell you where God said it in the New Testament.
Jesus said in John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. My Father will love the one who loves me, and I, too, will love them and show myself to them.”
In Application
Colossians 4:2 teaches that a strong prayer life is not passive—it is persistent, alert, and thankful. Are you praying regularly? Are you watchful for God’s answers, direction, and warnings? Do you thank Him even when life is hard or when you can’t see God working?
We must set aside time each day to pray. Stay spiritually awake and ask God to help us see His hand in all things. And never forget to give thanks—for who He is, for what He’s done, and for what He will do.
Verse 3 says:
"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." — Colossians 4:3 (KJV)
In Colossians 4:3, the Apostle Paul shifts from instructing believers about their daily conduct to asking for prayer support in his ministry. This verse reveals three key elements about prayer, evangelism, and the Christian mission that are still deeply relevant today.
1. “Withal praying also for us” – The Power and Priority of Prayer
Paul begins by asking the Colossian believers to pray for him and his fellow workers. This request highlights how crucial prayer is in the work of the Gospel. Ministry is not just about actions or eloquence; it begins with prayer.
Prayer invites God’s power into the situation, opening hearts and preparing the way for effective witness. This reminds us that no matter our role—whether preacher, teacher, or layperson—prayer is foundational to all spiritual success.
2. “That God would open unto us a door of utterance” – Opportunity to Share
Paul asks God to “open a door of utterance,” which means to create an opportunity to speak clearly and effectively about Christ. The “door” metaphor suggests that opportunities to share the Gospel are often closed or restricted, especially for Paul, who was imprisoned for preaching Christ.
He is asking God to remove barriers—whether opposition, fear, or lack of opportunity—so that he can proclaim the message freely.
This part encourages believers today to pray not only for courage and wisdom but also for open doors in their communities, workplaces, and social circles where they can share the love and truth of Christ. Opportunities to witness are gifts from God, and prayer invites Him to provide them.
3. “To speak the mystery of Christ” – Proclaiming the Gospel Message
The “mystery of Christ” refers to the previously hidden plan of salvation revealed through Jesus. In Paul’s day, this mystery was that both Jews and Gentiles could be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Sharing this good news was Paul’s life mission.
Today, the “mystery of Christ” remains the heart of the Gospel. It calls us to faithfully proclaim Jesus as Savior and Lord, emphasizing God’s grace, redemption, and new life to the jew first and also to the gentile.
If it were not for the jews, we wouldn’t even have the gospel. We would be without hope of eternal life. The jews have priority. Jesus was a Jew. And Jesus said: Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in Christ’s name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem - Luke 24:47.
God's heart remains set on the salvation of all humanity. The good news of the kingdom was destined for every nation, yet rightly began with Israel, God’s chosen people.
God did not abandon His saving work among the Jews to reach the Gentiles. Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul upheld the pattern of preaching first in the synagogues. Therefore, we are called to prioritize sharing the Gospel with the Jewish people first.
The reason is, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” And Paul said in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
How many of you want the God of peace to be with you? Then we must submit to the inspired writings of the apostle Paul, whom God gave authority to write over half of the New Testament, and follow his to-the-jew-first example.
Paul’s commitment “for which I am also in bonds” (imprisonment) shows the cost and courage involved in sharing the Gospel, but also the unwavering dedication we are called to have.
In Application
Verse 3 challenges us in three ways:
First, to pray fervently for those who preach and teach God’s Word.
Second, to ask God to open doors for us personally to share Christ with others.
Third, to boldly and faithfully proclaim the Gospel, no matter the cost.
Are you praying for missionaries, pastors, and your own opportunities to witness? Are you ready to step through the “doors” God opens, sharing the love and truth of Christ?
Verse 4 says:
"That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." — Colossians 4:4 (KJV)
Colossians 4:4 is a continuation of Paul’s request for prayer, begun in verse 3. There, he asked the believers in Colossae to pray for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ.
Now, in verse 4, Paul takes the request further by asking that he may “make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” This verse highlights the importance of clarity, boldness, and responsibility in proclaiming the Gospel.
1. “That I may make it manifest” – Clarity in Communication
The word manifest means to make something known, visible, or clear. Paul is asking for the ability to explain the Gospel in a way that people can understand.
Joke - By the way, does anybody know why the apostle Paul brought a thesaurus with him into his prayer closet? Punchline - Because he wanted to make the mystery of the gospel manifest with synonyms. That was a joke.
The Gospel is not a message of confusion or vague spirituality—it is a specific and powerful message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the salvation He offers to all who believe.
Even Paul, who was a seasoned apostle and brilliant communicator, recognized that clear communication is a gift from God. He did not take his preaching ability for granted. Instead, he humbly requested prayer so that he could present the message plainly and powerfully.
This teaches us an important lesson: when we share the Gospel, it should not be shrouded in religious jargon or complicated language. We should ask God to help us explain it in a way that others can easily understand. Whether speaking to children, coworkers, or strangers, our goal is clarity.
2. “As I ought to speak” – Responsibility in Proclamation
Paul says he wants to speak the Gospel “as I ought to.” The word ought implies duty, obligation, and moral responsibility. Paul felt a deep burden to share the Gospel rightly. He didn’t want to speak carelessly or half-heartedly; he wanted to speak with purpose, boldness, and faithfulness.
This speaks to our responsibility as believers. If we know the Gospel, we have a duty to share it. But we must do so in a way that honors Christ—truthfully, compassionately, and clearly. It is not enough to simply speak about God; we must speak as we ought, with love, boldness, and truth.
This part of the verse also reminds us that Gospel proclamation is not optional for the Christian. It is a divine calling. Every believer is a messenger, and each of us should ask for grace to speak in a manner that glorifies God and leads others to Christ.
In Application
Are you asking God to help you speak the Gospel clearly? Are you mindful of your responsibility to share Christ with others? Like Paul, we should ask for prayer and divine help—not only to speak, but to speak well, clearly, and faithfully.
Let us be intentional in how we share our faith, seeking to make Christ known in every word and action.
Verse 5 says:
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." — Colossians 4:5 (KJV)
In Colossians 4:5, the Apostle Paul offers practical guidance for how believers should live in relation to those outside the church—unbelievers.
After emphasizing prayer and bold Gospel proclamation in the previous verses, Paul now calls Christians to live out their faith in a way that reflects spiritual wisdom and urgency. This verse contains two key instructions: “Walk in wisdom” and “redeem the time.”
1. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” – Living Wisely Among Unbelievers
To “walk in wisdom” means to live with thoughtfulness, discernment, and grace. The phrase “them that are without” refers to those who are outside the body of Christ—nonbelievers. Paul is urging Christians to be intentional about their behavior, recognizing that the way they live will influence how the world sees Jesus.
Wisdom here involves more than just knowledge—it’s about applying God’s truth in everyday decisions, relationships, and conversations. We are to act in ways that draw people toward Christ, not push them away. That includes being kind, honest, respectful, and gracious even when we are misunderstood or mistreated.
When believers live wisely, they demonstrate the transforming power of Christ in a way that words alone cannot. Our witness begins with our walk. Unbelievers are watching to see if our actions match our message.
Are we reflecting Christ in our daily conduct? Are we showing love, patience, and humility in a world that is often harsh and self-centered?
2. “Redeeming the time” – Making the Most of Every Opportunity
The phrase “redeeming the time” means making full use of every opportunity. It literally means to “buy back” or “rescue” time from waste. Paul is emphasizing the urgency of the moment. Time is short, and opportunities to share Christ and do good must not be wasted.
This part of the verse reminds us that life is brief, and the people we encounter each day may never hear the Gospel unless we share it. Whether through a conversation, a kind act, or a moment of prayer, every interaction is a chance to reflect Christ and plant a seed of truth.
Living with this urgency doesn’t mean being anxious or aggressive. It means being alert and intentional. It means recognizing that every day matters and that our time on earth is a God-given opportunity to glorify Him and reach others.
In Application
Ask yourself: Are you walking in wisdom around unbelievers? Are your words and actions pointing others to Christ? Are you making the most of your time, or letting opportunities slip by?
Let your life be a testimony of the Gospel. Use every moment as a chance to show the love, mercy, and truth of Jesus.
Verse 6 says:
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." — Colossians 4:6 (KJV)
Colossians 4:6 offers a powerful instruction on how believers are to speak—especially in the presence of those outside the faith. This verse reminds us that our words matter.
And now for another bit of wholesome humor. Joke - Why did the Christian boss bring a salt shaker to the staff meeting? Punchline - To season his speech with salt and the donuts, too.
Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to lead someone closer to Christ or push them away. Paul gives us three guiding principles for godly speech: grace, salt, and preparedness.
1. “Let your speech be alway with grace” – Speak with Kindness and Gentleness
To speak with grace means our words should reflect the kindness, patience, and love of Christ. Grace-filled speech is not harsh, argumentative, or condemning. It is respectful, humble, and full of compassion, even when addressing difficult topics.
Paul says this should be our constant way of speaking—“always” with grace—not just when it's easy or convenient.
Graceful speech mirrors the way God communicates with us. He is patient when we fall short, loving when we stray, and gentle in His correction unless we are being stubborn. By all means, avoid stubbornness unless you want to experience the extent of God’s wrath and the worst of pain.
As believers, we are called to let His grace shape the way we speak to others. Whether we're sharing the Gospel, having a conversation with a friend, or dealing with a disagreement, our words should be gracious and filled with mercy.
2. “Seasoned with salt” – Speak with Truth, Wisdom, and Impact
Salt in ancient times was used for both flavor and preservation. In this context, Paul uses it as a metaphor for speech that is meaningful, wise, and impactful.
Just as salt enhances food, our words should bring value to conversations. Salt also preserves, which suggests our words should help uphold truth and righteousness, not contribute to moral decay.
Salted speech avoids being bland or careless. It is thoughtful, appropriate, and guided by Scripture. It’s not about impressing people with clever words, but about speaking in a way that reflects God's truth in love.
Our speech should be both kind and truthful—never compromising one for the other.
3. “That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” – Be Ready to Respond
Paul ends this verse by stressing the importance of being prepared to respond to anyone who asks about our faith. This echoes 1 Peter 3:15, which instructs believers to “be ready always to give an answer… with meekness and fear.”
As followers of Christ, we must be ready to respond to questions, objections, or opportunities to share the Gospel with clarity, love, and confidence.
This means we must know God’s Word. This means we must know God’s Word. This means we must know God’s Word. Am I starting to sound like a broken record? Okay, I will fix it.
This means we must know God’s Word, walk closely with Him, and pray for wisdom in our conversations. Our answers should not be reactionary or defensive, but thoughtful, respectful, and Spirit-led.
In Application
Are your words consistently filled with grace? Are they “seasoned with salt,” offering truth and love? Are you prepared to answer others with wisdom and humility?
Ask God to help you speak in a way that honors Him and draws others to Christ. Amen
Let’s close our time with prayer.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth and wisdom found in Colossians 4:1-6. Thank You for teaching us how to walk in integrity, to lead with fairness, to speak with grace, and to live with purpose. Lord, help us to apply these words in our daily lives.
May we treat others with justice and equality, remembering that we are all under Your authority. Help us to be faithful in prayer, watchful in spirit, and always full of thanksgiving. Open doors for us to share the Gospel, and give us boldness to make the message of Christ clear to those around us.
Let our walk reflect wisdom, especially toward those who do not yet know You. Teach us to redeem the time—to use each moment wisely for Your glory.
And may our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, ready to give a kind and truthful answer to everyone.
Strengthen us, Lord, to live out these verses—not just with words, but in action and character. May our lives be a testimony of Your love and grace.
We give You all the praise, and we ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you would like to give an offering, we have an offering basket.
Thank you for your attention. Now, remember as we enter into today’s worship service: Jesus said in Matthew 18:19, “Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”
Therefore, when Prophet Ed or any of our leaders decree something over your life, be sure to connect your faith with theirs so you can collect. Prayer may be the key to heaven’s door, but faith is what unlocks it, and patience waits for heaven to respond with confident expectation. Amen.
You are blessed in Jesus' name!
Presented by Michael Wilkerson Aug, 10th, 2025