Colossians 4:2-6 ~ Our Prayer, Conduct, and Speech

In this opening of Colossians 4, Paul instructed the Colossians not just to pray but to continue steadfastly in prayer (verse 2). In Colossians 1:9-12, Paul emphasized the importance of prayer and the contents of his prayer, that we may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, amongst other things. Verse 3 reaffirms the stewardship given to Paul to declare the Word (Colossians 1:25) - it is prayer that helped Paul understand that this is what God wanted him to do.

In the process of declaring the mystery of Christ (verse 3), Paul asked the Colossians to pray for him that he may make it clear (verse 4). Such clarity of speech is not to be confused with effective communication. Rather, Ephesians 6:18-20 helps paint the context that this clarity of speech is itself the boldness to preach the gospel without fearing persecution or imprisonment.

One should also be watchful in prayer (verse 2). James 4:3-4 warns us of unanswered prayers stemming from our own selfish desire, which is not God's will for us. Hope that is seen is not hope (Romans 8:24-25) but the things that are unseen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). We may not see God's glory physically but should know it is within God's good will (for us as well). Therefore, let us pray according to God's gracious will.

When Paul told the Colossians to conduct themselves wisely (verse 5), a parallel can be drawn to Ephesians 5 (whereby Ephesians was a letter written close at the time when Colossians was written). Walking wisely is not to walk like the Gentiles in darkness, indulging in sexual immorality, lies, thefts or corrupting talk. It is not getting drunk but being filled with the Spirit instead. The phrase "making the best use of time" in verse 5 is not necessarily asking the reader to make the most of opportunities in being evangelistic to outsiders but more likely, it is the framework of Ephesians 5 in asking the reader to walk wisely, different from the outsiders.

1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks, setting the context for the gracious speech that is seasoned with salt in verse 6 that we may know how we ought to answer each person in defending the gospel. As such, we need to remember that evangelism is not to be limited to the most opportune time or be reduced merely to wise conduct or gracious speech.

Do we resort to passive evangelism to just merely resort to living rightly to convince others of their sins? Are we removing the less pleasant details when evangelizing (e.g. hell, God's judgment) to reach out to others? Paul did not have to wait for opportunity or favourable condition / time to preach (e.g. he was still actively preaching the gospel while imprisoned in Philippi) and neither should we.

In conclusion, Colossians 4:2-6 gives us 3 main instructions:

1. Reflect on our own conduct and speech, not merely for evangelism alone. Our speech should be gracious, showing God's common grace for everyone revealed in the gospel, and seasoned with salt, that we may build others up and care for them.
2. We need to see evangelism as an active task. It is essential for us to constantly read God's Word and reflect upon it while realizing that we are indeed living in these evil last days.
3. Last but not least, we should continue steadfastly in prayer and understand God's will through His Word. We should pray for Him to change us to become children of light, pleasing Him in the way we live our lives.

How's your prayer, conduct and speech lately?