Colossians 4:1-6

After addressing the church at Colossae concerning doctrinal errors, Paul shifts to the subject of proper Christian conduct and then to prayer and to the manner in which the gospel of Christ should be communicated to them who are without knowledge.

“Masters, give . . .” (v. 1). Beginning with verse 18 of chapter 3, Paul issues advice to three different pairings — wives and husbands, children and fathers, and servants and masters. The listing order is the same for each pair — the first party is followed by a second party to which the first is subject. In each instance, the first party is charged to be subservient and the second party is directed to act toward the first party in a manner which is pleasing to God. The pairings might be described as a two-way street. The subservient and the authoritative, while traveling in different lanes, both are required to obey God’s traffic rules.

Paul wrote this instruction while under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The relationship that God would have the subservient and the authoritative exhibit is to be a picture of the relationship between earthly masters and Himself. The subservient/authoritative relationship on earth is to be as it is in heaven.

All believers are subservient to the Master in heaven. As servants are expected to execute the commands of earthly masters, believers are expected to execute the commands of our heavenly Master. Knowing our heavenly Master to be fair and just, we are to be fair and just. We are to do as He does. Our actions are to be reflections of Him and His will.

Paul’s instruction to continue in prayer (v. 2) is directed toward to all believers — both the master and the servant. Paul directed the Colossians to continue in prayer and to watch in the same with thanksgiving. There are different ways in which one can watch for a prayer to be answered. One can lift up a prayer and simply watch for an answer. One can lift up a prayer and watch hoping that God will hear and answer. One can lift up a prayer and watch believing that God will hear and answer. One cannot lift up a prayer and watch with thanksgiving unless one is thankful for the answer which God will supply. God has given us cause to be confident that He will supply a most wonderful answer. It shall be an answer draped in love — a love so great that He spared not His only begotten Son such that whosoever would believe in Him should nor perish but have eternal life. One cannot watch with thanksgiving if one is uncertain of the love which God has made known to both the master and the servant. One cannot pray as Paul directs unless the Comforter has revealed the love of the Father to him.

In verse 3, Paul urges the Colossians to pray “also for us.” There are two prayers, different but linked. The first prayer is that God would open a door of opportunity for him (Paul) and others with him to declare the gospel (the mystery of Christ). The second is that he (Paul) would make the gospel known as he ought.

It is God’s will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9b). Both prayers are in full accordance with God’s stated will. The opening of the door is a precondition to receiving the gospel. One cannot hear that which is not said. The second prayer, that the gospel be communicated as it ought be, is a request for empowerment to deliver the gospel message in a successful manner. These are prayers which Paul would have lifted up time and time again on his own behalf during his journeys. Paul’s request for supportive prayer is more than a general instruction. His request reveals his unstated prayer that all believers unite in obedience to the Lord’s command to evangelize.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without . . .” (v. 5). Believers are to do more than to pray that the lost (those who are without) shall hear the gospel message. We are called to be influencers of them who are without. We are to walk in wisdom, redeeming the time. To walk in wisdom toward unbelievers requires one to be mindful of them who look upon Christianity from the outside, of them who regard believers to be strange. One shoe does not fit every foot. Those on the outside looking upon believers possess varying degrees of understanding. Their understanding of God’s grace is small. The only grace that some know is that which they see in us. One redeems the time by making the most of every opportunity. Believers are to be a light, revealing God’s love and grace. Our speech (v. 6) is our daily walk. It is what those on the outside see.

Our speech is to be characterized by grace seasoned with salt. To be seasoned with salt is to be seasoned with goodness. While the salt that seasons speech is not physical, it bears characteristics of goodness like physical salt. Physical salt is good. It enhances the taste of food and enables food to be preserved for prolonged times. The salt which seasons speech produces a pleasant reception (taste) and long-lasting benefits.

God, in His grace, has given us a Comforter to teach us and to guide us in all our ways. The source of the salt which is to be used for seasoning our speech is of the Holy Spirit. It is by and through the Spirit that we are empowered to answer every man as we ought. To pray and do as God directs we (both master and servant) must let the Holy Spirit which is within show us and direct us in making His love known to others.