The letter to the Colossians was written in 62 A.D by the Apostle Paul. He spent some time in prison while in Rome, yet Paul wrote the letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Paul had never visited the church in Colossae, yet he wrote this letter to them. Why then was the book of Colossians written? Since Paul was in prison, why would he care about the Colossian church, a city, and church that he had never visited?
Epaphras was the founding pastor of the church in Colossae and was likely in close contact with Paul. Epaphras visited Rome and brought with him some disturbing news about the church in Colossae. The church was no longer teaching the Bible.
In response to the false teachings going on in Colossae, Paul wrote about six qualities that we can work on individually to help us build our relationship with God every day. These six qualities are just as important today as they were back in 62 A.D. The first three qualities are written about in Colossians 4:2.
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” – Colossians 4:2
Quality #1 Prayer – “Continue in prayer”
It is very important to communicate with God. Communicating with God should be as easy as it is to communicate with your loved ones, friends, or co-workers. How do you build relationships? By communicating with other people!
Quality #2 Active – “And watch in the same”
This phrase, “And watch in the same,” is translated from the original Greek into English as being cautious, active, or give strict attention to. God blesses those who are diligent. A Bible scholar, J. Vernon McGee, once stated, “If you are praying about a certain matter, get busy with it.” There should be action steps to our prayer requests. Do you get straight A’s simply by just praying? No, of course not! You have to prepare and study to pass a class with an A.
Quality #3 Praise – “With thanksgiving”
Someone once stated, “Praising God should be like breathing: inhale by prayer, exhale by praise.” Every single individual has something to be thankful for. Life, breath, clothes, a vehicle, a place to live, teachers, your boss, sports, and most importantly salvation that is freely given to everyone by Jesus Christ.
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” – Colossians 4:5
Quality #4 Wisdom – “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without”
As believers, we can ask God for wisdom. Wisdom from God supersedes knowledge. Once we ask God for wisdom, it is now our turn to apply it and use it in our lives.
Quality #5 Productivity – “Redeeming the time.”
Do we waste the time we are given? All of us waste time, that is certain. Paul encourages all of us to make sure that we use the time we have with intentionality.
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:6
Quality #6 Speech – “Let your speech be alway with grace”
If you are a follower of Jesus, can people tell from your speech that you are different? Do they feel the love of God when you talk to them or are you degrading and harsh in your words?
How many qualities do you need to work on today?
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