SGA 13th. Street Baptist Church Colossians Lesson 10

THIRTEENTH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH


SPEAKING TO GOD AND TO MEN
Lesson 10
Colossians 4:1-18

E-Mail - Henry Mahan


(Vs. 1.) This verse belongs to the preceding chapter (it has no connection with what follows). The apostle, having exhorted servants to a proper discharge of their duties (as unto the Lord), proceeds to instruct those who hire and work servants to treat them in a just and equal manner. "Treat them with respect, encouraging them in their work, and giving them fair wages. Remember that you have a Master in heaven" (Matt. 6:15; 18:23-35).

(Vs. 2.) There are three important things mentioned here in regard to our prayers.

(Vs. 3, 4.) Paul requests prayer for himself and others who minister the Word.

(Vs. 5.) "Them that are without" are unbelievers, people who are not members of the church family. The church is the household of faith; those who are unbelievers are not of this household. It becomes us in our communication with these people to behave wisely and in such a manner that the gospel is not blasphemed and reproached. Do all that you can in your contact with unbelievers to gain their respect, affection and approval of your conduct, conversation and attitude. We should be known in our families, our community and our business circles as peaceful, honest, holy and kind people.

(Vs. 6.) "Let your speech be always with grace." This is not just to talk about the grace of God, but our speech should reveal the grace of God.

Grace is to the speech what salt is to meat. It makes it acceptable, good to the ear and a blessing to the heart. Grace in the heart will teach you how you ought to answer any person. Knowledge is not acquired by speaking, but it ought to go before it!

(Vs. 7, 8.) Paul was in prison in Rome. He sent Tychicus and Onesimus to declare his state to the Colossian believers, to inform them of what was done in Rome, and that these ministers might comfort and encourage them. The rest of the epistle is to encourage specifically certain persons in the church.


Henry Mahan is pastor of
Thirteenth Street Baptist Church
Ashland, Ky.