Colossians 4:1–6

The hidden, secret, mystery of Christ…that through Him the world could be saved. John 3:17. our hope is in our faith  in Him alone.

God’s agape love for all of mankind, revealed in Jesus, covers a multitude of sins.

Grace, undeserved, unmerited, amazing grace!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder.

God’s call to courage is not a call to naïveté or ignorance. We aren’t oblivious to the storms. We just counterbalance them with long looks at God’s. Max Lucado

Colossians 4:1–6

4 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

The Colossians must stay alert for false teachings that contradict the gospel message. Jesus gave His disciples a similar warning prior to His arrest. 

Paul encourages the Colossians to partner with him in his preaching ministry through prayer. 

God’s plan of redemption for creation and humanity are revealed. This mystery has been revealed through Jesus Christ and the teaching of His apostles. Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. 

In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting.  Faithlife Study Bible

Paul does not concern himself only with servants or employees. Employers also have a duty not to take advantage of employees. Instead they should offer a just wage, proper benefits, and adequate rest. In contemporary societies, many of these benefits are required by government regulations. But how much better when Christian employers treat their employees well for the Lord’s sake, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.

Paul encourages the Colossians to be diligent in thanksgiving and prayer, especially praying for himself and his coworkers as they worked at spreading the gospel. Even the apostle Paul requested and needed the prayers of others to support him. 

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. 

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.