Colossians 4:2-6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Redeeming the Time: Open Doors of Opportunity

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. We should be concerned about outsiders.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s put some moral bite into our talk with outsiders.

QUESTIONS

  1. Describe the conditions of Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.

  2. Interpret Colossians 4:6, ”...let your speech…be seasoned with salt.”

  3. Recall the structure of this practical section of Colossians. Draw and label each of the concentric circles.

  4. How are we to pray for outsiders (unbelievers)? See Colossians 4:2-4.

  5. How are we to witness to unbelievers? See Colossians 4:5-6.

  6. How are we to redeem the time? See Colossians 4:5.

ANSWERS

  1. Paul was under house arrest, which meant being confined to a house (which he was able to rent). He was free to have visitors, preach, teach and write letters. However, he was under constant guard, even being chained to a Roman guard. This took place during his first Roman imprisonment during the early 60s A.D. (Refer to Acts 28).

  2. Today we use salt to flavor our food, but then salt was used as a preservative. Our speech, as Christians, should help prevent cultural moral decay.

  3. Concentric circles – Making Christ Supreme and All-sufficient a. Outer circle: We should be concerned with outsiders (Colossians 4:2-6) b. Next circle: We must submit to God’s authority structures (Colossians 3:18-4:1) c. Next circle: We must relate properly to fellow-believers (Colossians 3:1-17) d. Next circle: We must practice putting off the old man, putting on the new (Colossians 3:6-10) e. Inner circle: We are to practice the biblical method of gaining victory over sin (Colossians 3:1-3)

  4. For their salvation

  5. We are to walk in wisdom, watching our lifestyle. Unbelievers watch and judge Christians more harshly than they judge unbelievers.

  6. Make the most of opportunities. Capitalize on the windows of time that the Lord gives to you. “Strike while the iron is hot.” Be aware of opportunities when you are traveling, or with neighbors, or on the job, or in the classroom, etc.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Concerning redeeming the time, check yourself on ways in which you fail to do this.

  2. How can you combat spiritual drowsiness in your life?

CHALLENGE

  1. Pray for open doors to speak to an unbeliever in your life (a neighbor, a colleague, a fellow-worker, a classmate, a family member). Be ready to walk through the doors that God opens for you.

KEY VERSES

  • “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5

  • “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:6



Colossians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsColossians 4:2-6