I wrote this sermon for a summer extension course (Extension #023) at Bob Jones University in the summer of 2001.
Theme: Instruction for believers in practical Christian living
Introduction: Here at the end of this book, Paul addresses some very practical final exhortations to believers, things that are very basic to the Christian life and experience. Paul talks about the prayer life of believers, the daily lifestyle of believers, and the speech of believers. All three of these areas are of vital importance for having an effective testimony before the unbelieving world. So believers must strive to be people of prayer, of wise behavior, and of gracious speech. Even though these things are simple and basic, Christians need to be often reminded of them. This is God’s way of bringing His people into greater conformity to Christ.
I. Watch and Pray (vv. 2–4).
(Illustration: Just as an individual walking around a mine field would not do so carelessly, so the believer must have an attitude of watchfulness and dependence as he lives his Christian life.)
Paul’s admonition here reflects the admonition of Jesus in Matthew 26:41 where he says, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Watching and praying go hand in hand. This careful, dependent attitude should be characteristic of every true believer, both because of the sin around him and the weakness of his flesh within him. The believer is in desperate need of God and His grace.
A. Continually (v. 2)
Paul first exhorts that this attitude of watchfulness and prayer be a continual thing. Because the need for God’s help is continual, the seeking of that help through prayer must likewise be continual. Martin Luther said that it is no more possible to be alive without breathing than it is to be a Christian without praying, and I think he was right. Sincere, continual prayer is certainly a characteristic of the child of God.
B. With thanksgiving (v. 2)
The attitude that should characterize this practice of watching and praying should be thanksgiving. As the believer approaches the throne of grace seeking more grace for the present, it is essential that he remember the grace of the past. All that a Christian has and is is of the grace of God, which he does not deserve; therefore he must be always in remembrance of God’s grace to him.
A vital aspect of prayer is giving thanks and praise to God. Prayer is not just going to God with a list of things that we want him to do for us. It is going to Him with praise and thanksgiving for who He is and what he does.
C. For the spread of the gospel (vv. 3–4)
One of the chief reasons that Paul asked for the prayers of the Colossians was for the spread of the gospel. It was Paul’s desire that the gospel be spread as Christ had given command. God has a purpose to save his elect people, a purpose that will surely be accomplished, but he never does this apart from the prayers and the gospel of His people. Paul here makes it clear that believers have an obligation to proclaim the gospel. This is accomplished through the person who proclaims it and the people who pray for the opportunities.
II. Walk (v. 5).
(Illustration: Life is representative of belief. The story of a man who tightrope walked across the Niagara Falls and asked a man to go with him in a wheel barrel.)
Paul goes on to instruct believers concerning their lifestyle. Just as important as the private life of the believer is his public life. It is important that Christians give out the gospel in what they say, but it is just as important that Christians live out the gospel in what they do.
A. Wisely (v. 5a)
Wisdom, which in essence is living in light of who God is, is one of the chief characteristics of believers. Living with a reverence for God will influence all of the choices of a man. This is what the believer must do, live to please God in all he does. The lives of unbelievers are characterized by foolishness, both in choices that they make and in values that they hold. The believer should be distinctly different when it comes to what he values and what he chooses to do. While the unbeliever makes choices in light of who he is and what he wants, they believer must make choices in light of who God is and what He wants.
B. With a view of the lost (v. 5a)
In the believer’s pursuit of spreading the gospel, there is great importance also for living the gospel. Paul is very concerned here that the life of believers in no way contradicts the message that they proclaim. There must be a continual awareness of the lost world around us. Every day we face those who are in great need of the gospel.
C. By redeeming the time (v. 5b)
One of the realities that a believer must come to grips with is the shortness of time and the greatness of the task that is to be done. By coming to such a realization, the believer will be motivated to make good use the time that God grants him, not wasting it on things that have no eternal value. It is so easy to get caught up in things that really do not matter. May God grant to us to understand the brevity of life and the seriousness of the desperate condition of man in his sin.
III. Speak Graciously (v. 6).
(Illustration: Like food is made good to the taste with a light sprinkle of salt, the Christian’s speech must be sprinkled with the grace of God, making it pleasing to those to whom he speaks.)
Lastly, Paul addresses the speech of believers, giving instruction as to how they should deal with others. The Bible says much about speech, and it is vitally important that a believer’s speech be consistent with his profession of Christ. Jesus taught that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” The believer’s heart is one that has been transformed by God, and therefore his speech should reflect this transformation.
A. Graciously (v. 6a)
The speech of believers should be gracious, not harsh and cold. Too often believers treat each other with unkindness and rudeness. The Christian’s speech should always be a reflection of his relationship with his God. And to both believers and unbelievers, the Christian should deal in kindness of speech.
B. Defensively (v. 6b)
Lest Christians lose their zeal in defense of the faith of the gospel in an attempt to be gracious, Paul also exhorts believers to be ready to defend their faith. There are many who question the teaching of the Bible, and believers must be ready to give a logical explanation for the truth of the Scripture. Defending the faith is what we have been called to do. Both of these to concepts must be kept in balance. A graciousness that shies away from speaking the truth is an offense to God, likewise is a defense of the truth without a gracious speech.
Conclusion: Three essential areas that all believers must give earnest attention to are prayer, behavior, and speech. We must be continually in prayer. We must be wise in our behavior. And we must be gracious in our speech. Let us take to heart these simple but vital teachings of Paul on the Christian life. Let us live worthy of the gospel of Christ by which we were called.