* As the apostle Paul approaches the end of his letter to the Colossians, he gives further instructions. Read Colossians 4:2-6.

Persist in Prayer
* Paul writes, "Devote yourselves to prayer…" (4:2a, NIV) or "Continue steadfastly in prayer…" (ESV). In another letter, Paul writes, "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

¶ "being watchful…" (4:2b)

¶ "…and thankful." (4:2c)

1. What kinds of things do we usually pray about? What motivates us to pray?

* Paul writes, "And pray for us, too…" (4:3a)

¶ "that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains (in prison)." (4:3b)

¶ "Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." (4:4)

2. What kinds of "open doors" do we usually seek? (As Christians, how much do we pray for opportunities to share Christ, either for ourselves or other Christians?)

Walk in Wisdom
* Paul writes, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders" (4:5a). "Wisdom" involves knowing and applying God's will (see 1:9). It is knowledge properly applied. To "walk in wisdom" is to live according to God's revealed will for our attitudes and actions.

¶ "Make the most of every opportunity" (4:5b, NIV). Make "the best use of time" (ESV).

3. How can we make the best use of time? How do we know if we are using time well? What do you think Paul means by "making the best use of time" in this passage?

* Paul writes, "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…" (4:6a, NIV)

¶ "so that you may know how to answer everyone" (4:6b)

4. What do you think Paul means by speech that is "full of grace" and "seasoned with salt?" How might this apply to telling others about Jesus?

¶"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).

The Sufficiency of Christ

* Through faith in Christ, we have "the hope that is stored up for [us] in heaven". (1:5; Lesson 1)

* If we have received him, Christ has rescued us from the dominion (tyranny, oppressive power) of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of light. (1:12-13; Lesson 2)

* Christ is supreme over all creation, including the spiritual powers that seek to oppress us and separate us from God. Christ is supreme because he is God in the flesh. (1:15-20; Lesson 3)

* "All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are found in Christ. (2:2-3; Lesson 4)

* Christ defeated the evil powers by his death and resurrection. Through faith, believers are united with Christ and receive the benefits of his victory. Believers have been set free from the penalty and controlling power of sin; and raised to a new, victorious life in Christ. (2:11-15; Lesson 5)

* Christ, not man-made religion, is the way into a harmonious relationship with the Creator. Only Christ can solve our real problem, which is the power of sin in our lives. (2:16-23; Lesson 6)

* In Christ, the "old self" has died, and we have a new identity in Christ. The "new self" is renewed as we "put off" the old attitudes and actions and "put on" the new. (3:3-10; Lesson 7)

* In Christ, we have a new life, and we must "put on" Christ-like attitudes and actions. Such change is possible because of the transforming power of Christ. (3:12-17; Lesson 8)

* Christ supplies the desire and ability we need to relate to others as God commands. We love because of his love. We serve because "it is [Christ we] are serving". (3:18-24; Lesson 9)

Reflection/Application
† Do you believe in the Christ presented in Colossians? Continue to seek knowledge of Christ.

† As a believer, are you praying continually, watchfully and thankfully, especially concerning the purposes of God? Are you sharing Christ with others? Pray about this, and "walk in wisdom".