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Just and Fair Masters
By way of application, those who are managers or who otherwise supervise people should keep in mind the principle behind the proper treatment of slaves by masters. Employees are not to be regarded as mere cogs in a machine, and Christian supervisors must treat them as people with real needs, hopes, and desires, and not simply as those whose only value is how much they add to or take away from the bottom line. View Resource
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Praying for the Mission
Praying for other Christians is also a way to manifest our love for them, as true love for Paul would motivate the Colossians to intercede for the apostle. John Calvin says that “it is not in vain that the Lord has appointed this exercise of love between us — that we pray for each other.” Do we take the privilege of prayer seriously, or do we simply tell people that we are praying for them and then forget all about it? View Resource
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Wisdom in the World
One commentator has said that things would be drastically different on the mission field at home and abroad if believers felt the same urgency to reach others with the gospel as they do to secure their own welfare. The wealth and standard of living that most of us enjoy are not evil in themselves, but it can be tempting to spend all our time seeking to improve our lot while ignoring the destiny of the lost people all around us. View Resource
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Lively and Gracious Speech
Jesus’ teaching in parables is an excellent illustration of the kind of speech that Paul talks about in today’s passage. His words were memorable, exciting, and attracted many to follow Him. At the same time, there was no hint that He pandered to the crowds, for many people were also turned off by His teaching. In preaching the gospel and living out its implications, we must do our best to follow His example in these things. View Resource
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Greetings from the Brethren
As believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must always speak the truth, but we must always speak it in love (Eph. 4:15). Our default position should be to build networks with other believers and churches who are passionate for the gospel even when they may have different styles and priorities, not to work or act as if ministries and churches that do not do things the way we do are somehow unworthy of our friendship. View Resource
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The Epistles of the Apostles
As you study the epistles over the coming months, occasionally think of what it must have been like to be in the early church receiving a letter from Paul or Peter or John. That same excitement and anticipation about what they would say should touch us today. Ask God to help you read those letters as if for the first time. View Resource
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Paul’s Partners and Friends
As much as it depends on us, we should always seek to be reconciled to those with whom we are at odds, especially if they are believers in Jesus. Of course, there will be some occasions when our offer of reconciliation will be rejected, but that does not mean we should not attempt it or do what we can to make amends if we are in the wrong. May we be models of reconciliation in the church and in the world. View Resource
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Epaphras and Luke
We should never despise the work of our pastors and elders in prayer, for it is this task to which they are called (Acts 6:1–7), and it is necessary for the building up of our churches. Ordained elders in the church should be focused on prayer, praying both at home for their sheep and attending any special prayer meetings that are called. Those who are not ordained elders should take time to thank their leaders for praying on their behalf. View Resource
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Final Words to Colossae
If the apostle Paul could implore those who knew him to pray for him in his condition of suffering, then we should be ready as well to ask others for prayer when we are in need. We should likewise remember the sufferings of Christians whom we know, both near and far, and pray for the Lord to make His presence felt in them. Let us pray regularly for the needs that we know of and ask others to intercede on our behalf as well. View Resource
