June 2, 2014
BE VS DO
Colossians 4
Melissa McKee
Central Truth
BE encouraged, BE thankful, and BE in the presence of Christ!
Key Verse | Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)
Colossians 4
1 Masters, treat your bondservants 1 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; likewise for servant in verse 12 justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Further Instructions
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant 2 4:7 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word sundoulos, see Preface in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers 3 4:15 Or brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Dive Deeper | Colossians 4
When I crack open my Bible to Colossians 4, I have the word "BE" written all over the page. Colossians 4:2 (NASB) says, "Devote yourself to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." I wrote "BE thankful" next to this verse. I wrote "BE missional" next to Colossians 4:3-5 and "BE grace-filled" next to verse 6. I feel like this is a common theme in Paul's letters. Be encouraged. Be joyful. Be faithful.
I love the word be because for so many years I thought being a Christian was about the word do. I lived my life with a laundry list of "do's" and "don'ts." I have found such freedom in the true meaning of the gospel and His sufficient grace. Grace is getting what we don't deserve, which means that I get to spend eternity with my Savior because of what HE did on the cross.
I will never be able to work my way to salvation. One of Jesus' final statements on the cross was, "It is finished!" And it is! IT IS FINISHED! All guilt and shame is left at the foot of the cross. I can walk in confidence each day because I have put my trust in Him and His Spirit lives in me. I can overcome my sin struggles because His Spirit is alive and more powerful than my flesh. What victory you should feel each day. Church, let's stop seeking value in things we do and believe that it's enough to BE in the presence of the Almighty God. Then, when we abide in Him, the things He leads us to do will glorify Him.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to "be in the presence of God" to you? (For example, reading His Word, singing worship songs, walking in His creation.)
2. When was the last time you did these things?
3. Meditate on how you can BE thankful for the ways God has provided for you today.