January 28, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 4
1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Colossians Chapter 4 concludes Paul’s letter with practical exhortations and personal greetings. Paul urges the believers to remain steadfast in prayer, to provide wise and loving testimony to outsiders, and to choose their words carefully. He emphasizes the importance of fellowship and intercession in faith, mentioning faithful coworkers and their commitment to the Gospel. These closing remarks offer practical guidance for living a Christian life in everyday situations and strengthen the bond between Paul and the church.
Commentary
In this chapter, Paul calls on believers to maintain prayer as an essential foundation of their faith life. The exhortation to “hold firmly to the teachings” and to be watchful and thankful underscores the role of prayer as a link between believers and God. Paul also requests prayers for his own ministry, providing a powerful example of humility and dependence on God’s guidance, even for someone as experienced and blessed as Paul.
The admonition to walk wisely toward outsiders highlights that the Christian faith is not merely a private matter but a public testimony that should be given with care and love. Paul urges believers to use their time wisely and to speak in a manner that is “pleasing” and “seasoned with salt.” This metaphor indicates that Christians should convey a message of truth with wisdom, kindness, and conviction, without causing offense or condemnation.
A significant part of the chapter consists of personal greetings. These greetings illustrate the close-knit community of the early church and highlight the various coworkers who supported Paul. Names like Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, and Epaphras remind us that ministry in God’s kingdom is a collective effort. Epaphras, in particular, is described as someone who “struggles on your behalf with his prayers”—an inspiring example of commitment in faith. The mention of Luke, the beloved physician, also shows that people from diverse backgrounds and professions are called to serve God.
The greetings and instructions to individuals and churches emphasize the necessity of fellowship and mutual support in following Christ. The warning to Archippus to “complete the ministry” he received in the Lord highlights that service to the Lord requires responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Finally, Paul reminds the believers to “remember his chains,” referring to the sacrifices involved in ministry for the Gospel.
Summary
Colossians Chapter 4 encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer, to be thankful, and to choose their words wisely and lovingly to witness for Christ. Paul requests prayers for his ministry and provides practical instructions on how believers should interact wisely with outsiders. The chapter also includes personal greetings and acknowledgments of his coworkers, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and collaboration in faith. In conclusion, Paul urges believers to remember their responsibilities in serving the Lord and to serve with perseverance and dedication. It is an encouraging conclusion that highlights faith, love, and community.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.
Commentary
This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.
A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.
Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.
Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.
Summary
Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.
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