Redeem the Time

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromColossians 4:1-18. The book of Colossians emphasizes that Christ is the head of the church. Paul wrote this letter to the church of Colosse because of his concern for the heresies that were cropping up in that area. Paul didn’t attack the heresies, but he exalted Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul did it in that way?

In this chapter, Paul started talking to masters, or slave owners, telling them to treat their servants just and fair, remembering that they have a Master in heaven. Paul instructed them to devote themselves to prayer, to be watchful and always thankful for everything.

Paul reminded them to pray specifically. He wanted them to pray that God would open doors for them to preach about the mystery of Christ. The mystery of the gospel is that the gospel of Christ was also for the Gentiles. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel.

Paul asked them to pray that he might be able to teach and make known this mystery. He exhorted them to walk in wisdom toward the lost so they could redeem the time. Paul reminded them that they should speak with grace, seasoned with salt, so they would know how to answer everyone.

Paul sent Tychicus, his beloved brother and faithful minister, to the Colossians to let them know how they were doing and to encourage them in the Lord. He, along with Onesimus, who was also a faithful and beloved brother, and was one of the Colossians, would let Paul know what is going on with the Colossians.

Aristarchus, who was in prison with Paul, sent his greetings to the Colossians as well. Marcus, who is Barnabas’ cousin, sent his greetings also. Paul encouraged the Colossians to welcome Mark if he came to minister to them. Jesus, whom we call Justus, also sent his greetings. These were Paul’s co-laborers for the kingdom of God, who were a great comfort to Paul.

Epaphras, a servant of Christ, who was one of the Colossians, also sent his greeting to the Colossians.  He was always praying for them that they might stand perfect and complete in the will of God. Paul bore witness of his great concern for the Colossians and for those at Laodicea and Hieraplis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also sent their greetings. It sounds like Paul had a whole team of people working with him.

Paul reminded the Colossians to say hello to the brethren at Laodicea and the ones who had church in the home of Nymphas. He told them to make sure they read this letter to the church of Laodicea also. Paul told them to tell Archippus to be sure and carry out the work the Lord had given him to do. Paul ends the letter by saying, “Grace be with you.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 4:1-18

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.

6 Let your speech be alway 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. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]]]

Things to think about:

• What was Paul’s concern for the Colossians in this Scripture?

• Who were the partners who Paul named in this passage? What do you know about them?
•  What lessons have you learned from Paul’s letter to the Colossians?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Colossians. We have learned a lot from this letter Paul wrote to the Colossians. We see in this part of the letter that Paul puts a special emphasis on prayer. Help us to pray without ceasing and to be watchful for Your return. Help us to be thankful for everything You have done for us and given us, especially the gift of salvation. Help us to have wisdom and grace when dealing with those that are lost, that we might win them for Your kingdom. Thank You for the people You send to serve and worship along with us. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse: