TEXT: COLOSSIANS 2:2-6
Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
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.
This year in the capital of India on the day of 15th August, India's Independence Day, a beggar was seen at the signal asking alms. Sadly enough nobody was mindful of this man. And on the other side another boy selling India's flag and sold all the flags he had. Seeing this, the beggar planed to snatch this flag-boy's money which he could accumulate by selling flags. And as this beggar drew close and snatched, boy started weeping and somehow made all efforts to escape but failed in every turn and beggar disappeared with his money. Now boy had nothing in his hand to spend for himself, even for food. This man searched every every garbage can, nook and corners but could find nothing, whereas beside him people were busy with their stuff; enjoying street side foods and celebrating Independence Day on social media. Later, hit by a rushing car this boy was found dead the same evening. This is the picture of the dark side of our country left unattended at large.
Similarly, Paul also could not see the problems in the church and city of Colossi and responded with his magnificent letter, which is also one of the prison epistles.
Paul, basically, wrote this letter to counter false teacher and strengthen believer in their spiritual walk. In this passage there two pivotal truths that Paul's urges church to incorporate in their daily life.
1. SIGNIFYING THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
With much passion, as Paul asks we have to pray for our nation. Prayer is an indispensable tool to draw will of God on earth. Paul compels believers to pray for unbelievers so that they may come to realise Jesus as the their saviour and get delivered from bondage of sin and Satan.
Someone said working hands are better than praying hands; but want to say working hands today need praying hands for greater effectiveness.
2. SIGNIFYING THE PRACTICE OF PREACHING
But alongside of prayer we also have to speak about the mystery of Christ. Mystery is nothing but the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. That's the work we as believer have got to do. This is the work of a believer to evangelise unsaved. It's not only the work of a pastor, evangelist or the one who has given his/her for for full time ministry but everyone who has ever come to know who Jesus is and what he matters to Unknown.
From the centuries nobody could stop the work of Lord. It was possible not by some great resources or expertise but simple prayer and preaching of gospel by simple people. Let's once again remember the desideratum of praying and preaching to a lost nation as such India.
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