Christ, The Center of Christianity – Part 8

Colossians 4:2-6; 7-18

Scripture Reference

Colossians 4:2-6, 7-18

Introduction

We conclude our series “Christ, The Center of Christianity” by finishing Colossians chapter 4. Dr. Terry LeQuieu brings practical, pastoral instruction that shows how a Christ-centered life looks in prayer, speech, conduct toward the lost, and in the fellowship of the local church. Paul’s closing remarks in Colossians show us both what the Christian’s life should emphasize and the kinds of Christians we become by practice. We will follow Paul’s sequence: the appeal for life (prayer), the area of life (wisdom toward the lost), the articulation of life (speech), and the associates in life (the people God uses and how we should reflect those qualities).

We are going to finish our study on the book of Colossians tonight, Colossians Chapter four. This is going to be part number eight, if Christ is the center of Christianity. So we are going to wrap up our study tonight.

Outline

The Christian’s Appeal for Life — A Life of Prayer
1. Continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving
  Paul commands continual prayer (Colossians 4:2). This is not occasional petition but consistent dependence on God. Prayer is the heartbeat of an effective Christian life. We must both petition and give repeated thanks when God answers.
2. Pray for opportunity and boldness
  Paul asks them to pray that God would open a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, and that he might make it manifest as he ought to speak (Colossians 4:3-4). Our prayer life must include requests for open doors to preach and for the boldness and clarity to use them. Persecution, prison, or suffering cannot be excuses for silence.
3. Prayer determines progress
  “Your walk with God will only go as far as your prayer life goes.” Paul’s frequent final requests in his epistles emphasize that spiritual failure often traces back to prayer failure. Growing believers should examine the quantity and quality of their prayer life.
The Christian’s Area of Life — Walk in Wisdom toward the Lost
1. Wise witness to those without
  Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without.” Christians should live with discretion and tact among unbelievers, because our life is often their first sermon. The world will measure Christianity by how we behave in everyday situations.
2. Redeem the time
  Paul calls us to redeem the time (Colossians 4:5). Life is short and opportunities are fleeting. Speak and act with urgency and care — every conversation is an opportunity to point someone to Christ.
3. Practical urgency
  Examples from the sermon remind us that sudden tragedies and near-misses emphasize the need for immediate gospel witness. We must prepare to answer and act with God-honoring urgency.
The Christian’s Articulation in Life — Speech Seasoned with Salt
1. Speech always with grace
  Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt.” Grace means tact, gentleness, and a willingness to build others up. Our words should point to Christ and not push people away.
2. Seasoned with salt
  Salt adds flavor and preserves. Our words should have truth and clarity — they must be tasteful, attractive, and truthful. A salty witness draws people rather than repels them through unkindness.
3. Mindful answering
  We must know how to answer every man (Colossians 4:6). This requires listening, discernment, and adapting our approach. Some situations call for bluntness, others for gentleness. Use two ears and one mouth: listen well, answer wisely.
The Christian’s Associates in Life — Types of Church Members
1. Tychicus — A Man with a Purpose
  Tychicus is described as a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant sent to minister and comfort (Colossians 4:7–8). He represents those who serve without title, who go where needed to bear burdens and strengthen hearts. Every church needs faithful servants who purposefully help others.
2. Onesimus — A Man with a Presentation
  Onesimus is a faithful and beloved brother who makes known the affairs to the church (Colossians 4:9). He is the consistent, humble communicator who keeps the body informed, welcoming, and connected — a liaison of love rather than gossip.
3. Aristarchus — A Man with a Past
  Aristarchus is Paul’s fellow prisoner (Colossians 4:10). He reminds us that a past of failure or trouble does not disqualify someone from service. God uses forgiven people; past mistakes are covered by the blood of Christ.
4. Mark (Marcus) — A Man with a Plea
  Paul asks the church to receive Marcus if he comes (Colossians 4:10). This shows the value of giving people chances. Barnabas’ influence is seen in advocating for a younger believer. The church must offer restoration and opportunity.
5. Jesus (called Justus) — A Man with Provision
  Justus and others “of the circumcision” are fellow workers who comfort Paul (Colossians 4:11). Some bring resources, organization, or stability — those with background and training who use their gifts for God’s work.
6. Epaphras — A Man with Passion
  Epaphras always labors fervently in prayer that the believers would stand perfect and complete in God’s will (Colossians 4:12–13). He models fervent intercession for others — a prayer warrior burdened for spiritual maturity across congregations.
7. Luke — A Man with Pedigree
  Luke the beloved physician is an educated, respected man who still served and ministered (Colossians 4:14). The church should welcome men and women of learning and influence who humbly serve the Lord.
8. Demas — A Man with a Persuasion
  Demas is connected with salutations and sharing epistles (Colossians 4:15–16). Some members promote unity between churches and help spread godly teaching — they encourage cooperation without compromising doctrine.
9. Archippus — A Man with a Problem
  Archippus is warned to take heed to the ministry he received and fulfill it (Colossians 4:17). He represents those who become busybodies in others’ affairs instead of faithfully doing what God assigned them to do. The remedy: humble focus and faithful completion.
10. Paul — A Man with a Pen
  Paul closes with his own salutation, asking to be remembered in his bonds and ending with “Grace be with you” (Colossians 4:18). He is the exemplar of a pastor-writer who ties doctrine to life, urging prayerful, grace-filled perseverance.

Summary

Paul’s final chapter to the Colossians is both pastoral and practical. The Christian life centers on Christ and is expressed through persistent prayer, wise conduct toward unbelievers, gracious and salt-seasoned speech, and partnership with fellow believers. God uses many kinds of people — servants, presenters, those with pasts, the passionate, the learned, and even those who need correction — to advance His kingdom. Each of us will fit one or more of these descriptions at various seasons. The call is to be faithful where God has placed us: pray, witness wisely, speak with grace, and serve one another in love.

Here Paul was a man who was used. So much so that Paul mentioned him in this letter. He gets a small snippet, but his name’s in the Bible. What about yours? Amen. His name’s there. He’s a man with a past. We don’t know about all his past. As a matter of fact, we don’t need to know. It’s all under the blood.

Quote to Ponder

Reflect on this pastoral reminder: a redeemed past does not disqualify you from service; Christ’s blood covers and repurposes history for His glory. Ask yourself: will I let my past hold me back, or will I answer God’s call today?

Application for the Week

Practical, actionable steps to live Colossians 4 out this week:

Begin a daily 10–15 minute prayer time focused on others
1. Make a short list of 3 people or families in the church to pray for each day (include missionaries, local seekers, and those with needs).
2. Intentionally give thanks each time God answers a request; journal at least one answered prayer this week.
Redeem your conversations with the lost
1. Prepare one brief testimony (60–90 seconds) of what Christ has done in your life and practice sharing it with a friend or coworker.
2. Look for one gospel opportunity this week — a conversation where you can offer to pray, invite them to church, or share Scripture.
Practice speech seasoned with salt
1. Before speaking in a potentially tense situation, pause and ask: “Is this gracious? Is this true? Is this timely?”
2. Choose one relationship to encourage with gracious words every day (text, call, or speak face to face).
Identify which “associate type” you are and act
1. Pick one role from Paul’s list (servant, presenter, prayerer, encourager, etc.). Pray about where God could use you and commit to one concrete step: volunteer once, make one encouraging call, or pray fervently for a specific need.
Follow up and accountability
1. Saturday: review your week’s journal or notes and bring one testimony of God’s work to your small group or a friend.
2. If you struggle with prayer or boldness, ask a mature believer to pray with you mid-week and to hold you accountable.

May Christ remain the center of our Christianity: prayed-for, wisely lived, graciously spoken, and faithfully served. Grace be with you as you labor for His name this week.