Paul’s Admonishment to the Colossian Believers As they Mature in Christ Colossians 4:1-18

In this last Chapter in Colossians, Paul reminds the Colossian believers to perfect their prayer lives (4:2-4) and their public lives (4:5-6).  Paul then shared his concern for perfecting the personal lives of all the Colossian believers (4:7-18).  Colossians 4:1-18 may be outlined as follows:  I.  Believers Maturing in Their Christian Lives – Colossians 4:1-6; II. Paul’s Concluding Remarks to Some Associates – Colossians 4:7-18. Believers Maturing in Their Christian Lives – Colossians 4:1-6 In verse 1, Paul admonished masters to be responsible in providing care for their slaves in an equitable way.  The masters are to do so because their Master in Heaven treats them in a just way.  In order to mature, Paul exhorted the believers to devote themselves to persistent prayer (v. 2).  Prayer is very essential to the spiritual health of the believer, much as breathing is to one’s physical health.  Believers should also be watchful (spiritually alert) and thankful when praying.  Prayer is so essential because of the craftiness of the devil (Ephesians 6:16; I Peter 5:8). In verses 3-4, Paul requested prayer of the believers so that an opportunity might be given to him to share the gospel clearly to others.  Although Paul was...