Starting to close the loop

By: Scott Morton

Colossians 4:1-4

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.

As we start the final chapter of this epistle, we see the Apostle Paul continuing to deal with the practical issues for the believer. He is wrapping up his writing to them and is making sure they are going to have what they need. The two issues he is going to focus on here are the issue of how the masters are supposed to function and then deals with the issue of prayer.

When speaking to the masters, we tie some of this in with the issue of the servants, which is what was covered in the last article. Here we see that Paul states they are to be giving unto them what is just and equal, meaning they need to be taking care in how it is they are dealing with the servants. This ties in with what we see Paul stating to the assembly in Ephesus:

Ephesians 6:9

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

The Apostle Paul states here they are to be forbearing threatening. When someone keeps using threats as a way of motivating someone, it only gets so far. The person who is being threatened does just enough to not receive whatever the threat is. This is why Israel never functioned properly with God, as they did not want to face the wrath of God, but never demonstrated the care which they should have. When the proper thought process is there, things are going to look different.

This is why the masters are not to be threatening and are to do the things to treat them just and equal. These things demonstrate the charity which is supposed to be part of who we are as the members of the Body of Christ. These things are to be helping with the motivation which is to be displayed.

Paul gives an example in the book of Philemon related to this:

Philemon 14-16

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

We see from this example how Paul was treating Onesimus, one who was a servant. He had preached the gospel to him and now he was a brother. Paul continued to treat him according to the doctrine and was in the process of sending him back to Philemon. The instruction here is for Philemon to be functioning in the same manner and to treat Onesimus in the exact same manner. This is what is meant by the passage here in Colossians, which is here Philemon was from. This instruction goes hand in hand with what is being said directly to Philemon, giving us the practical example of how to make this work.

Paul speaks about how there is a master in heaven, speaking of God. Knowing this, there should be a demonstration of love which reflects what has been shown to us:

Romans 5:6-8

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. [8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This demonstration of love is different from anything that man would come up with. God demonstrated His love towards man while we were yet sinners, considered to be His enemies. As part of this demonstration of love, the Lord Jesus Christ died in order to take care of the issue of sin and allow for the reconciliation of man to be possible. This is the example we have of the Lord Jesus Christ, who Paul says he followed and instructed us to follow Paul in this same manner (1 Corinthians 11:1). We should be doing this in our lives.

When we look at the issue of love, we see another word that comes up often, which is charity. The following comes from Webster's 1828 Dictionary to help us define the word charity:

CHARITY, n.

1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.

1 Corinthians 8. Col 3. 1 Tim 1.

2. In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations; as the charities of father, son and brother.

3. Liberality to the poor, consisting in almsgiving or benefactions, or in gratuitous services to relieve them in distress.

4. Alms; whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the poor for their relief.

5. Liberality in gifts and services to promote public objects of utility, as to found and support bible societies, missionary societies, and others.

6. Candor; liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to think and judge favorably, and to put the best construction on words and actions which the case will admit. The highest exercise of charity, is charity towards the uncharitable.

7. Any act of kindness, or benevolence; as the charities of life.

8. A charitable institution. Charity-school, is a school maintained by voluntary contributions for educating poor children.

Today the word charity is used as in the last definition given here. We tend to look at charity as something we give money to, something that helps people, or something we go to if we need help. This is not what is meant here in the text. The word charity in this text reflects the first of these definitions. The simplest way of looking at the issue of charity is to see that it means love in action, the results of the love we are demonstrating towards other individuals.

The problem for many is the fact that most of the modern versions on the market change the word to love, to make it a more general sense of what should be there. This is not the case and what we should be demonstrating towards other individuals is the issue of charity, which is why Paul states this never fails in 1 Corinthians 13. We see how the Apostle Paul uses this as the example for us:

Colossians 3:14

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

This can be a difficult thing to demonstrate at times. When looking at this from the aspect of the master, there can be the sense of authority they have or the feelings of superiority which can come about. This is why the issue of charity becomes important, as it will take these out of the way and cause the believing master to be able to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which starts with the issue of love which is to be shown.

As Paul continues in this text we see that he is giving some further instructions to believers and is now speaking in the general sense to everyone. He starts with speaking about prayer, which is something that is necessary for all believers. We are to have communication with God, which is what prayer is all about. This is important during this dispensation and is something which we see the Apostle Paul speak about many times in his epistles.

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

These two verses speak about the time element, which is not focused on enough. We are to be instant in prayer, which is defined as the following:

Instant

1. Pressing; urgent; importunate; earnest.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Rom 12.

2. Immediate; without intervening time; present.

Impending death is thine and instant doom.

3. Quick; making no delay.

Instant he flew with hospitable haste.

Prayer is something which is to be pressing, meaning we are to be always making sure we are communicating with God. This is why Paul spoke with the assembly in Thessalonica to say pray without ceasing. Individuals have made prayer to be a ritual to where they only pray at certain times or in a certain manner. This is not what is intended, as Paul makes it clear that prayer is to be pressing or urgent, meaning we need to pray whenever the need arises, which should be continually.

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Romans 8:26-28

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

These verses show the issue of what is supposed to be helping to drive the prayers of the believer. We are to be praying in the Spirit according to Ephesians, which they would have known was to have the influence over the lives (Ephesians 5:18) and would have understood this as being the Word of God working in them (Colossians 3:16). Their study of the Word would influence who they were, what they were doing, and the actions which would result from this. Paul explains at the end of the epistles how the influence of prayer would be in their lives.

Paul had already explained that the Spirit was going to assist in the prayer life of the believer as he wrote to the assembly in Rome. There are times when we pray for things which do not line up with what the Word says, which is where the Spirit works. This is why there are times when we feel prayer has been unanswered, as we did not receive the outcome we expected in this. The Spirit has made intercession for us and the prayer which was offered up after this is what is actually answered in our lives. Sometimes the only answer to it is what we see here:

Philippians 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As part of the instructions given to us, we are to be praying in all things, as long as this is associated with the giving of thanks, which will be covered later in detail. These two issues go hand in hand. When this is done the peace of God is going to come upon the believer so they are able to deal with the situations as they come up. This is how we are to be careful for nothing, or as we would look at this phraseology today, to not be worried about things.

Unfortunately there are some individuals today who would limit what the Apostle Paul is saying here. They feel because we are member of the Body of Christ and have been given all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3) and our focus is to be on the heavenly things and not the earth (Colossians 3:1-4) we should not be praying for things here, as this would be contrary to the doctrine. We clearly see from Paul's epistles he was praying for earthly things, which would be part of the every thing which is mentioned in the above passage. The following are some examples in which Paul is praying for what we would consider to be earthly or physical things:

Earthly rulers

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Prayer over meals (food)

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Prayers for healing

Philippians 2:24-30

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. [25] Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. [26] For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. [27] For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [28] I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. [29] Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: [30] Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

Prayers for deliverance from prison

Philippians 1:19-20

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Prayers for mercy in travel

Romans 1:7-10

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. [9] For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; [10] Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

These passages show there was a clear focus of the Apostle Paul to pray about all things in his life. He did not limit this to just the physical things. These were the issues which Paul had pressing in his life and he communicated this to God. He knew this is what was supposed to be done and this is what he did.

When we look at how Paul prayed for believers, we see the main issue he prayed for:

Colossians 1:9-14

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Ephesians 1:16-18

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

These two prayers show the major focus being on the believers gaining knowledge related to the doctrine for today. There is not a focus on spiritual gifts, the promises given to Israel, or any of the other things which some say should be the primary focus. The Apostle Paul prayed for them to gain the knowledge needed so they would be able to do the things which are pleasing to God and function properly in this dispensation. He knew the rest of the things needed would follow, but the first thing was to grow in the knowledge needed. This is why we see the issue of studying that comes up and the warnings about holding fast to the doctrine which has been given to us. This is the primary focus and where we should be concentrating.

The prayer life is supposed to be paired with the issue of the giving of thanks unto God. The two passages which are listed above show how Paul brings up this issue of the giving of thanks. This is what we are to do in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18), which is easy to do when things are going well. It is a lot tougher to be thankful when we have problems in our life, but the instruction we have is to be thankful in all things and the pattern shown is to have prayer and thanksgiving as partners.

We see Paul demonstrating this as he prays for the believers:

1 Thessalonians 1:2

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

Philemon 4

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

Paul demonstrates a thankfulness for the members of the Body of Christ he is writing to. This is something he clearly wants them to understand he is doing and wants us to know this is the pattern we are supposed to be following. We are supposed to be thankful for the members of the Body of Christ and should be praying for all of the members. While this is not something which comes natural to us, we should make every effort to do this.

As the Apostle Paul speaks of the prayers he has, we see how one of the issues he speaks of is the message of this dispensation going out. The will of God is that all men would be saved and they would come unto the knowledge of the Word (1Timothy 2:4). This is going to happen by the Word being preached to individuals, which means that this has to go out.

The prayer for this can be seen in the original text we started with. Paul speaks about how he is looking for the door of utterance to be there for him. This speaks of the opportunities to be able to preach the message given to us in this dispensation. We are to be looking for every opportunity to be sharing the gospel and also to be helping with the edification of individuals. There are many times where there is the opportunity to do this, which we do not always utilize. This is why the Apostle Paul speaks of this as a prayer that he has, so that the opportunities would be recognizable.

Even when the opportunities are there, we do not always use them. This is why we see Paul praying related to one of the barriers which is often there:

Ephesians 6:18-20

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

This is an interesting passage, as we have our Apostle praying for boldness. This is an individual who the Lord Jesus Christ had directly appeared to, was communicating the information of this dispensation, and had suffered many things as a result of his stand for the Word of God. If there was anyone who seemed to have a boldness about him to proclaim this message it would seem to be Paul. Yet, he is speaking here about how he prayed for boldness to proclaim this message. He knew the cost of preaching this message and there was something in him that seemed to be causing a hesitation that he has to pray for this boldness. If he has to pray for the boldness after the direct revelation he had, we definitely need to be praying for this boldness. We can only have a sense of what God is doing from the Word given to us, so we need to have some help to be able to boldly proclaim the gospel message as intended.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

Here the Apostle Paul is praying for the Word of God to be able to have free course. This means the ability for the Word to be able to be proclaimed without the level of opposition which would cause it to be stopped. We see this in some parts of the world where those who are proclaiming the gospel are killed for speaking it. This is something which would stop a lot of people from speaking and definitely goes against the issue of a free course. Paul prayed for the leaders so we could have a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2), which is what would allow for the free course to be there.

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Paul recognized the door was open for him, so he had the opportunity to be able to proclaim this message to individuals. The issue is that with an open door is going to come the opposition to the message, which is why he says there are many adversaries. He experienced this throughout his life and writes in the second epistle to this assembly about the many dangers which he had experiences just up to that time.

As Paul writes these things we need to realize that he is not the only one who experienced these issues. This is something which continued after him and even holds true today. This is why there are some who are hesitant to proclaim this message, as they do not want to face the opposition and the consequences which might come from the stand for the Word of God. While we know these are the things which do come, we also see how Paul warns us about what is going to happen to individuals:

2 Timothy 1:8-12

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; [9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, [10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: [11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. [12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Apostle Paul has to warn Timothy about not being ashamed of the Lord Jesus Christ or Paul, the individual who had the message for this dispensation given to him. The shame was coming from the opposition and everything which was happening to those who were standing for the Word of God. Paul did not want them to feel any level of shame, which would have stopped them from going forth with the Word. Paul had seen a number of other individuals stop following the message of this dispensation for this reason and is encouraging Timothy so he does not follow the same path. This needed to be done through prayer, as only God could give them the strength for this.

As the Apostle Paul is speaking about the door being opened, he makes it clear what is supposed to be proclaimed. The issue is the mystery, which is the message which has been given to Paul:

Romans 16:25-26

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Ephesians 3:1-12

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) [5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; [6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: [7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: [10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, [11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: [12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

These two passages show the thought process of the Apostle Paul related to what was given unto him. He was given something which he called the mystery in the book of Romans, as it was something which had not been given prior to the Lord Jesus Christ revealing it to him for us. He calls it the unsearchable riches of Christ to the assembly in Ephesus because this could not be found in the Scriptures written prior to Paul. This was information which was only revealed now and was given to the Gentiles related to the heavenly hope. This is what needs to be boldly proclaimed to individuals today.

The only way to be able to understand this is to be able to study the Word of God and apply the principle of 2 Timothy 2:15, which is to rightly divide the Word of truth and understand these differences. Paul knows this is the information which is supposed to be proclaimed to this world and this is what he is looking for related to the door of utterance being opened. They were to be able to see these differences and were also to be going out proclaiming the message for today to this world.

2 Timothy 1:13-14

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Here we have the Apostle Paul speaking about holding fast unto the things which had been taught by him. The idea behind this is they were to have such a firm grip on these things that it would be impossible for them to be removed from their grasp and understanding. This is being said by Paul in the last epistle he writes, as he is seeing a large number of people walking away from the truth and he needs to encourage Timothy to remain faithful. The very next verse in the epistle speaks of how all that are in Asia have turned away from him, which includes a large number of places he went to and the area where he wrote three epistles to, including the one we are studying now. There is going to be a need to make sure we are holding fast to the sound doctrine given to us.

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

In order to grasp the mystery and the impact it is supposed to have during this dispensation, we need to understand the role of Paul as the apostle of the Gentiles. Too often those who state they are Christian fail to recognize his role and try to lump Paul in with the twelve Apostles, who had the responsibility of carrying the message of God to the nation of Israel related to their hope. This is not the mystery which was given to Paul and is supposed to be the message being communicated today. This rejection can only lead to confusion when people are attempting to understand what God is doing today.

Colossians 1:25-29

Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: [29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Here we have the Apostle Paul identifying the responsibility to complete the Word of God and also speaking about this being hidden. As he carried out his ministry, Paul would often reveal different aspects of the mystery and would explain them so they would not be confused about what was given. Here we have Paul explaining the issue of the Lord Jesus Christ being in individuals, which was something which was not given to the nation of Israel. They had been looking for Him to be with them, as He was going to be the King ruling over the kingdom on the earth. We have Him dwelling in us, which is something which had never been revealed and can only be seen during this dispensation.

We see how Paul shows there is a difference between what went on in the gospel accounts and what is going on today:

Romans 15:8

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

The distinction in these verses is how the Lord Jesus Christ was preaching the issues related to what had been promised to the fathers (Israel) and Paul is sharing things related to the program for the Gentiles. These are not the same thing, no matter how many times people try to say they are or twist things to make it seem like these are the same things. Paul was given a unique ministry for this dispensation and this is what he is reminding the individuals in Colossae about. This is the ministry we are also supposed to have, following what Paul instructed us in 2 Timothy 2:2, making sure the information of this dispensation does not end with our generation.