A. INTRODUCTION: THE SETTING
1. What do we know about the writer?
a. Paul, verse 18.
b. In prison, “Remember my bonds” (v. 18).
c. Many fellow workers.
d. More concern for them than for himself.
2. Who brings this letter? Tychicus. “Whom I have sent to you” (v. 8).
3. Who came with Tychicus?
a. Onesimus.
b. Runaway slave.
c. Owned by rich man Philemon.
d. Paul led to Christ in Rome (Phil. 10).
e. Onesimus was originally from Colosse. “Who is one of you” (v. 9).
f. Now beloved brother (v. 9).
4. Who is with Paul in prison?
a. Aristarchus from Thessalonica (v. 10).
b. Mark, the one who ran away (v. 10).
c. Justus (not Jesus) (v. 11).
d. Luke, his doctor (v. 14).
e. Demas, who will forsake Paul for the world (2 Tim. 4:10).
Paul’s Forgiveness
Barnabas, who argued with Paul (Acts 15:39).
Mark, who left him (Acts 13:13).
5. Who brought news of the Colossian church to Paul?
a. Epaphras, “Who is one of you” (v. 12).
b. A prayer warrior, “Laboring fervently for you in prayers” (v. 12).
6. Who was the pastor of the Colossian church?
a. Archippus. “Take heed to the ministry which thou hast” (v. 17).
b. He is the son of Philemon (Phil. 2).
7. Where did the church meet? “In the home of Nymphas. “The church which is in his house” (v. 15).
8. What were they to do with this letter?
a. Read and reread. Anagnosthe, “to know again.”
b. Send copy to Laodicea (v. 16).
c. Get copy of letter from Laodiceans (this is the book of Ephesians).
B. PARTING WORDS
1. “Continue (and watch) in prayer” (v. 2).
a. Relationship with God.
b. Keep awake.
c. Attention on God.
d. Guard against wandering thoughts.
2. “Thanksgiving” (v. 2).
a. From Paul in prison.
b. Reminds us to be grateful.
3. “That God would open unto us a door of utterance” (v. 3).
a. Emphasis on words not sentences or paragraphs.
b. Not open his prison door.
c. Ministry always comes before personal comfort.
d. Don’t focus on closed doors but on your opportunities.
e. God never leads away from ministry but to greater opportunity and burden.
4. “The mystery of Christ” (v. 3).
a. A secret now revealed.
b. Not an unknowable mystery religion.
5. “Walk in wisdom” (v. 5). Involves walking and talking.
6. Redeeming the time” (v. 5).
a. To buy back, exagorazomai.
b. Use today to overcome yesterday’s squandered opportunities.
c. Price, self-discipline. You cannot manage time, you can only manage yourself.
7. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (v. 6).
a. Christ was full of grace (John 1:14, 16).
b. Seasoned means not flat and tasteless, but alive, pure, preserving.
8. “That you may know how you ought to answer each one” (v. 6).
a. Knowledge: to answer questions (1 Peter 3:15).
b. Communicate: to begin where they are.
c. Appropriately: to interpret the “Word of God” to each life.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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