LETTERS

LETTERS: Walk In Communion

Day 4

Read Colossians 4

Something we have yet to discuss about Colosse is the actual city itself. Once a major player in ancient trade routes, by Paul’s time the city had been reduced to a mere market town. However, the Church is the Church in the eyes of Christ. There is no favoritism. That is the reason for the emphasis on the complete fullness of Christ within the letter. He is in all; all is through Him. Even with the false teachings that needed addressed, there is still a place in Christ for the Church - not because they have all of the answers but because they are willing to continually yield to the Holy Spirit.

In his final words to the Colossians, Paul encourages the church to continue in steadfastness. It is truly remarkable the way the Holy Spirit cared for the Colossian church through Paul’s words. False doctrine leads to improper worship, both in Colosse and in our own lives. It needs to be corrected. However, the tone of correction was loving guidance, not spiteful rebuke. Christ’s heart towards us is gentle (Matthew 11:29 NIV) - that much is evident here. Paul is quick to call out the falseness among them, but he is just as quick to encourage the Church at large. 

“Continue steadfastly in prayer” (4:2 ESV), he says. This is the encouragement! Of all the things he has said, he gives this as foundational to it all. He places the point here as a follow up to chapters two and three. Yes, a renewed focus is needed. As he said in chapter one, though, the church is full of a commendable faith and fire - rooted in a prayer life that Paul encourages them to continue in. In essence, he is saying to walk worthy, to walk with a faith that is true and a life focused not on the self but on things above, is to walk in prayer. 

There is a framework within western Christianity that needs faith to feel glamorous to believe that we are making progress. The aim of the Christian faith, though, is not progress but communion. Communion is fostered in prayer - in honest conversation with a God who is both high above yet closer than our very breath.

In prayer we daily show up to the Lord. We learn to delight in both pouring out and drinking in. In prayer we are watchful, focused on the nearness of God to us and His heart for His children. In the words of Oswald Chambers, “Prayer does not prepare us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work.” Prayer is not a flower in the garden of life and faith. It is the very soil through which God gives life and nourishment to all the rest.

Reflection Questions

Leave a comment (anonymous or not) regarding one of these questions below or another point from the devotional

What has stood out to you most from the book of Colossians? 

How does prayer underlie that?

BONUS

Read the LETTERS: Epilogue for one final practice to wrap up the devotional.