Continue in prayer, and watch
in the same with thanksgiving:
withal praying also for us,
tht God would open unto us a
door of utterance, to speak
this mystery, to speak the
mystery of Christ, for which
I am also in bonds: that I may
make it manifest, as I ought
to speak. Walk in wisdom
toward them that are without,
redeeming the time. Let your
speech be alway with grace,
seasoned with salt, that ye
may know how ye ought to
answer every man.
Colossians 4:2-6
The English word, "continue," is not as strong as the Greek word: προσακαρτερείτε, a second person, plural, present tense, imperative, therefore this is not some suggestion, it is a directive and command, to persevere, to be unremitting, or steadfast, and to continue and in this case it is speaking of prayer. The word in English, "watching," has better understanding when one looks at the Greek word, γρηγορύντες, nominative, plural, masculine, participle, present tense, therefore, one is to be awake at all times, to be watching, to be vigilant, to be attentive, to circumspect. Prayer is not an apathetic attempt to ask God for things as though God is required to give to a person due to their being faithful, no, prayer is to be a times to speak to God, to thank God, and through prayer to be circumspect allowing the word of God to speak through as the Holy Spirit brings to mind what you have learned by reading, and through good truthful preaching what is the will of God. Then in all circumstances you will not go outside the will of God and simply rely on your reasoning. Prayer is also a prayer of intercession for others, yes, we pray for others demonstrating to God our faith in Him to act according to the need of the other person, and to act according to His will. Be obedient and allow God to handle all circumstances. Paul was in prison in Rome for what? What did Paul do that was demanding death? Even imprisonment? Nothing accept the Roman government under Nero and other emperors hated anything that would disrupt society and be against the accept pagan religions they held sacred. Paul was in prison because he preached Jesus Christ. That is what we as Authentic Christians are to do because we have been commanded by God to do it: Preach the Gospel. Paul was not asking for prayer for himself other than this situation that he was in would be used to further the Gospel, so that he would speak in such a way as to manifest Jesus Christ in his life no matter the circumstance.
Wisdom, is this not what we all want? Yes! The beginning of wisdom is: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise" (Psalm 111: 10). There is the beginning of wisdom: having the fear (respect) of God. To know that you are living in this "fear," or respect towards God is to be walking in His truth. As you walk, or go, (Matthew 28:19-20), showing others the wisdom of God, and His revelation of truth through Jesus Christ then you will be ransoming the time, and all will see that you are "living waters" of truth. The word of God, that which revealed to you faith so that you can believe upon Jesus Christ and convert to Him is not to be something that is forced upon another, not to use sly means to bring the Gospel to other, no, it is by grace, seasoned with salt, you are the salt of the earth, and by this, through prayer, you will be able to answer for you faith (1Peter 3:15: Colossians 4:6b).
The life of an Authentic Christian begins with believing on Jesus Christ and this is an acceptance that you know from the word of God that God has called you to salvation, and then in prayer, continued, steadfast, prayer, you prepare to be used by God in His service to bring the Gospel to all that you can. This is not going to get you to heaven, it may not bring a blessing as you may see what blessing you feel that your deserve, no, it is being a faithful and discreet slave. Your blessing is already established in heaven by Jesus Christ who went to heaven and while their is or has made you a home and nothing can take that away from you: you are blessed. What more do you need?
This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and
contrite in spirit, and
trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2b
Pray, continue in thoughtful prayer
Richard L. Crumb
No comments:
Post a Comment