QT 21/11/2025 Fri. Colossians 4:2–6 Living on Mission — Prayer, Wisdom, and Grace 使命中的生活——祷告、智慧与恩典

QT 21/11/2025 Fri. Colossians 4:2–6 Living on Mission — Prayer, Wisdom, and Grace
READ http://www.esv.org/col4:2-6

Scripture Focus: Colossians 4:2–6
[2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [3] At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—[4] that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. [5] Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV)

Reflection
As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians, he turns from doctrine to daily discipleship. The focus shifts from believing the truth to living it out in the world. He reminds believers that faithfulness begins on our knees and overflows into our witness.

(1) Steadfast Prayer (v. 2)
“Continue steadfastly in prayer…” — Prayer is not an occasional act but a lifestyle of dependence on God. Paul adds, “being watchful in it with thanksgiving,” showing that true prayer is alert and grateful, not mechanical.  A watchful heart recognizes both the enemy’s attacks and God’s opportunities. Thanksgiving keeps the heart humble and focused on God’s faithfulness.

(2) Open Doors for the Gospel (v. 3–4)
Even from prison, Paul’s greatest concern isn’t his freedom but that “a door for the word” would open. That’s the mark of a gospel-centred heart: more concerned with the advance of Christ’s message than personal comfort, legacy or fame. Like Paul, we should pray not just for open doors, but for the clarity and courage to proclaim the good news when those doors open.

(3) Wise Conduct and Gracious Speech (v. 5–6)
Our words and actions must reflect the wisdom of Christ before a watching world. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders” means living thoughtfully and compassionately, so that unbelievers see the reality of the gospel in us. Our speech should be “always gracious, seasoned with salt”—truthful yet kind, preserving and purifying, never harsh or careless. Every conversation is an opportunity for grace.

Paul’s vision is simple but powerful: a prayerful, watchful, wise, and gracious people through whom Christ makes Himself known.

Application
(1) Pray persistently. Cultivate a daily rhythm of prayer that keeps your heart aligned with God’s mission.

(2) Look for gospel opportunities. Ask God to open doors in your conversations, workplace, and relationships.

(3) Walk wisely. Let your character confirm your message—your life should make the gospel attractive.

(4) Speak graciously. Choose words that heal, encourage, and point others to Jesus.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to share in Your mission. Teach me to pray with perseverance, to watch for Your opportunities, and to speak with grace and truth. Open doors for Your Word in my life and give me boldness and clarity to make You known. May my words and actions draw others to the hope and love found only in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

QT 21/11/2025 星期五. 歌罗西书 4:2–6 使命中的生活——祷告、智慧与恩典
阅读 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians 3J2-6&version=CNVS

经文焦点：歌罗西书 4:2–6
2 你们要恒切祷告，在祷告的时候存着感恩的心警醒； 3 也要为我们祷告，求　神为我们开传道的门，宣讲基督的奥秘（我就是为了这个缘故被捆锁），  4 使我照着我所应当说的，把这奥秘显明出来。 5 你们要把握时机，用智慧与外人来往。 6 你们的话要常常温和，好像是用盐调和的，使你们知道应当怎样回答各人。

反思
保罗在哥林多前书结尾处，将论述从教义转向日常门徒训练。焦点从相信真理转向在世上活出真理。他提醒信徒：忠心始于跪下祷告，并自然流淌为见证。

(1) 持守祷告（第2节）
“要恒切祷告...”——祷告非偶尔为之，乃是倚靠神的生命方式。保罗补充“存着感恩的心警醒”，表明真实的祷告是警醒感恩的，而非机械式的。警醒的心既能察觉仇敌的攻击，也能看见神的机遇。感恩使心谦卑，专注于神的信实。

(2) 为福音敞开大门（第3-4节）
即便身陷囹圄，保罗最关切的并非自身自由，而是“传道的门”能否开启。这正是以福音为中心的心志印记：比起个人安逸、功名或声望，更关注基督信息的推进。效法保罗，我们不仅要祈求门扉开启，更要祈求在门开之时，能以清晰的见解和无畏的勇气宣告这好消息。

(3) 智慧的行事与恩言的言语（第5-6节）
在世人注视下，我们的言行必须彰显基督的智慧。“用智慧与外人来往”，意味着以深思熟虑和满怀怜悯的态度生活，使未信者从我们身上看见福音的真实。言语当“要常常温和，好像是用盐调和的”——既诚实又温柔，既保守又洁净，永不刻薄或轻率。每段对话都是施恩的契机。

保罗的异象简明而有力：一个祷告、警醒、智慧、恩典的群体，借着他们基督得以彰显。

应用
(1) 持守祷告。培养每日祷告的节奏，使心志与神的使命对齐。

(2) 寻觅福音契机。求神在对话、职场与人际关系中为你敞开传讲之门。

(3) 行事为人。让品格印证信息——生命本身当成为福音的吸引力。

(4) 言语恩慈。选择能医治、激励并引领人归向耶稣的言语。

祷告
主耶稣，感谢祢呼召我参与祢的使命。求祢教导我恒切祷告，警醒等候祢的良机，并以恩典与真理说话。求祢在我生命中为祢的话语敞开大门，赐我胆量与清晰的异象，使世人认识祢。愿我的言语行为引领他人，得着唯在祢里面才能寻见的盼望与爱。奉耶稣的名求。阿们。