As I Ought to Speak Colossians 4:4

After dealing with relationships which were in the Colossian church, Paul the apostle directed the church members toward prayer. They were to “continue in prayer with thanksgiving”, and pray for Paul and the others with him that they would be given a “door of utterance” to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In chapter four and verse four of his letter, Paul gives the church members the manner specifically in which he desires they pray. We read:

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

The verse begins, “That I may make it manifest,” Paul continued his request for the “door of utterance” of the gospel by adding the Greek phrase “hina phaneroō autos phaneroō” where once again Paul uses a Greek word twice in the same phrase to demonstrate and emphasize his point. In English it translates to“That I may make it manifest” which means “to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, and to reveal whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way”. Paul desired prayer for himself from the church that he would be able to share the gospel in some manner whether it be by words, actions or any other way to share Jesus with others.

The verse continues, “as I ought to speak.” As Paul continued his thought, he shows his sense of obligation to the gospel as he wrote, “as I ought” which means “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” “to speak” or “talk, utter or make a sound” concerning Jesus Christ.

As we consider these words of Paul, we cannot help but think of the tenacity he had for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was in prison for sharing the gospel, and still his request for the Colossians was they pray that he will be able to share the gospel more. He had such deep conviction for speaking about Jesus that he felt it an obligation to do so. What about us? Do we have this depth of passion to share with others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Are we so fully vested in the gospel that we want everyone to know Jesus as Savior and Lord? Let us remember as we ponder these things that Paul requested prayer for his obligation which indicated he had need for super-natural power to share the gospel, and may the Lord so fill us with His Spirit that “doors of utterance” will be open for us to share about His love and grace with everyone we meet.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians how to be with people who are outside of the church, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.