Sunday School Lesson for 2/24/13. Unit III. Imitating Jesus. Support through Mentoring. Colossians 4:2-6. (Background Colossians 4:2-17)

Christian Life In Action (Col. 3:5-4:6)

Prayer & Wisdom (Col 4:2-6)

Conclusion: Personal Greetings & Charges (Col 4:7-18)

Mentors, partners, guides are helpful in strengthening us so we may deal with issues successfully, gain an understanding, and or make things clear. Jesus showed compassion to those who needed help and Jesus is the one who brought forth their commitment.

Colossians 4:2-6

Verse 2 – Duties To God; Prayer; The Duty of Prayer

Pray requests are/should be confidential. (watch who you ask to pray for you/your needs)

Prayer and fasting go together.

The apostle Paul told/urged his readers to pray & be vigilant.

Jesus taught us to be persistent in prayer in two parables: the unjust judge & the neighbor at midnight

The apostle Paul told the Colossians to be alert for specific prayer needs. Jesus reminded His disciples before His betrayal about being alert & prayerful.

The apostle Paul made it clear to the Colossians that all prayer should include thanksgiving. We can approach God with requests as well.

I Timothy 2:1 … Duties To God; Intercession; Duty of Intercession

Hebrews 7:25 … Jesus Christ; Offices of Christ; Our Mediator

(I Thessalonians 5:16-19; Luke 11:1-3; Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 26:40-41; Philippians 4:4-6 – Reference Scripture from Sunday School Book)

Verses 3, 4 – Duties To God; Intercession; For Ministers

The apostle Paul wanted the Colossians believers to pray for him to have opportunities to witness.

As we know Paul was in a Roman prison during this time.

(II Corinthians 1:11; I Thessalonians 5:25; II Thessalonians 3:1; Hebrews 13:18; Acts 1:8)

Verses 5,6

Verse 5 – Man Redeemed; Blessedness of The New Life; The Impartation of True Wisdom, To Be Sought

Verse 6 – Man Redeemed; Duties & Graces of The New Life; Government of the Tongue

Live wisely, walk in wisdom, this is the appeal that the apostle Paul had for his readers.

Communication skills – speak graciously, in love

Filled with grace – courteous, encouraging, & Christ-like when you speak. Stay free from sinful language such as gossip, hatred & prejudice. ……… Prejudice does not only mean race/culture.

The apostle Paul wanted the Colossian believers to reflect both wisdom & grace.

(Colossians 2:6-8)

Christians/Believers/Saints of God are to display wise conduct at Church, home, work/career/job, & in their communities.

There was a song once that was out when I was a little girl by I guess he could be classified as “Old School” or “Blues” …. If Walls Could Talk by Little Milton .. Saints/Christians/Believers some of them better be glad that Walls Can’t Talk.

Wondering why at home .. some men/women/children are degraded and mistreated at home in the christian community and when they are in the public they are treated so kind/sweet/good/nice you would never think that there was a problem in the home front.

We are representatives of Jesus Christ on Earth.

Scripture & reference used/taken from: KJV Topical Reference Bible & Zondervan Bible Commentary