2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and
thankful.
·
The
New Living translation says: Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and
a thankful heart.
·
What
do you think we are supposed to be watching for and alert for?
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for
our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in
chains.
·
Paul
is asking for prayer for himself as well as everyone working to spread the
gospel.
·
Many
studies on this verse state that the mystery of Christ is not just the gospel
of salvation but that this salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
·
This
is a super good prayer request anytime you are going to approach someone about
Christ. It’s up to God to open the door
of their heart to receive the message, but it is always good to pray that you
would make sense to the listener. Note
that Paul is probably praying this himself, but he’s also asking others to pray
for him. He’s being humble and
vulnerable in order to serve a greater purpose.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the
most of every opportunity.
·
Another
translation says: Live wisely among those who are not Christians.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace,
seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
·
The
New Living Translation says: gracious and effective
·
The
Quest Study Bible asks “What is ‘salty’ conversation for a Christian?”
o
Salt
is a good metaphor for Christian conversation and behavior. Salt improves taste; in the same way, what
believers say and do should leave a “good taste” for others. Salt also preserves food; Christians should
influence others for eternity with their grace-filled lives. Courteous, honest and compassionate, they
should have the fruit of the Spirit evident within them.
Conclusion
The Hayford
Bible Handbook:
Become a
person of prayer. Repent of any
prayerlessness in your life. Recognize
God’s gift of time and use it wisely.
Speak with grace and wisdom in answer to all.
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