Colossians 4 + Book Summary

Paul expresses the importance of prayer for believers and treating each other with love, even those who aren't believers. He told the Church to pray without ceasing and requests prayer for himself and those spreading the gospel message.This must've been especially significant since Paul is imprisoned for his mission living. Since Christians are representatives of Christ on earth, Paul instructs that we do not become a stumbling block in our speech with unbelievers. We should both spread and represent the gospel with discernment in with time and gentleness, choosing words and tactics carefully to avoid offence or misunderstandings. This gives us the credibility of the Christian faith to make the most of every evangelistic opportunity.

2018 was a greatly impactful year, it was probably the worst year of my life and yet somehow the most important. Jesus found me! There is something I definitely took for granted tho, the vision team. I was too pessimistic and cynical to open any doors to be intimate with them. When 2019 came along I realised how much I cherish each member whether or not I was distant to them. We kept each other accountable, kind of. These days I worship God 12:30pm every Sunday and 2 hrs later without fail engage in slanderous to conversation with others once we leave church grounds. While not as vulgar as I used to be, it's to the point in which people will not see any difference in me than in any other non-christian. I'm a poor witness and it frustrates me every time I catch the train home. Did I have to say that joke? Did I have to use that language? How much did I represent Christ today? In these moments I miss Annie and Yehjeen the most, they would have called me out. In these moments I wish I reached out more. I know the way sanctification works, Godly character is a takes time to mature but man, I don't want to be a stumbling block to myself or others. How can I expect Jordan or Dennis to take notice of the gospel in my life if I engage in the humour they're encouraging? So God help me, I cannot do this alone. 

Book Summary
Paul did not start the Colossian Church and was writing to the leaders. He wrote this book to warn the church in Collosae agains't Judaic-Gnostic philosophy encourages the local Christians to grow into the best possible witnesses they can be. False teachers were teaching what was contradictory to Jesus nature and so Paul discusses the divinity of Jesus Christ who is God in flesh was discussed in the first two chapters. Because these flase prophets were quite convincing in their arguments Paul warns the Church to be led astray by philosophy, good speech etc. In the later two chapters Paul preaches on Christian ethics inwardly and outwardly. They were encouraged embrace/honour God in family matters and in our relationships with other believers. By setting our mind on the things above (God), we are better prepared to put aside obstacles that slow us down and prevent the spread of the gospel.