An Apostle's Advice

The Epistle draws to a close and after the doctrinal teaching come some personal counsels, with special reference to practical life.

I. Prayer (v. 2)

The Apostle exhorts to continuance in prayer. The word he uses is singularly interesting and illuminating when looked at in its use in the New Testament. Thus, in writing to Rome St. Paul begs them to “continue instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). The earliest believers continued regularly in the Temple (Acts 2 :46); Simon “continued lyith Philip” (Acts 8:13); the little boat was to “wait” on our Lord “continually” (Mark 3:9). These all suggest persistence and perseverance in prayer, what Maclaren helpfully describes as “regular adherence as well as uninterrupted companionship,” including “earnest¬ ness and continuity.” This is no doubt the meaning of what is often described as “the spirit of prayer” for as someone has remarked, “whatever may be the attitude of the body, the soul should always be on its knees.”

II. Watchfulness (v. 2)

The connection of this with prayer is significant. It is the word employed by Christ in Gethsemane to the disciples (Matt. 26:38, 40), and implies alertness, avoid¬ ing all drowsiness and sleep. We are never told in the New Testament what or whom to watch, the word, though in the active voice, being invariably found without the customary object. We are not to watch ourselves, which would be depressing; we are not to watch Satan, which

An Apostle’s Advice, 4:2-6 would be distracting; we are not to watch our sins, which would be disheartening, but we are to keep our gaze fixed on Christ, “looking off unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:2, Greek), and as we are occupied with Him we shall be enabled to see all that is necessary for us to see. “In thy light shall we see light.”

III. Thanksgiving (v. 2)

Once again this note of thankfulness is struck, and it is impossible to exaggerate its importance, especially as it is found so often in the New Testament (3:15; 1:12; 1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:4, 20). This feature of the Apostle’s spiritual life is most impressive and there is no doubt that its absence is invariably a cause of weakness of faith and hope, for thanksgiving will inevitably result in “thanksliving.”

IV. Intercession (vs. 3, 4)

The appeal for prayer was intended to include the Apostle as well (Eph. 6:19), and this would prevent their prayers from becoming self-centered. He was an ambassador of the Gospel in bonds (Phil. 1 :13) and he desired that God would give him unhindered opportunity to pro¬ claim the Gospel. He wishes every hindrance removed so that to all who came “the mystery of Christ might be made known.” He was conscious of a supreme necessity for manifesting this Gospel (1 Cor. 9:16) and he sought their prayers in order that he might be enabled to do it as he was bound to do. There are few ways of usefulness more valuable and powerful than that of intercession, especially for our fellow-workers and for ministers. It is a very familiar incident that on one occasion Spurgeon was asked the secret of his success and he remarked, “My people pray for me.” In no mere poetical or theoretical sense, but in blessed practical reality, the words of Tennyson are true, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

V. Conduct (v. 5)

Now the counsels turn to the outward life of the Christians, with special reference to those who are not yet believers, and the Apostle urges them to “walk in wisdom” and to “redeem the time.” The description of the unconverted as “them that are without” (1 Cor. 5:12) in contrast with them that are within, is at once significant and sad, because the unbeliever is not only outside the Church, but he is without God, without Christ, without real joy, without power, and, of course, without hope (Eph. 2:12). There is scarcely anything more impressive than this simple yet wonderfully significant description, “them that are without.” Outside a house is often to be in darkness, in danger, in storm, in loneliness, and when people are outside Christ they are without fellowship, in constant peril, and in the unutterable darkness of sin. This phrase, “them that are without” should often come home to “them that are within,” and make its solemn and searching appeal for prayer and effort. “To walk in wisdom” means to live a life of conduct in such a way as to impress and win “them that are without.” Some one has said that “the Christian is the world’s Bible, and sometimes they will read no other.” There is no doubt that Christians are continually being watched by those that are not yet followers of Christ in order to see whether there is any reality is our religion. The late Bishop of Durham makes an impressive point on this passage in his valuable volume, Colossian Studies. He tells of one who was “totally sceptical,” and while not unwilling to listen to Christian witness, he was stumbled by the listless air of a Christian congregation in Church, and the man asked himself, “Can these Christians possess any secret better than my reason

An Apostle’s Advice, 4:2-6 gives me?” (p. 261). “Redeeming the time” means in the original “buying up the opportunity,” which suggests letting no opportunities be lost, using every occasion wisely to impress and if possible lead to Christ “them that are without.” As Lightfoot, referring to the corresponding passage in Ephesians (5:16), says, “The prevailing evil of the times makes the opportunities for good more precious.”

VI. Speech (v. 4)

Their words, as well as their conduct, need to be true to Christ. Their speech is not merely to be pleasant but marked by Divine grace, and the “salt” means such a spiritual flavour that it will never be flat, but forceful and telling, wholesome, free from all harm, and capable of inspiring others with moral and spiritual blessing (1 Pet. 3:15). When a Christian bears testimony with brightness, and yet without lightness, his words will be a blessing to those around and a testimony to the God of all grace.

As this section is reviewed we see in it something of the completeness of the Christian life. It has its relation to God (v. 2) and its relation to man, in prayer, word, and deed. This is the meaning of the word “consistent,” which implies a life that stands firmly and well all around, with no weakness or failure such as the unconverted might use as a reason for continuing to neglect and reject Christianity. A life that is true and strong, blessed and useful in every part, will do more than anything else to glorify God and win others to Him (Matt. 5 :16).

This is only possible by the grace of God in answer to prayer and trust. It was an apostle who said, “by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10), and the same grace is available for us if only we are ready to look up to God and yield ourselves to Him in whole¬ hearted surrender and sincere obedience (2 Cor. 9:8).