Encouraging Connections

Paul knows something that many of us forget—people change and grow through encouragement. He doesn’t hesitate to say a hard truth when needed, but his go-to is reminding people of all they have in Christ and encouraging them to live out their union with Christ in the everyday details of life. In keeping with that, he closes out Colossians with some more encouraging words. As he does, we get a glimpse of the fruit of being in Christian community. What does living out our identity in Christ look like in the church?

A Praying, Outreaching Church

Paul reminds them that one practical, specific way to love each other is to pray for each other. Colossians 4:2–4 (CSB) begins with the call to “devote yourselves to prayer.” Formerly they had devoted themselves to all that belonged to their earthly nature (3:5), but now because they are devoted to Christ, they are also devoted to praying to Christ about all of life and all their needs.

Paul models this lifestyle for them as he says “also pray for us.” Then he gives them specific prayer requests about his life and ministry. For some of us, it’s easier to pray for others than to be vulnerable and to seek prayer for ourselves. But Paul didn’t hesitate to ask for prayer.

The prayer lifestyle Paul is calling them to is an ongoing rhythm of life, not a temporary, one-and-done activity. Paul counsels the Colossians to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Don’t stop, don’t quit, don’t give up! And, as you pray, be thankful. Praying for one another is a serious calling and a practical way to love others. We pray for the people we are called to love and watch and wait for the Lord to work. Along the way you will see that prayer connects us to others in a unique, God-centered way.

For many years, I’ve been part of a pastors’ group (“the soul brothers”). We share ideas, resources, and recommend books to each other. But we have also decided to share with each other our deepest burdens and struggles—including our sins. I am so grateful for this group of brothers and for their encouragement to me personally. We regularly text each other with requests and seek to imitate Paul’s attitude about asking for prayer. Let’s be quick to imitate Paul in saying “pray also for us” (4:3) and “pray also for me” (Ephesians 6:19 CSB).

What should we pray about? The short answer is everything! And a big part of everything is the ministry of the gospel. In verses 5–6, Paul asks them to pray for gospel ministry and to be concerned about those who don’t know Jesus. We should also pray for open doors for “the word.” Paul asks them to pray for the mission and ministry of the gospel.

A Church That Loves Outsiders

Paul moves from instructions for prayer to exhortation about gospel-shaped speech when we are with those who don’t believe. Gospel speech shapes our conversation with other Christians, and it can also be overheard and observed by others around us. Here is a direct appeal to care about everyone who watches our lives and who listens to our speech.

During my twenty-two years of living in Philadelphia as a church planter and pastor, I was very aware at the end of every day of the opportunities that occurred in the walk from where my car was parked on the street (hopefully on my block if I could find a spot!) and my front door. That simple walk often provided an opportunity to ask about a neighbor’s life, to check in on someone’s health, to discover a need, to have gospel conversation, or simply to say hello and talk about the day. Those conversations could be one minute or sometimes one hour.

All of our small moments with neighbors and coworkers can add up to a life that impacts those around us for good. When you take the time to stop, listen, look, and engage with others, you will have opportunities to love and to share God’s love.

A Connected, Serving Church

In Colossians 4:7–18, Paul honors fellow Christians for the gospel work they are doing. By doing so, he connects them with one another. Sharing about the ways that God is working in others’ lives blesses, encourages, and comforts.

Tychicus isn’t just a messenger of news. He’s not just the postman for this apostolic letter. He “is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” Onesimus isn’t just an escaped slave returning home (see the book of Philemon for the details), he is also “our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.” Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are not just mentioned as fellow Jewish believers who work in gospel ministry, Paul shows public appreciation for them and wished to honor them openly: “They have been a comfort to me.” The gospel that has changed Paul’s heart changes the way he sees, loves, and interacts with those close to him.

Ministry reports have a purpose. We learn from the fruit and hard lessons of others. Celebrating ministry fruit connects believers with one another and with what Jesus is doing and accomplishing among them. Paul shares news of other churches and leaders to celebrate the grace of God. Paul honors servant leaders who should be imitated and followed. In verses 16–17, Paul cites the brothers at Laodicea, Nympha with her house church, and Archippus, and he cheers on their gospel work. In a similar way, we too can cheer each other on in our local church and gospel community and churches an cheer on other churches as well! We are one body in Christ.

Churches helping other churches.

Christians encouraging other Christians.

Hmmm . . . sounds like something in the Bible.

Is that rhythm of help and encouragement in your life and church?

Paul ends his letter to the Colossians with a personal greeting and a request to be remembered. It’s almost as if Paul is saying “Hey, it’s really me. And yeah—please don’t forget me. I’m in prison, continue to pray for me and for this ministry.” What we see in Colossians 4 is a praying church, a connected church, and a church that seeks to practice love and honor. May we all grow in these things together!


Excerpted from Colossians: Becoming Who You Are in Christ © 2024 by Steve Huber. Used with permission of New Growth Press. May not be reproduced without prior written permission.


Colossians Frontcover

colossians: Becoming Who You Are in Christ

In a culture where questions about identity are at the forefront, Christians need to remember the most important thing that defines them is being united to Christ. This truth is a daily reality that brings strength and a confident destiny that brings hope. Through Steve Huber’s study of Colossians, participants will discover the powerful transformation that occurs when their identity is deeply rooted in their union with Jesus.

About the author

Steve Huber

Steve Huber, MDiv, serves as Lead Pastor of Covenant Church Doylestown and director of the Liberti Communion of Churches (www.liberti.org). He lives in Doylestown, PA with his wife, Christine, and they have three adult children. Steve is the author of Colossians: Becoming Who You Are in Christ.

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