1) What words would you use to describe your prayer life? What words would you like to use?
2) How does the way you live out your faith impact those who don’t share your faith? How can you live well before those on the outside?
3) How strong are you at the end of the race? How well do you finish the tasks you are given?
Paul uses an intense word to address the manner of prayer in our lives. He says (4:2), “Devote yourselves to prayer.” The ideas behind this word are to persevere, be constantly diligent. Does this describe your prayer life? What would it take to make this the case for you?
Paul has been writing to the church about life in the church. But here (4:5-6), as he nears the end of his letter, he instructs us how to act toward outsiders; those that don’t share our faith in Christ. Be wise. Be gracious. Be prepared. Peter echoed a similar thought in 1 Peter 3:15, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
We know nothing about the man or the task he had been given. But Paul used this opportunity (4:17) to encourage and challenge him to finish well: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” How you finish really matters. Be a person that sees tasks through to the end.
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