Further Instructions, Lasting Impact: Colossians 4

Turn in your Bibles to Colossians 4.

James 4:14 reminds us that our life is but “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Life is fragile, isn’t it? In our youth, we take time for granted. But none of us will live forever.

In the words of Steve Miller, time keeps on slippin.

When each of us approach our final days on earth, we (along with our loved ones) can’t help but think about the legacy we leave behind. Don’t we? The impact our life has had on the world. The difference we made; that we hope others will remember… that someone will eulogize.

As followers of Jesus, we are each here for a purpose. We’re disciples here to make disciples. It is the calling of every Christian to have an impact on this world. But the question is: how? What can I practice regularly that will impact the lives of those around me? How can I leave a legacy that lasts?

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul breaks it down for us in a passage that ESV translators titled “Further Instructions.”

Colossians 4:2-6

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Right out of the gate, Paul gives us Step #1. He says if we want to leave a legacy that lasts, then pray. Pray how?

Pray: Constantly. Watchfully. Thankfully.

Let’s look. He says pray constantly.

Continue steadfastly in prayer. The greek word for steadfastly here is sometimes translated “devoted.” We are to devote ourselves to prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 | …Pray without ceasing…

Luke 18:1

And he (Jesus) told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Let’s turn back a few chapters to Colossians 1:3, 9

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you… 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding

So if we want to leave a legacy that lasts, we need to intercede for others constantly. Ask the people in your life, How can I pray for you? And then do it.

The next way to pray is to do so watchfully. Don’t just pray constantly, but watchfully. Alert. Awake. Why watchful?

1 Peter 5:8

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith…

If we are doing the Lord’s work, we will find ourselves on the front lines of a spiritual battle. We need to be vigilant and watchful. Our adversary, as Paul calls him, wants to keep us from leaving a legacy that lasts. How do we guard ourselves against this? We need to be on the lookout for the enemy’s attack.

Pray that God will make you alert; grant you wisdom and help you discern.

Remember Ephesians 6:12,

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Your enemy isn’t your neighbor. Your enemy is a spiritual adversary who wants to prevent you from being an influence on others. Never forget that we are engaged in spiritual warfare, not an earthly one. Be watchful for that.

2 Timothy 2:4

“No [good] soldier [of Christ] gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”

Don’t get so caught up in things that don’t matter. Be watchful of enemy tactics aimed at distracting you. Resist him when you recognize his traps, his schemes and his decoys.

James 4:7

“Submit yourselves …to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

So if we want to leave a lasting legacy; Pray constantly. Pray watchfully. And let’s again look at verse 2, Pray thankfully. “…with thanksgiving.”

Who doesn’t love gratitude? God is constantly working. But sometimes we are far too busy to recognize it.

Appreciate Him and what He is doing in you, through you and all around you. Isn’t that what worship is all about?

I mentioned 1 Thessalonians 5 a few moments ago, but the broader passage sandwiches ‘pray without ceasing’ between two instructions about gratitude. Thes 5:16-18 | “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

If we want to have an impact on the world around us. If we want to leave a legacy that lasts, our prayers must be filled with thanksgiving… always ready to recognize the Lord’s goodness towards us and towards others. He is always at work. Let’s take time to consider what He is doing.

Backing up to Colossians 3:17,

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Discussion

The greek word for steadfastly is sometimes translated “devoted.” What is the difference between praying and being devoted to prayer?
Why watchful? What does 1 Peter 5:8 say we are watching for?
Ask the people in your life, How can I pray for you? And then do it. Who is that person this week?

Speak: Graciously. Clearly. Persuasively.

Okay, so we’ve looked at prayer as Step #1. What’s next? What’s Step #2?

Colossians 4:3-6

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

If we want to leave a lasting legacy, we need to speak. This is a tough one for me. For those who know me, I tend to be a man of few words. But we need to communicate; and Paul encourages us to speak. But speak how?

Let’s look. Paul says in v.6, speak graciously.

Let your speech always be gracious. The greek word here is “charis.” It implies Sweetness. Charm. Kindness. Affection. Favor.

It doesn’t say sometimes be gracious. It says our speech must ALWAYS be gracious. If we want to leave a legacy that lasts, our words must be kind, sweet, loving, winsome. Not just sometimes, but always.

Think about it. Who likes a critic? Who wants to be around a nagging nitpicker? Do you think about how your words are being received? If you want to lead others to Jesus, they first need to see Him in you. Don’t they?

Luke 4:22 | In the synagogue:

And all spoke well of him (Jesus) and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.

When Jesus spoke, he did so graciously. And it had an impact.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Gracious words demonstrate that Jesus is approachable. Don’t they? So we need to extend gracious words to others.

I love how Paul opened every letter with “grace to you, and peace…”

Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:3, 2 Cor 1:2, Gal 1:3, Eph 1:2, Phil 1:2, Col 1:2…

1 & 2 Thes, 1 & 2 Tim, Titus, Philemon

Paul didn’t want anyone to miss the message. That the Lord is full of grace. In fact, God doesn’t want us to miss it either. It is the last verse of the Bible. Revelation 22:21, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”

The next way we’re to speak is to speak clearly. Look at Colossians 4:3-4

“3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison, 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 3:16 says “16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

God wants us to share His word, and to do so clearly. We are to declare the mystery of Christ to others. If we want to have a legacy that lasts, we need to bear witness what God has done for us, and why we’ve put our trust in Jesus.

Don’t hide it under a bushel. Yes, be gracious always. But also share God’s word and make it clear.

Paul says in Romans 10:17,

“…faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

And God Himself said in Isaiah 55:10-11,

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

If you want to have a lasting legacy, speak graciously, speak God’s word clearly, and do so persuasively.

Look at verse 6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

While light is a metaphor for clarity, illumination and glory. Salt is a metaphor for every believer’s influence on the world around us. Jesus used them both.

Mark 9:50

“Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 3:15-17 (ESV)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Okay, so we’ve covered the first two steps for leaving a lasting legacy:

Pray: Constantly. Watchfully. Thankfully.
Speak: Graciously. Clearly. Persuasively.

Discussion

It doesn’t say sometimes be gracious. It says our speech must ALWAYS be gracious. Where is that hardest for you?
Gracious words demonstrate that Jesus is approachable. What do harsh words demonstrate?
Light is a metaphor for clarity and glory. Salt is a metaphor for influence. Why does Paul reach for salt when he talks about how we answer people?

Walk: Wisely. Hospitably. Timely.

And now, let’s look at Step #3.

Colossians 4:5

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

If we want to leave a lasting legacy, we need to put legs to our prayers and feet to our words. We need to walk. Okay, but walk how?

Well Paul says right here in verse 5. Walk wisely. “Walk in wisdom.” What does he mean by this?

A few chapters back, Paul explains in Colossians 1:10-11

10 …walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy

Ephesians 4:1-3

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

1 Thessalonians 2:12

we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

This is wisdom. To walk wisely, we need to walk in a manner that is worthy. Worthy of the Lord. Worthy of our calling. In short, we need to watch our conduct. Because others are taking inventory of how a disciple behaves.

Do you want to have a legacy that lasts? Walk wisely. Walk in wisdom. Okay, let’s unpack this further. Don’t just walk in wisdom, but do so especially toward whom? See Col 4:5,

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Don’t just walk wisely. Also walk hospitably toward those who are outside the faith. Outsiders. People who don’t live like you, think like you, talk like you, walk like you, vote like you. Outsiders. How are we walking toward them?

Are we doing it hospitably? Graciously? Lovingly? Patiently? Respectfully?

If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m not a fan of election years. I try to avoid cable news. Because so much of politics is divisive drama mongering. News flash: this world is not our permanent home. We’re citizens of another kingdom, and subjects of a king. His name is Jesus and His kingdom is eternal. Our duty is to lovingly invite others into THAT kingdom. Christ’s kingdom.

How can we do this if we are throwing barbs against other people? If we treat others like they are unwelcome to us? or to Jesus?

Romans 12:13-16 (ESV)

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.

How do we make outsiders feel about us? We should care a great deal. How they feel about us may impact how they feel about our words; and the Savior we say that we follow. So consider how you walk toward outsiders.

Paul says in 1 Tim 3:7 that the qualification of any leader in the church is that, “he must be well thought of by outsiders.”

He also instructs us all in 1 Thes 4:11-12, “to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders…”

And Peter himself in 1 Pet 2:12 urges us to, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

If we want to leave a lasting legacy, our reputation among outsiders in the broader community where God has planted us really matters. So walk in wisdom TOWARD outsiders.

And finally, here in Colossians 4:5, when doing this, when walking in wisdom toward outsiders, do so by “making best use of the time.”

Do it in a timely manner. Look for those opportune moments where God is calling you to act. Your timing can leave a lasting impression.

Put down the phone. Get off the couch. Get into the community. Engage with others. With outsiders, wherever God has planted you. Show them the love of Jesus. And be there in the moment someone needs a friend.

May we all make better use of our time, our short time here on earth, and leave a lasting impression on someone who needs the Lord.

Discussion

Outsiders. People who don’t live like you, think like you, talk like you, walk like you, vote like you. How are we walking toward them?
How do we make outsiders feel about us? Why should we care a great deal?
Making the best use of the time. Where is the opportune moment God is putting in front of you right now?

Something to Sit With

So in summary, to leave a lasting legacy:

Pray: Constantly. Watchfully. Thankfully.
Speak: Graciously. Clearly. Persuasively.
Walk: Wisely. Hospitably. Timely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Colossians 4:2-6 teach about Christian living?

Colossians 4:2-6 gives three practical instructions for believers who want to leave a lasting impact. Pray with constancy, watchfulness, and gratitude. Speak with grace, clarity, and persuasion. Walk with wisdom, hospitality, and good timing, especially toward those outside the faith.

What does “seasoned with salt” mean in Colossians 4:6?

Salt preserves and adds flavor. When Paul says speech should be “seasoned with salt,” he means words should be life-giving, persuasive, and useful.

Not bland or empty. Not harsh or abrasive. Flavorful in a way that draws people toward truth and makes them want more.

How can I walk wisely toward outsiders?

Walking wisely toward outsiders means being hospitable, respectful, and honorable in conduct. It means your reputation matters, especially among people who do not share your faith. Paul urges believers to “walk properly before outsiders” and to be “well thought of” by those outside the church.

What does it mean to pray without ceasing?

Praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) does not mean every moment is spent in formal prayer. It means maintaining an ongoing awareness of God’s presence and a readiness to bring everything to him.

Constant conversation. Open lines. A heart that defaults to prayer instead of worry.

How do I leave a lasting Christian legacy?

According to Colossians 4, a lasting legacy is built on three habits: devoted prayer (including intercession for others), gracious and clear communication of God’s word, and a consistent walk that reflects wisdom and love, especially toward those who do not yet know Christ.