One Verse at a Time

This episode looks at Colossians 4:10, “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him).” Aristarchus suffers with Paul in prison, and even after past disagreement and desertion, Paul and Mark reconcile. May we follow their example.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:9, “and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.” May we slow down enough to be one with one another as family.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:8, “I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts.” We should desire to know how others are doing, and we should look for ways to encourage one another.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:7, “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” May God unite us together in the body of Christ with this tight of a kinship, and may we desire to be updated on the activities of our family members.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” We want to speak the right word at the right time for maximum gospel impact. We need wisdom and help to do so.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:5, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” We want to take advantage of gospel opportunities, and we want to make those opportunities through our way of life. May God help us.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:4, “that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” Sometimes the mystery of Christ is hard to understand and that makes it hard to speak clearly. May God grant us grace in both of these ways.

This episode looks at Colossians 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.” We want opportunities, even costly ones, to proclaim the truth to others. May God bring those opportunities for us.

This episode looks at Colossians 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Paul calls us in prayer to overcome three challenges (Gerald Peterman, Moody Bible Commentary): 1) lack of dedication; 2) a sluggish approach to prayer; 3) prayers filled with requests but devoid of thanksgiving. May it be so in our prayer lives.

This episode looks at Proverbs 11:31, “If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner.” We look forward to the day where this proverb will certainly come to fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth. As we await that day, we ask for God’s grace to enjoy life and do good as we trust in his sovereign plan.