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.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul encouraged believers to devote themselves to prayer as an essential part of the Christian life. Our prayer should be continual (1 Thes 5:17) and active, keeping watch for those things that distract us from it. We can be distracted by the concerns of the world (Phil 4:6; 1 Cor 16:13) or by the schemes of the devil (1 Pet 5:8). Our prayers should always be done in an attitude of thanksgiving to God (1 Thes 5:18; Rom 1:21). Paul asked for prayer for himself and those with him, not for selfish gain or even personal wellbeing, but for the advancement of the gospel. Paul asked that a door would be opened to have the opportunity to share the gospel message, especially the fact that faith in Jesus was available to Gentiles, not only Jews. Paul was in prison because of the gospel but that didn’t hinder him from recognising that God could give him opportunities anywhere (Phil 1:12-14). Paul also asked for prayer that when he received those opportunities, he would speak clearly, that people who heard would understand his message. Paul knew his mission and didn’t want to waste any opportunity to clearly present the gospel.
Paul also encouraged believers to consider their public lives. We need wisdom in how we live in front of unbelievers making full use of every opportunity. Just as Paul wanted to use every opportunity to speak clearly, we should use every opportunity to act in a way that shows the world the grace of God. How we speak should always be gracious, yet seasoned with salt. We must speak in a way that is gentle and pleasing yet pure and full of truth. When we live well and speak well, then we too will have the opportunity to answer people’s questions about our hope in Jesus (1 Pet 3:15).
Have you shared your faith with anyone? Are you praying for opportunities? Is your life different from those around you that would cause them to ask you why? Does the way you live work in harmony with the words you say (or your online posts) about your faith?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Peter and John Arrested: Acts 3-4