Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us A door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ... Col 4:3 St. Paul was keenly aware that ordinary words, words without the backing of the Spirit would not produce conversion and change. He has told us in chapter three to seek the things which are above in order to speak through the breath of the Spirit and now he is asking us to pray for a door of utterance. The door is an opportunity to speak in the Spirit. Unless God opens a door the leading of the Spirit will not be experienced. We need to pray for the opportunity as well as the gift of utterance. Utterance can be many things. In this case it is probably the opportunity to preach in the Spirit. Yet utterance could be teaching in the Spirit. It could also be testimony. Even still, utterance could be the gift of tongues, interpretation, or prophesy. A word of wisdom or knowledge, the gift of faith could all be evidence of utterance and without utterance our words will be fruitless. If you have not been successful in evangelism, edification, counsel, or comfort either you don't have the gift of utterance or the door to use the gift is still closed. Even St. Paul needed the gift and an open door. St. Paul exhorts the Colossians to pray that God would open the door to speak the mystery of Christ, Christ in you the hope of glory (Col 1:27): the mystery of Christ that through his death we gain everlasting life, that through his resurrection and ascension we receive his Holy Spirit, that through his life in us the sinner can become a saint. The counsel of St. Paul bears witness for all Christians to receive the Holy Spirit and to depend on God for all things that will allow us to be fruitful witnesses for Christ. So pray for the gift and an open door.Amen |