Small Group Preparation Worksheet
Workshop on Biblical Exposition
1. What is the skeletal structure of your Biblical text (grammatical, etc.)? How does that
structure shape the emphasis of your sermon?
Colossians 4:2–6
I. [opportunity for Paul] Continue in Prayer
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, (Imperative)
For self] being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
for Paul] 3 At the same time, pray also for us,
opportunity] 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—
clarity] 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
II. [opportunity for the Colossians] Walk & Talk 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, (Imperative)
a. making the best use of the time.
b. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, (no verb) seasoned with salt,
i. so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Alternate, Following the infinitives
1. Pray for opportunities to speak (3)
2. Pray for clarity of speech (4)
3. Prepare for speech
a. Using time for preparation
b. Gracious speech
Alternate II – A progression
1. Prayer: Speech to God
2. Life: Right Walk
3. Answers: Speech to Outsiders
2. How does your text fit within the immediate context and the message of the book?
It is a continuation of chapter 3, but chapter 4 is really the same idea of chapter 3: Christian living. It also concludes the ethical side of the book, and leads into the personal, specific greetings.
3. What is the theme of the passage? (The theme is one sentence stating the ‘big idea’ of this
particular passage.)
Prayer, wisdom, and speech are the preparations for encounters with outsiders.
4. What is the aim of the passage? (The aim is the author’s intended application for the
listener).
The aim is that the reader will pray for Paul’s opportunity and clarity, and that the reader will wisely consider their life and speech, especially as it pertains to the outsiders.
The Wittenberg Door![]()