Ready, Set, Go!
Pastor Chang Kim
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.
Introduction: How is your Christian life? Have you lost its excitement? Has the fire gone out and you sense yourself just going through the motions? Has the excitement you once had become mundane? Is your church experience dull? Has boredom set in even about worshiping God?
1. Continue steadfastly in P to God vv2-4
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.
As the book of Colossians nears its end the emphasis on steadfastly in praying to God so that we might walk in wisdom toward outsiders is stated.
Prayer, talking to God is the most important expression of the New Life in Christ.
Paul expresses a personal and specific request that God would open a door for him to share the Gospel.
1 Timothy 1:12-16
12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Philippians 3:4-6
Philippians 3:7-12
Paul communed with God from the moment he was saved.
2. Walk in W Toward Outsiders vv5-6
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.
Verse 5 calls believers to show God’s wisdom daily as we interact with outsiders, those who don’t know Christ. Let those who don’t know Christ see that our decision to follow Christ is a wise-one, a decision that has made a difference in our lives.
Paul says, “walk in wisdom.”
2 Corinthians 5:19-20a 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling[c] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ
1 John 4:18a 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
How can we expect to experience full-time joy and peace of the Holy Spirit when we are only a part-time Christian?
Why does Paul encourage us to continue steadfastly in prayer?
What does it mean to walk in wisdom toward outsiders?