Colossians – Jesus Holds It All
Prayer, Witness, and Making the Most of Every Opportunity
October 14, 2018
51% of American churchgoers do not know the Great Commission. March 2018 (Barna)
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Acts 1:8 NIV
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Why don’t we share our faith?
1. We fear being ridiculed.
2. We don’t feel knowledgeable.
3. We don’t think it’s important.
God does not have any grandchildren. Each generation must hear and believe the Good News!
Colossians 4:2-4 NIV
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
v.4 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Our witness should sound like our prayers.
When we pray compassionate and kind prayers for people, we begin to feel compassion and kindness toward them.
v.5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
Our witness should make the most of every opportunity.
Opportunity – a favorable set of circumstances that makes something possible.
v.6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Our witness should be gracious and wise.
Our mission is not to win a debate.
Our mission is show them something profoundly beautiful.
Notice the progression in v.4, 5, and 6
Pray for them
Look for Divine opportunities
Speak gracious words
Pray, Look, Speak
What should I say?
How has Jesus changed your life?
Tell your own beautiful story of redemption!
The Table:
Luke 15:4-7 NIV
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
