Introduction
In this week’s sermon, we delved into the final chapter of the Book of Colossians, focusing on the themes of prayer, evangelism, and living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus. As we approach the Advent season, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of being devoted to prayer and making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel.
The Importance of Devotion to Prayer
Paul begins and ends the Book of Colossians with a strong emphasis on prayer. In Colossians 4:2, he urges believers to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Devotion to prayer means setting aside dedicated time to communicate with God, much like how a husband and wife are devoted to each other. This devotion should be characterized by watchfulness and thankfulness, ensuring that our prayers are meaningful and not just a checklist item.
Being Watchful and Thankful
Being watchful in prayer means paying attention to the needs around us and being alert to the opportunities God places in our path. Thankfulness, on the other hand, ensures that our prayers are filled with gratitude, recognizing God’s blessings in our lives. This combination of watchfulness and thankfulness makes our prayer life more effective and aligned with God’s will.
Praying for Opportunities to Share the Gospel
Paul, even while in chains, asks for prayers that he may proclaim the gospel clearly (Colossians 4:3-4). This highlights the importance of praying for opportunities to share the message of Jesus. It’s not just about growing the church in numbers but about reaching out to those who don’t know Jesus and sharing the love and salvation He offers.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
In Colossians 4:5, Paul advises believers to “be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” This means living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus, so that when opportunities arise to share the gospel, our actions and words are in harmony. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
Conversations Full of Grace
Paul further instructs in Colossians 4:6 to let our conversations be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” This means our words should be kind, thoughtful, and impactful, enhancing the message of the gospel. Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, our words should enhance the message of Jesus, making it appealing and understandable to those who hear it.
The Role of the Church in Evangelism
The sermon also touched on the collective responsibility of the church in evangelism. It’s not just the pastor’s job to attract people to the church; every believer has a role to play. By living out the gospel in our daily lives and being prepared to share our faith, we contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the church community.
Life Application
As we reflect on this sermon, let’s challenge ourselves to apply these teachings in our daily lives. Here are a few questions to consider:
Am I devoted to prayer? – Do I set aside dedicated time to communicate with God, being watchful and thankful?
Am I making the most of every opportunity? – Do I live in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus, so that when opportunities arise to share the gospel, my actions and words are in harmony?
Are my conversations full of grace? – Do my words enhance the message of Jesus, making it appealing and understandable to those who hear it?
Conclusion
This week, let’s commit to being more devoted to prayer, making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel, and ensuring our conversations are full of grace. By doing so, we can be effective witnesses for Jesus, bringing His love and salvation to those around us.
Life Application Challenge:
This week, set aside dedicated time each day for prayer, focusing on being watchful and thankful. Look for opportunities to share the gospel and be mindful of how your actions and words reflect the teachings of Jesus. Let your conversations be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you can effectively share the hope that is within you.