Stop Guiding Yourself (4:2-6)

Stop Guiding Yourself

Colossians 4:2-6

INTRODUCTION

100 Sheep– one lost- leave the 99 Luke 15:4-7

Luke 15:4–7 ESV

4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Guided to the lost as ambassadors of reconciliation. It’s His example.

Colossians 4:2–6 ESV

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.

3 Ways We Are Guided

I. Guided in Our Prayer (2-4)

Colossians 4:2–4 ESV

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.

A.           Steadfast

=Persistent

1.            Continue Earnestly= don’t let Go

2.            ILL– Cliff Hanger- Sylvester Stallone (best friend’s girlfriend)

B.            Watchful

=Alert

1.            Vigilant= alert to special needs

a.            More than just awake

C.            Thankful

1.            Thanksgiving= same as Phil 4, “Be anxious for nothing...”

2.            Thankfulness to God is an important part of powerful prayer.

a.            Great evangelists always have great prayer lives.

D.           Opportunity

Colossians 4:3 ESV

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—

1.            Open Door= Opportunity

E.            Clarity

Colossians 4:4 ESV

4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

II. Guided in our Walk (5)

Colossians 4:5 ESV

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

A.           True

1.            Walk in Wisdom= the way we live around unbelievers is important

2.            Gandhi- he said he would have become a Christian if it weren’t for the Christians.

B.            Deliberate

1.            Redeem the time- don’t’ waste a moment.

a.            Buy back– don’t miss an opportunity.

2.            Our busy life– we fail to have conversations with those around us.

a.            Do you make eye contact with people in Wal-Mart?

III. Guided in our Speech (6)

Colossians 4:6 ESV

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

A.           Grace

- love for the ignorant sinner.

1.            We are not to judge.

B.            Salt

- you know when salt is present

1.            Kitchen Impossible– train meal

a.            Used salt instead of sugar.

.            How many conversations do we have with the lost and we leave never seasoning their life.

a.            Our conversations must leave behind the flavor of Christ.

C.            Knowledge

1.            Vs 3- Mystery -

Colossians 4:3 ESV

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—

2.            Be ready- study the Bible and be ready.

3.            Not to argue– but to point people to God.

CONCLUSION

Where are you being guided?