Living a Questionable Life

Introduction

Exposition of

Introduction

Good morning Church. I’m excited and grateful to be able to be here with you this morning.

For the next little while we will talk about what it looks like to “Live a Questionable Life”. You might be asking yourself what does he mean by this? I think Paul gives us some guidance on this topic. But before I get into it I wanted to share a quick little story.

I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard of Eric Liddell, who was often referred to as the “Flying Scotsman”? Liddell was a missionary to China, and was widely known for his running. He was a very well-known sprinter during the early 1900s. He even set a British record in the 100-yard sprint. So much so that he was the favorite to and was training to win the Gold medal in the 100-meter sprint at the 1924 Summer Olympics that was to be held in Paris.

Now, Liddell was a man of conviction and up until this point he refused to run on a Sunday because of his beliefs that it was the Lord’s day and to be set apart as holy. Therefore, when he heard that the 100-meter heat at the Paris Olympics, which was his best event, was to be held on Sunday he withdrew from the race. Instead he concentrated on the 200 meter and 400 meter races, which was not his strongest distances, as they were not held on a Sunday. Before he ran the 400-meter final he was slipped a piece of paper from a US Olympic team member which included the words from , “Those who honor me I will honor”. As he ran the 400 meters, sprinting from the start, he created as significant gap to the other runners and held onto win God and set a new Olympic record time of 47.6 seconds.

Now, Liddell was a man of conviction and up until this point he refused to run on a Sunday because of his beliefs that it was the Lord’s day and to be set apart as holy. Therefore, when he heard that the 100-meter heat at the Paris Olympics, which was his best event, was to be held on Sunday he withdrew from the race. Instead he concentrated on the 200 meter and 400 meter races, which were not his strongest distances, as they were not held on a Sunday. Before he ran the 400-meter final he was slipped a piece of paper from a US Olympic team member which included the words from , “Those who honor me I will honor”. As he ran the 400 meters, sprinting from the start, he created as significant gap to the other runners and held onto win God and set a new Olympic record time of 47.6 seconds.

Now I don’t share this story for any other reason but to point out that because of Eric’s convictions, which were counter to this world, he stood out. He faced a great deal of questions about why he chose not to run on a Sunday. Why would he choose such a stance in a race where he was very likely to win. He was not afraid to live a questionable life.

So what is a “Questionable Life”. I would define a “Questionable Life” as a life lived where as others look at you they are puzzled and are drawn to ask you why you live the way you do. A life where the person seeks to live different that was is seemed to be normal to the world. So this morning I want us to look at a piece of Scripture where the Apostle Paul encourages us to live a life such as this.

So what is a “Questionable Life”. I would define a “Questionable Life” as a life lived where as others look at you they are puzzled and are drawn to ask you why you live the way you do. A life where the person seeks to live different than what is seemed to be normal to the world. So, this morning, I want us to look at a piece of Scripture where the Apostle Paul encourages us to live a life such as this.

Please turn with me to . Pray.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 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. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way that you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

2 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. 5 Be wise in the way that you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Background on passage in Colossians

Just to give you a quick snapshot of where we are in the book of Colossians. The book of Colossians was written to the church in Colossae by the apostle Paul, who was in prison. This is thought to have been written during the time that Paul spent in prison in Rome. Paul describes the Church in Colossae as saints, holy people. And so we can presumably view them as people who believed and trusted in Jesus. Scholars believe that this letter was written to this church to counteract teaching which might have become attractive to or threatening to the faithful believers in Colossae, doesn’t that sound quite familiar to what is going on today in our country and throughout the world? This teaching that was becoming attractive to them was potentially diluting their appreciation of the full significance of Christ in their lives.

Just to give you a quick snapshot of where we are in the book of Colossians. The book of Colossians is a letter that is written to the church in Colossae by the apostle Paul, who at the time was in prison. This is thought to have been written during the time that Paul spent in prison in Rome. Paul describes the Church in Colossae as saints, holy people. And so we can view them as people who believed and trusted in Jesus. This letter was written to this church to counteract teaching which might have become attractive to or threatening to the faithful believers in Colossae, doesn’t that sound quite familiar to what is going on today in our country and throughout the world? This teaching that was becoming attractive to them was diluting their appreciation of the full significance of Christ in their lives.

In the beginning of this letter we see Paul pouring out thanksgiving to this church. He knows them as Christian’s who have heard and understand the message of Christ. Where the gospel is growing among them. He shares with them his prayers for them, that; God will continually fill them with the knowledge of his will that his Spirit gives, that they will live a life that is worthy of the Lord, pleasing him in every way, growing in their knowledge of Him, and being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might.

In Chapter 2 Paul goes on to encourage them to understand the message, to understand this great message that they’ve been given, so that no one can deceive them with “fine-sounding arguments”. To not be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and these elements of spiritual forces. He encouraged them to continually live in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him. For ultimately it is Christ, through his power that guides us through these challenges. They were to remember that they have been brought into fullness by God.

In Chapter 2 Paul goes on to encourage them to understand the message, to understand this great message that they’ve been given, so that no one can deceive them with “fine-sounding arguments”. To not be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and elements of spiritual forces. He encouraged them to continually live in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him. For ultimately it is Christ, through his power that guides us through these challenges. They were to remember that they have been brought into fullness by God.

Then Paul goes on to tell them to set their minds on things above, because they have been raised up with Christ, and not to focus on earthly things. They are to put to death these things that belong to their earthly nature. And counter to this they are to put on the good virtues mentioned, and over these to put on love. All these things were to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through his wonderful name.

With the start of the section of Scripture that we are focusing on this morning, Paul, is concluding his series of encouragements about the way the Lordship of Christ is to be lived out in the daily lives of those of the Church in Colossae.

At the section of Scripture that we are focusing on this morning, Paul, is concluding his series of encouragements about the way the Lordship of Christ is to be lived out in the daily lives of those of the Church in Colossae.

As we get to our passage this morning I believe that the question that we should ask ourselves is “How do we live a life worthy of questioning?”

And as we get to our passage this morning I believe that the question that we should ask ourselves is “How do we live a life worthy of questioning?”

I believe that our passage provides us with 2 ways in which we can answer this question.

1. We must be people who are in prayer. ()

Paul writes in verses 2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 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. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

I believe that in this Paul is instructing the church in Colossae to be; 1. Devoted in Prayer, 2. Being watchful and thankful, 3. In prayer for others. We’ll spend a little time looking at each of these.

Paul himself not only practiced a mature prayer life but he also instructed the church in Colossae to be in a similar practice. To be devoted to prayer. It is said that prayer should not be viewed a spiritual luxury; prayer should be something that is practiced regularly in the life of a believer. Why is that? It is because there is power in prayer. It is essential for growth of a believer, into being more and more conformed into the likeness of Jesus. It is vital to each person’s spiritual health. For us I believe that scripture directs us time and time again to be in this continual posture of prayer. says “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of the Lord’s people.” In it says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I’m aware of a story of some early African converts to Christianity who were earnest and regular in private devotions. Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the thicket where he would pour out his heart to God. Over time the paths to these places became well worn. As a result, if one of these believers began to neglect prayer, it was soon apparent to the others. They would kindly remind the negligent one, "Brother, the grass grows on your path." I believe that for us we should be reminded to have a regular prayer life. It is key to our development as believers. We should not neglect it.

Paul then goes on to tell the church that in this posture of prayer that they should be watchful, the word used here has a meaning of being “awake” and alert. Here Paul is drawing attention to the fact that in their prayer lives they should be mindful about spiritual drowsiness or tiredness which is caused by attention to the world. This can be linked to the deceptive philosophies that this church was facing, and which Paul talked about earlier in this letter. Paul is warning the Colossians to not get drawn into this drowsiness that they can get by being focused on worldly things. I think this is a great lesson for all of us this morning. Think about it, as we get pulled into all that the world offers we can get spiritually drowsy, we can get dragged away from all that Christ desires of us. We were talking last night at youth group about how good it is to be weird; weird meaning to stand out and be different than what is acceptable by the worlds standards.

Paul then tells them to be thankful in their prayer lives. This being a true appreciation for the believer’s status, which is “dead” to sin and “alive” in Christ. This status draws us into thankfulness to our heavenly father. Scripture again talks about thanksgiving on many occasions. In it says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Paul then encourages them to be in prayer for him and others who are in ministry. He has asked them for prayer that God may open doors for them in ministry, that they may share the mystery of Christ to others. They were reminded to be in prayer for them, who were effectively in the mission field. Paul was in prison, which he used as an opportunity to share Christ with those who have kept him captive. He understood that he needed the prayers of others to help sustain his ministry. Why would he need this? Again, it is that immense power that comes with prayer. For us, are we in regular prayer for the ministries of First Baptist, for the various opportunities that our brothers and sisters get on a weekly basis to present this great mystery of Jesus throughout our community? I know that as I spent time in this scripture that I was cut to the core that I do not spend enough time in prayer for our ministries. I would encourage you, as I encourage myself to be in prayer for the various ministries that we engage in.

Then Paul asks for prayer so that he can to preach and present this “mystery of Christ” clearly, which he says is “as he should”. Paul seems compelled and obligated to present this good news of Jesus, and wants to do it in such way that others can clearly understand this message. This is another great example for us. We should desire to have a handle of this good news in such a way that we can present it to others with clarity. Are you able to share your faith in Christ in a way that is clear? Have you thought about your personal testimony? Have you written it out? God’s word calls us to think about these things. says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”. As we seek to live lives worthy to be questioned we should be ready to share about this hope that we have when we are questioned.

Then why is Paul spending time encouraging the Colossians into this life of prayer? Ultimately Paul knows that spending time with our heavenly father is crucial in the life of the believer. Similar to what is said by James in when he says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Paul knows that prayer helps us to align ourselves with God. When we draw near, or get closer to God, he will draw near, or get closer to us. It is one of the means that God uses to change those who believe in Him. When we take the time to spend talking with God, and listening to what God is saying to us we will be amazed at what he speaks into our lives. And in this time, we should be expecting God to change us. Dr. Eric Mason hits the nail on the head when he says that as God changes us, through prayer, that the world will be changed. As we allow God to change us we will look differently, we will speak and therefore sound differently to the world around us. We will appear different to those around us.

So as we seek to live prayerful lives, where we expect God to change and conform us into the likeness of Jesus, we will be different from the world around us. People will be compelled to question us and ask us why we are different, what makes us different.

So back to our original question “How do we live a life worthy of questioning?” I think Paul shares another way in which we can answer this.

2. We must live in a way that surprises the world.

Paul writes in verses 5-6, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Paul is giving instruction to the church to be wise in the way they act toward outsiders, those outside of their fellowship. Paul understands that this wisdom doesn’t come from man. This wisdom is God provided wisdom. gives us a great glimpse of this wisdom that comes from above, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This God given wisdom is certainly counter to this world that we live in. But how do we get this wisdom. I think much of this can be gained from our study and meditating on Scripture. Were told in , “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” And then in , “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” When we study scripture we are essentially pouring the thoughts of God into our hearts and minds, we are allowing the wisdom of God in, which then can be used when the opportune time presents itself, when we get questioned by the world.

Paul tells them to make the most of every opportunity, which is in relation to making Christ known to others. He tells them that they should make the most out of every chance that get to share this incredible news that they have. They must be ready and willing to do this. This for us is a reminder to be ready. As we live a live that is worthy to be questioned, we need to be ready to share this hope and the reason for why we are different. says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” And to re-emphasize , we must be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have.

But he doesn’t stop there, Paul provides them some teaching on how to live out these commands on their lives. He tells the church in Colossae that they should always let their conversation be seasoned with salt, always full of grace, as they communicate with those outside of the fellowship.

Now salt has many uses; it was and is used as a preservative, and as a means to season a meal. But in Paul’s time it was also used in sacrifices to God. As it was placed on the altar it was burned up as an offering to God. Therefore, one view of this phrase is could have been going through the mind of the Colossians as there were reading or hearing this letter is that their conversations and words must be offered up to God, pleasing to Him. Another view is that salt is used as a preserving agent, salt preserves. Their conversations and thoughts were to be preserving, to be kept from rotting. says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Are our conversations building up others, are they benefitting those who listen? Do you and I need to adjust what we say in order for our words to be preserving. But I think an important element of what Paul is communicate here is that our words as to be attractive to others, they should draw them in. They should be tasty to those who we speak to. Again, we have this great news of Jesus that we’ve been give, we should be bursting at the seams to share this with the world, and when we share it should be attracting to others. And in order for us to do this we need to go back to what we talked about a little earlier. We must be in prayer, this is where we start. God fill me with this joy, this overwhelming desire to proclaim you, to have my speech pleasing and honoring to you. We need to ask for to provide this for us to sustain us and allow us to be able to do this. We absolutely cannot do this on our own.

So how are we to live this questionable life?

1. We must be people who are in prayer.

2. We must live in a way that surprises the world.

Conclusion

George Bernard Shaw once said, “This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one: the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap, and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

We should be seeking and aiming to live a life in this true Joy that God provides, that is different to our world and culture. That desires what is right and seeks to pour that back into the world. To be ready to share this good news and to want to take every opportunity to make it known to the people around us. God has a great plan for you and I, and he has revealed it though these instructions in his word. Would you be open to allowing yourself to be used by God? Would you devote yourself to prayer and living in a way that surprises the world?

PRAY