Colossians 4:2-18

This week, we are going to look at Paul’s last words in his letter, and let those words tell us some important things about the new life we have in Christ.

Text

Colossians 4:2–18 CSB

Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person. Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, a faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin (concerning whom you have received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and so does Jesus who is called Justus. These alone of the circumcised are my coworkers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you can stand mature and fully assured in everything God wills. For I testify about him that he works hard for you, for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. Luke, the dearly loved physician, and Demas send you greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her home. After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, “Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.” I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Body

Life of Prayer

Exp: Paul calls the Colossian believers to be devoted in prayer with thanksgiving and to pray for open doors of ministry.

Ill: Diddi’s life and testimony of prayer.

App: As followers of Jesus, prayer should be an important part of our lives and laced with thanksgiving and requests for open doors of ministry.

Life of Gracious Living

Exp: Paul calls the Colossian believers to act wisely toward outsiders and speak graciously to everyone.

Ill: Diddi greeting everyone as she drives down her street.

App: As followers of Jesus, we must act and speak in ways that pave the way for people to accept Jesus.

Life of Service

Exp: Paul gives the Colossian believers examples of people serving in sharing the gospel, encouraging, breaking down walls of division, and striving for our brothers and sisters in Christ

Ill: Diddi’s radical decision to serve the people and kids of Haiti to further God’s Kingdom, not her own.

App: As followers of Jesus, we live out lives dedicated to serving the purposes of God’s Kingdom, not our own.

Conclusion

Close your eyes & bow your heads:

Raise your hand if you want to give your whole life to Jesus for the first time today.

Raise your hand if you have been convicted about the way you live your life, and you want to commit to living your life differently from now on.

Raise your hand if you recognize maybe some selfishness in your life, and you want to commit to living your life for God’s purposes rather than your own.

Response

What did you learn about prayer tonight OR what is one area of prayer that you need to grow in and how are you going to grow in it?

How can you live your life in such a way as to be an obstacle to someone receiving Christ?