Colossians 4 - Circles of Opportunity

1) 5-4-08…PM…SBC 2)

“Circles of Opportunity”

Colossians 4

Introduction: Contextual

· remember that chapters 3-4 were based on the theological foundation of chapters 1-2 – Deity of Christ, Supremacy of Christ and new life in Christ

- there is never a dichotomy (separation) between theology and practical living

- if the Bible is not practical for our lives then we can do nothing to make it more practical

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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Proposition: Our theology and living must be shared with those outside the faith.

Transition: We have finally come to the final instructions in Paul’s letter to the Colossians

· we have seen Paul pour out his heart in this book

· Paul ended his epistle as he opened it, urging his readers to prayer.[1]

· now we come to his…

1) Final Instructions v2-6

A- Prayer v2-4 (the way athletes are devoted to their sport)

1- Prayer was to characterize the Colossians – Prayer is to characterize SBC

Ø Paul is calling strongly on believers to persist in prayer. They are to “pray at all times” (Eph. 6:18; cf. Luke 18:1), “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), and be devoted to prayer (Rom. 12:12).[2]

a- προσκαρτερεῖτε “continue” (ESV, KJV, NKJV), “devote” (NIV, NASB)

1. to continue to do something with intense effort, with the possible implication of despite difficulty[3]

b- The command to pray concerned general watchfulness – alert to the needs going on around them

c- Paul’s circumstances could have been discouraging as he awaited trial for the gospel. To ensure a proper perspective, Paul urged that their prayer be offered in an attitude of thanks.[4]

· This kind of prayer sees clearly the obstacles and difficulties but recognizes that God is able to work. The circumstances need not affect one’s joy.[5]

d- Paul was asking the Colossians to pray for his opportunities in evangelism that he would communicate the Gospel clearly and accurately

Application: Does our prayers reach the heart issues?

Example: Praying for a loved one with an extreme physical condition or circumstances

· are you praying for their faith, confidence, attitude, response to the situation

· if God is about the heart shouldn’t we be through prayer – our heart and others

Are you praying for opportunities for evangelism?

· not for evangelism in the church but for you personally

· evangelism is predominately done outside the walls of the church

Transition: From prayer Paul moves on towards…

B- Evangelism v5-6 (Great lead in to our study on Personal Evangelism)

Ø Paul just finished speaking of the relationships in the home and now he speaks of the relationships outside the home

Consistency in Life

1- wisdom involves properly evaluating circumstances and making godly decisions. [6]

2- If those who say they are believers live as fools, outsiders or unbelievers, will put down the faith and shun the gospel.[7]

3- The early church had none of the modern means of advertising the gospel, such as TV, radio, tracts, books, magazines, or bumper stickers—and fewer of the scandals and hypocrites.

4- Yet by living out the truth of the gospel in their personal and corporate lives, they turned their world upside down.[8]

5- Opportunity is fleeting. Life is short, and every day more people die without Christ.[9]

· Doctrine of the Immanent Return of Christ - Luke 12:40

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Consistency in Speech

1- Paul continued his exhortations on evangelism to the believers by addressing their speech.[10]

2- When Paul uses the term he has reference to the type of language that results from the operation of God’s grace in the heart.[11]

3- To speak with grace means to say what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful. [12] - Ephesians 4:29

4- Christians need to respond with the right word to those who ask questions[13]

· not like salt in a wound but like salt like a seasoning

· Just as salt not only flavors, but prevents corruption, the Christian’s speech should act not only as a blessing to others, but as a purifying influence within the decaying society of the world.[14]

Ø this is all to be done in a sense of gracious sensitivity to each person and in each opportunity

Application:

Be wise in your response and actions in front of unbelievers knowing that you are an ambassador of Christ
Are you too self-absorbed to share the Gospel?
A genuine passion for God’s glory inevitably leads to a commitment to reach the lost.[15]
What opportunities did you pass up on this week?

2) Final Greetings v10-18

A- Paul concluded this epistle with a rather extended list of greetings.[16]

B- Since he had never visited Colosse, the people mentioned helped to establish and strengthen a firsthand relationship.[17]

C- The life of the church was and still is about people

· Don’s reading of the SBC History at installation service

Let’s remember that it is not buildings or projects but people that are in need of a Savior and instruction in God’s Word.

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[1]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 321.

cf. confer (Lat.), compare

[2]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 177.

[3]Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament : Based on Semantic Domains, electronic ed. of the 2nd edition. (New York: United Bible societies, 1996, c1989), 1:662.

[4]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 322.

[5]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 322.

[6]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 184.

[7]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 184.

[8]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 185.

[9]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 185.

[10]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 324.

[11]William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, vol. 6, New Testament Commentary : Exposition of Colossians and Philemon, Accompanying Biblical Text Is Author's Translation., New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001), 183.

[12]John MacArthur, Colossians (Chicago: Moody Press, 1996, c1992), 185.

[13]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Col 4:2.

[14]John Jr MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997), Col 4:6.

[15] Ryken: City on a Hill, p127.

[16]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 326.

[17]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 326.