The Changed Life - Part 2 (Speaking to God and Others)

Colossians 4:2–6 (NIV)

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 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.

1. Putting on the New Self Transforms Our Conversation with God (Col 4:2-4)

Colossians 4:2–4 NIV

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.

A. Prayer of Thanksgiving (4:2)

Colossians 4:2 NIV

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

B. Prayer of Supplication (4:3a)

Colossians 4:3 (NIV)

3 And pray for us, too...

C. Prayer for Evangelism (4:3b)

Colossians 4:3 (NIV)

3 ...that God may open a door for our message...

D. Prayer for Boldness (4:3c)

Colossians 4:3 (NIV)

3 ...so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

E. Prayer for Gospel Clarity (4:4)

Colossians 4:4 NIV

4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

APPLICATION: PRAYER EMPOWERS US TO SHARE THE GOSPEL.

2. Putting On The New Self Transforms Our Conversation with Others (4:5-6)

A. Words of Wisdom (4:5)

Colossians 4:5 NIV

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

B. Words of Grace (4:6)

Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace...

Words of Grace - Good Seasoning (4:6b)

Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

6 ...seasoned with salt...

Illustration

“In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses two…descriptions for the people who are his disciples. He states, “You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:13–14). Those who trust in Jesus, therefore, are comparable to salt and light. And both descriptions are [helpful] when we think of our neighborhood. Salt is a preservative. Salt can be added to something such as pork to give it a longer shelf life (living longer). In this clip from a MasterClass on cooking, chef Thomas Keller points out that salt enhances flavor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDGTTfyzSiU.

Words of Grace - Good Responses (4:6c)

Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

6 ...so that you may know how to answer everyone.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

15 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,

APPLICATION: WORDS OF WISDOM & GRACE EQUIP US TO SHARE THE GOSPEL.

BIG IDEA: JESUS CHRIST CAN TRANSFORM OUR WORDS TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH OTHERS.