Conversations

Conversations Colossians 4:2-6 January 26, 2020 Express “thanksgiving” à never letting the focus become only what we ask for – but, dominated by gratitude for what we can see that God has already done for us. § 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Pray for the Spread of the Gospel through God’s People (vv. 3-4) THE BIG IDEA: Christians are called to a life of conversations. We are “There is no way that Christians, in a private capacity, can do so much to promote the work of God and advance the kingdom of Christ as by prayer.” – Jonathan Edwards to be constant in prayer, talking to God about people and engaged in relationships where we talk to people about God. ”Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV) 4 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 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. 3 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. 5 Talking To God About People Pray “steadfastly” à persevere to the point of devotion • Of great importance is the fact that the command (it is an imperative verb) is 2nd person plural – “y’all” be devoted to prayer. • Acts 2:42 • Acts 6:3-4 • Romans 12:12 Be “watchful” à stay alert o Mark 14:37-38 o Matthew 26:1 o 1 Peter 5:8 o Ephesians 6:18 Talking To People About God “walk in wisdom toward outsiders“ à pay attention to your behavior – it affects whether they will listen to your words [Colossians 1:10; 2:6; 3:7] • Conversations may never happen if we disqualify ourselves by our behavior. “outsiders” à we aren’t automatically born into the family of God – there are decisions of belief and faith which must be made “making the best use of the time” à redeeming the time; not missing opportunities “gracious” à both full of talk about God’s grace and being thoughtful, humble, and loving toward the one with whom we speak “seasoned with salt” à salt adds interest and flavor. Food with no salt or too much salt is ruined, or at least less flavorful than it could be. “each person” à each is the smallest number; means to view and treat people as individuals “You can do more than pray after you have prayed but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” S.D. Gordon