WORD ALIVE 2006 - Skegness. Morning, final day - Graham Daniels
Yeah, a Welsh guy on the last day! What a send off :-)
Colossians 4:2-18
The attention of Paul's letter now turns to evangelism.
1. PRAY
a. for others
1:9, 4:12:-Paul and Epaphras are great examples of how to pray.
It's hard to devote ourselves to prayer. But evangelism needs prayer.
Prayer needs devotion, which is hard work and a universal vulnerability.
We need to be watchful as well as thankful. 3:1-4. Satan is very quick to slip under the guard of Christians who aren't watchful.
NEED TO DEVOTE TO PRAYER.
- Is my prayer life devoted?
- Am I determined to try to make time to pray?
- Have I given up keeping watch?
- What can I do to add to my devotion in prayer?
Think of one person you want to come to know Christ. Be devoted to praying for them.
b. for preachers.
Change of tone - pray for 'us'.
1:28 - Paul's life work.
Colossae was terribly introspective. Paul's heart is the heart of Jesus, to save lost people.
Devil wants to turn us inwards, fighting with ourselves and with each other.
Instead we need to be linking arms and looking outwards.
Paul wants to proclaim the mystery of Christ. The scriptures must be proclaimed. Awesome responsibility to preach the gospel. Preachers need prayer!
Some people are just wirred for evangelism. Pray for people like that! Their calling by God, affirmed by the church, to preach Christ. They need prayer.
2. PLAY
verse 5. Don't have to become Billy Graham! Paul's role was to make opportunities - the Colossian's role was to take opportunities.
Not everyone can just create opportunities. Opportunities for most of us are borne out of a profound friendship. Don't need to retreat if you don't think of yourself as an evangelist. Don't be over-cautious! It's ok not to be like Billy Graham, but do make the most of every opportunity. But then we're back to prayer. Devote yourself to prayer for your friends.
Yeah, we'll fail. But people will know an authentic Christian, who lives for Jesus and says sorry when they fail. Hardly anyone says sorry these days.
The friend you've been thinking of - what can you do to add value to that friendship?
There's a lovely attraction to stick to other believers...but there has to be a discipline which makes us spend time with non-Christians, where it's more uncomfortable.
3. SAY
You have to answer people. Distinction between Paul and the Colossians.
Paul- makes opportunities. Colossians - answer people.
What's your conversation like? Must have an edge, which means getting into God's word. Back to devotion again.
Would you know how to explain the gospel to people? What about the big questions of suffering and other religions? Keep being ready.
4. PARTNERSHIP
Tychicus and Onesimus were postmen!
Paul shared his ministry, supported his team. Expected faithfulness. All the above are predicated on an authentic gospel ministry.
Faithfulness is the theme.
4:12 - Paul wants to make sure the Colossians really take his message in. Tells them to stand firm in the gospel.
If they do this, they will look out. Mark of a gospel community is that it looks out in partnership with other believers.
People need heaven. They need the gospel.
CONCLUSION
- In Jesus, we enjoy fullness of life and freedom.
- Exhortation to share the gospel.
- Partner in the gospel with faithful gospel people.
LOOK UP
LOOK IN
LOOK OUT
posted by Welshie @ 12:10 pm
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