Prayer and witness Colossians 4:2 - 6

Paul now turns to two aspects of our walk with and work for God: PRAYER AND WITNESS Paul now turns to two aspects of our walk with and work for God: Prayer – speaking to God Witness – speaking to others about God Both are vital aspects of our lives as Christians If we neglect either of these we will miss so much of what God wants to do in and through us

Prayer can be very simple – we talk to our heavenly Father PRAYER AND WITNESS PRAYER (2 – 4) Paul encourages the Colossians to “continue earnestly in prayer” (steadfast, devoted) Prayer can be very simple – we talk to our heavenly Father But it can also be hard work – we are in a spiritual battle Persistence is necessary (see Luke 18:1 – 8, the persistent widow and 11:5 – 10, the friend at midnight)

At times we may seem to be “wrestling with God” (Genesis 32:22 -32) PRAYER AND WITNESS PRAYER (2 – 4) At times we may seem to be “wrestling with God” (Genesis 32:22 -32) From Romans 15:30 we see that Christians should strive together in prayer We are to be “vigilant” (watchful) in prayer – alert to spiritual dangers, wide awake to spot the enemy’s schemes and plans

Our prayers should be with “thanksgiving” PRAYER AND WITNESS PRAYER (2 – 4) Our prayers should be with “thanksgiving” God is always with us and will not desert us – Psalm 139:7 -12 Nothing can separate us from His love – Romans 8:28, 39 God provides for us in all circumstances God gives us the victory over sin, death and devils – 1 Corinthians 15:57

Our prayers should be “evangelistic” PRAYER AND WITNESS PRAYER (2 – 4) Our prayers should be “evangelistic” Pray for opportunities to share the gospel (open doors) – note Paul’s concern for a door to open for the Word of God rather than an open door for him out of prison Pray for evangelists (like Paul and his team) Pray for missionaries Pray for clarity of thought when speaking, guided by the Holy Spirit

We surely want outsiders to become insiders! PRAYER AND WITNESS WITNESS (5 – 6) We have a responsibility to share the gospel with those who are “outside” Think of what it means to be outside the love of God not only now but throughout eternity – a place of darkness, fear, wrath, misery We surely want outsiders to become insiders!

“Walk in wisdom” towards them PRAYER AND WITNESS WITNESS (5 – 6) If we are to share the gospel we need to live lives that commend the gospel to others “Walk in wisdom” towards them Do not imitate the world’s love of materialism (1 Timothy 6:8 -9) Do not live a life that portrays Christianity to be just a legalistic moral code

The need to witness is urgent “redeem the time” PRAYER AND WITNESS WITNESS (5 – 6) The need to witness is urgent “redeem the time” Look for opportunities – when God sees a willing heart He will open them up Don’t miss a chance to speak of eternal matters both to people who are outside the church but also to those within When we speak, do not be condemning in tone but loving and gentle – no one was ever nagged into the kingdom!

Know the times we are living in and pray accordingly PRAYER AND WITNESS LESSONS FOR TODAY Be steadfast in prayer Be vigilant in prayer Know the times we are living in and pray accordingly Pray for those who are outside the Kingdom of God Pray for missionaries and evangelists Look out for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Live lives that commend the gospel to others (grace and salt)