2. Paul wrote this from Rome While in prison

3.  Colossians 3:1-11 - the “basics” of Christian living  Colossians 3:12-17 - the Christians’ “apparel”  Colossians 3:18-4:1 “guidelines” to govern Christian families Col. 4:2-6 3 essentials to living the Christ-like Life

4. Continue In Prayer 2. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3. Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5. Continue In Prayer Rom. 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” NKJV “continuing steadfastly in prayer” ESV “constant in prayer” To persevere, be constantly diligent, attend continually

6. Continue In Prayer 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “ Pray without ceasing.” Luke 18:1 “ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint ;” Luke 18:8 “ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth ?”

7. Continue In Prayer David - Ps. 55:16-17 = evening, morning, noon Danie l - Dan. 6:10 = three times a day Anna - Luke 2:36-38 = prayers night and day Paul - Col. 1:9 = cease not to pray for you Epaphras - Col. 4:12 = striving for you in his prayers

8. Continue In Prayer Col 4:2 ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving ; Matt. 26:41 “ Watch and pray ” Eph. 6:18 “watching thereunto” Not caught unprepared To keep awake, be vigilant

9. Continue In Prayer Col 4:2 ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving ; Phil. 4:6 “by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving ” Rom. 1:21 “ neither were thankful ” “We should thank God just as diligently in our prayers as we make requests of Him.”

10. Continue In Prayer Col. 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: Prayers often too general - be specific Rom. 15:30-32 “strive together with me in your prayers” “May be delivered” “service…may be accepted” “come unto you with joy”

11. Continue In Prayer Col. 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: v. 4 “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”

12. Continue In Prayer

13. Walk in Wisdom Col 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” How we conduct ourselves in public Can influence for good - 1 Pet. 3:1-2 World is watching - John 17:26 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

14. Walk in Wisdom Col 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”  There is a lack of time  Time we have in life is short  Do not waste it with foolishness

15. Speak with Grace Colossians 4:6 NKJV “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” The people said of Jesus “and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.” Luke 4:22 As his disciples we should also speak with grace !

16. Speak with Grace The Tongue is Powerful - James 3 v. 2 “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” v. 6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”

17. Speak with Grace

18. Eph. 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” “seasoned with salt” = properly flavored “that you may know how to answer each one” Col.4:6 “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel” 2 Tim. 2:23-26

19.  Our prayer life will be different  Our conduct will be noted for its wisdom  Our speech will be an encouragement to all

20. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249arthurpigman@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning May 26, 2013