4:2-6Prayer & Evangelism

Colossians 4:2-6 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– that I may

make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the

best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

(ESV)

1. Devote Yourselves: 4:2a. Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in

prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

b. What is prayer?b. Supplicationc. Worshipd. Thanksgivinge. Two-way Communication

1. Devote Yourselves: 4:2a. Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in

prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

b. How we pray:b. In His namec. With the Spirit’s helpd. In God’s wille. In Faith

1. Paul’s request: 4:3-4a. Col 4:3-4 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– that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

b. The Mystery that is Christ [What is the Gospel?]:

c. Paul declares the Mystery [What is evangelism?]

d. Paul Preaches regardless of circumstance

1. Paul’s request: 4:3-4a. Col 4:3-4 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– that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

b. God does the heavy lifting.c. The Gospel must be clear and

simple.

1. Paul’s request: 4:5-6a. Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders,

making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

b. You are responsible for the Gospel’s reputation.

c. Why me?b. Great Commissionc. God’s willd. Love for the unsavede. Christian growthf. Rewards and Blessings

1. Paul’s request: 4:5-6a. Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders,

making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

b. Be ready to speak about the Gospel.c. Actively seek and plan on

evangelism. d. Buy up your time!

Conclusion

• Prayer is NOT a suggestion. • Evangelism is NOT a

suggestion. • There are no excuses. – We can live as bare minimum

Christians. – Or we can enter the kingdom as good

and faithful servants.