Make the Most of Every
Gospel Opportunity!
Start
with Prayer
Opportunity, it is said, only knocks
once. True or not, we are to live ready to take advantage of God-given open
doors, especially to share the gospel. Paul had this mindset when he wrote the
believers in Colossae. They were to be prepared to live and speak in such ways
that allow them to share Jesus with all kinds of people in any settings. Such readied-lives
flow from prayer.
“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.” (Col. 4:2-6 ~ ESV)
To Stay Gospel-Ready, Pray!
Devoted to it
- an imperative. After the many duties in Col. 3 (put on /
off, wives, husbands, dads, kids,
slaves, masters), they are told to pray.
Much needed!
Watchful,
alert, en guard!
Life with eyes open, aware (4:12, Epaphras)
Thankful:
not just solemn
soldiers, but thankful sons & daughters (3:15-17)
Pray for God’s Servants & Yourself:
For Opportunities:
Onesimus - an opportunity came to him
To
be Christ-Centered: cf. 1:25-29 & the mystery, Christ’s
hope for all!
To
Stay Bold – press on, even if in chains (Acts
16)
For Clarity:
if Paul needed prayer for this . . .
ü
Do you pray throughout the day (1
Thess. 5:16, 17; Eph. 6:10-20)?
ü
Is it “battle talk” all the time, or
is thanks mixed in too? See 3:15-17
ü
Pray for other’s spiritual maturity,
not just physical well-being? See 1:9-14; 4:12
ü
Talk to God about everything, all the
time! Memorize Phil. 4:6 & 7.
ü
Afraid to witness? Pray for love,
boldness and God-given chances.
