THIS WEEK: DEVOTED TO PRAYER—WHY?

• Paul starts the letter to the Colossians out talking about prayer, and he ends it with prayer, too.

o An ongoing interceding prayer

o Wrestling for and against

• Prayer is like putting on heavenly eyes.

Colossians 4:2-6 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

PRAYER FOR WHAT? BEING WATCHFUL, BUT WATCHFUL FOR WHAT?

•  Notice what he wasn’t praying for.
• He was praying to be alert and awake; he was praying while looking for a need to meet, and praying to share Christ.
•  Being thankful means being at ease because our standing in Christ and our future promises matter.
• The world is telling us that we should act in the best interest of those who are older and/or at risk—stay away from crowds, quarantine yourself if you’re sick, etc.
• However, the same people often ask us not to act in the best interest of others when it comes to the spiritual reality.

2 Peter 3:8–9 8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

• Pray for others as they serve and minister, that God would give them spiritual strength and wisdom. In Acts 12, when Peter was in jail, the church prayed for him.
• Notice Paul is praying the will of God despite being quarantined “that God may open a door for our message.” (v.3)

o The message we are to bring is the gospel, not commiserating about no toilet paper or long lines at Costco!

• We have a wide open door to minister, right now.

o Pray that you will see the opportunities before you!

o Pray specifically for others by name. Pray for them to have the opportunity and boldness to share the good news so people can come to know Jesus.

•  Remember, when we pray, we adjust our thinking to His thinking, His will, purposes and plans

BE WISE IN THE WAY YOU ACT TOWARD UNBELIEVERS.

• Spread your thankfulness!
• Let your speech be seasoned with salt/good flavor.
•  Understand the bigger picture—our physical circumstances are not the real problem.

1 Peter 3:14–16 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

James 3:17–18 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

AS PAUL CLOSES HIS LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS, NOTICE HIS RELATIONSHIPS.

• Some have come to encourage him.
• He sends letters to those he loves.
• He’s praying for others, and they are being asked to pray for him.
• He’s in quarantine, but look at what he is doing in quarantine—the word of God is not quarantined!
• What is your next step?

THE REPUTATION OF THE GOSPEL FALLS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE CHURCH.

QUESTIONS TO REFLCT AND DISCUSS:

Passages to consider: Colossians 4

• What from the sermon impacted your perspective?
• Did you get a chance to read Colossians 4 this week? If so, share what you discovered.

1. How have you been able to be rooted in Christ or set your mind on things above this week?

2. Read Colossians 4:2-6. Read it a couple of times. List out what directions are in this passage. Which one stands out to you?

3. What has been your experience with “being devoted” to something? A) What has been your experience with prayer?

4. What are you seeing happen to your prayer time in this season of challenge? A) What people and what doors of opportunities can you be praying for?

5. Look at verses 5 and 6. What does being wise toward those who don’t yet follow Jesus practically look like? (Think of specific people in your life.) A) What opportunities have you been given at this unique time?

6. What do your conversations with your family and friends sound like right now? A) If you do social media, what does your conversation presence bring to those platforms? B) How can you make your conversations gracious and encouraging? (be specific)