Christ in our Witness
“Open Doors, Seasoned Words”
Colossians 4:2-6
Introduction: “Nothing is more suitable to the task of proclaiming the gospel than a life adorned with the virtues of Christ.” - John Calvin
Pray for Opportunities for Missions (Colossians 4:2-4)
How the WORD reaches the WORLD? PRAY!
P – ersist in prayer (chief exercise of faith)
R – emain watchful
A – bound in thanksgiving
Y – ield to mission
Pray for open doors:
Colossians 4:3 - “…that God may open to us a door for the word…”
Acts 14:27 - “…how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.”
1 Corinthians 16:9 - “…a wide door for effective work has opened to me…”
2 Corinthians 2:12 - “…a door was opened for me in the Lord.”
Revelation 3:8 - “…I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut…”
“We must recognize that by opening doors, God not only gives us a chance to share the gospel, but also gives us a choice to share the gospel.” - R. Scott Pace and Daniel Akin (Christ-Centered Exposition, 121)
Walk Wisely in Opportunities (Colossians 4:5-6)
Participation through (1) Prayer, and (2) Active cultural engagement through missional efforts
“Carpe diem” (Horace, seize the day)
“Carpe Kairos” (BCI, seize the God-given moment)
Our ___________ matters
Our ___________ matter
Conclusion: Taken together, Colossians 4:2–6 forms a single movement: pray for opportunities, walk wisely in opportunities, speak graciously through opportunities. This is the shape of a FAR GREATER WITNESS.