January 31, 2008

  • COLOSSIANS SERIES [#13]



    You can listen to the audio here --> http://audio.xanga.com/Eek_71/5afd31832701/audio.html

    How To Share The Supremacy Of Christ
    [ The Surpassing Supremacy of Jesus Christ #13 ]
    Colossians 4:2-6


    INTRO
    • if you have put our trust in Jesus Christ.  If you have discovered the richness of Following Jesus, of being forgiven, of being caught up in the supremacy of Christ... If He really is far above every religion, and philosophy, and ideal... then the natural result of that is to tell other people.  To share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with other people.
    • the stakes are high (eternity)!... when should I speak boldly?... when should I just wait and pray?
    • Are you burdened for people you care about that you are unsure of where they will spend eternity?


    1.  Devote Yourself to PRAYER
      • vs 2  "Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving"
      • Heb 4:16  "Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time"
      • How do we “devote ourselves to prayer
            >  pray in FAITH (believe!)
            >  CONTINUE in prayer (devotion, don't give up!)
            >  Pray with INTENSITY (be vigilant, “stay alert”)
            >  Pray with THANKSGIVING


    2.  Look For An OPENING For The WORD
      • vs 3  "At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah - for which I am in prison"
      • "open door" = opportunity… are you asking and watching for Gospel opportunities?
      • Once you recognize the “open door”… what do you stick in the door”?... your personality, your "salesmanship", your "churchy talk"?  OR do you insert the Word of God, and the Gospel message?


    3.  Speak The Message CLEARLY
      • vs 4  "so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak"
      • 2 reasons Christians don't share their faith
            >  fear of rejection... 2 Tim 2:15
            >  the fear of failure
      • there is a way to speak the gospel... boldly, clearly, directly, succinctly, & simply


    4.  Make The Most of Every OPPORTUNITY
      • vs 5  "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time"
      • Make the most of every opportunity!... engage people with WISDOM
      • You are responsible to seize opportunities... you are not responsible for peoples responses... you are responsable to proclaim the message faithfully, the results are up to God.  You will NEVER REGRET seizing an opportunity for the Gospel


    5.  Minister GRACE Until The Door Opens
      • vs 6  "Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person"
      • sprinkle grace (like salt) on the relationship... Grace is unmerited favor, so give them kindness, even if it is undeserved, until you have the opportunity to share the gospel


    CONCLUSION
      • make a specific list of unsaved people you care about... pray for them, be gracious, look for open doors, memorize a few scriptures, and commit to step boldly through whatever door God opens and share the Gospel in a simple, clear, & winsome way.
      • Challenge:  what are you going to do to share the gospel THIS WEEK?


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