Summary
In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul is challenging the church in Colossae to practice prayer and sharing Christ with those who don’t know him. It is important for believers in the present day to do the same while relying on the help of a community of believers. Abiding in Jesus, we are making disciples together.
Key Takeaways
- Pray for those who are not ready for Christ’s return.
- Pray for God’s work of opening.
- Practice sharing a clear message.
- Live a compelling life instead of a repelling life.
Discussing and Applying the Sermon
- What did God show you or remind you of through the prayers of those in your community group?
- When contemplating the above questions, what did the Lord bring to mind, convict you of, or encourage you in?
- How can we, as a community group, take a collective step in seeking the city of Dallas?
Facilitator: “I will start us with a short prayer followed by a few minutes of silence. Please get comfortable.”
Facilitator: “Lord, we are here to hear from you. Meet with us and guide us. Show us where we can grow in our confidence in and desire to live fully on mission. Would you use us to reach the city of Dallas in the name of Jesus. Remove our distractions and give us the awareness of your presence with us.”
The group takes a few minutes of silence.
Facilitator: “I will now read Colossians 4:2-6 twice, slowly, pausing after each reading.”
“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.” (Colossians 4:2-6)
Facilitator: “Enjoy a few more minutes of silence and ask the Spirit to reveal any area of insecurity in you as it pertains to sharing the gospel. Ask for his peace and guidance in your life. Take note of which words or verses the Spirit draws your attention to.”
The group takes a few minutes of silence.
Facilitator: “Now we are going to read the passage phrase by phrase. After each phrase, we will pause for one minute to pray silently and individually, and then we will take the next two to four minutes to pray together. After that, we will move on to the next phrase.”
The facilitator reads each verse slowly and pauses for individual and corporate prayer.
Facilitator: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
Each person prays silently for one minute; then, the group prays corporately out loud for two to four minutes.
“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—”
Each person prays silently for one minute; then, the group prays corporately out loud for two to four minutes.
“that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak”
Each person prays silently for one minute; then, the group prays corporately out loud for two to four minutes.
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”
Each person prays silently for one minute; then, the group prays corporately out loud for two to four minutes.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Each person prays silently for one minute; then, the group prays corporately out loud for two to four minutes.
Facilitator: “As we begin to wrap up, let’s take a few more minutes of silence to pay attention and listen to God. Let’s consider these questions:
- What step do you want me to take this week when it comes to sharing the gospel?
- Who in my sphere of influence am overlooking or insecure about?
- Where do I need to look more like Christ when living missionally?
Let’s take a few minutes of silence to ponder these questions with the Lord.”
The group takes a few minutes of silence.
Facilitator: “Lord, we thank you for your active and powerful presence. I pray that you will continue to help us experience union and intimacy with you. Continue to use your Word, your Spirit, and your people to help us experience and share your transforming love.”
