JESUS ABOVE ALL DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY Colossians 4:2-6 When we are seeking the things above and setting our minds on the things above, not below we will begin to have a heart and desire for what is what matters most to God. When we are close to Christ our thoughts and actions will be turned outward toward others. God will open doors when we are devoted to prayer: Colossians 4:2-4 We must be committed to pray: (v.2) Consider the content of our prayers. - Are our prayers more “inwardly focused” than “outwardly focused?” - my kingdom come and my will be done. - Your Kingdom come and Your will be done. Consider the power of our prayers. - We are commanded to pray at “all times in the Spirit”. Consider the gratitude of our prayers. - We have many reasons to be thankful. ... we have been rescued from the domain of darkness. (Col. 1:13) ... we have been redeemed from the curse of sin. (Col. 1:14) ... we have been reconciled by Jesus’ death on the cross. (Col. 1:22) ... we have been regenerated and made alive in Him. (Col 2:13) We must remain Gospel focused when we pray: (v.3-4) - What would be a very normal thing for Paul to ask these people to pray on his behalf? “Pray that God would open a door for us to be set free”. - What is Paul’s “gospel focused” request that they pray? “Pray that God would open a door for the word”. (Easter is coming in two weeks—are you praying for those who need to hear the Gospel?) God will open doors when we are committed to act wisely: Colossians 4:5-6 God cares how we treat those who are outside the faith: (v.5) Wisdom toward those who are outside demands an intentionality. - Intentional in the way I live. ... careful in the way I act. ... careful in the way I speak. ... careful in the way I spend my time. God cares how we extend the Gospel to those who are outside the faith: (v.6) - It takes more than us “living the Gospel” for unsaved people to become children of God. - We must proclaim the Gospel and share the good news of God’s love. We share a “gospel of grace” Eph. 2:8-9 - our speech should be gracious. - we are saved “by grace through faith”. - grace is “unmerited favor”. We share a “gospel of tastefulness”. - our speech should be seasoned with salt. - we are commanded to “adorn the doctrine of God”. Titus 2:10 1 Peter 3:3-4 We share a “gospel of truthfulness” - our speech should be an apologetic (defense) of the faith. 1 Peter 3:15 Next Step: - Who can you pray for and invite to Easter services here at FiveStone?