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DEEP - Feb 9 2016
DEEP - Feb 9 2016
DEEP - Feb 9 2016
February 9, 2016
TMC
D-Discussing God's Word: This week Dr. Nielson continued our series in
Colossians as he preached 4:2-6. Paul had been teaching how the person and
work of Jesus transforms all of our life- how we serve in the church, how we
serve at home as wives, husbands, children, and parents, as Christians in the
workplace (those supervised and those who supervise), and this week how
we serve those around us who are not believers. Jesus changes everything,
even in how we relate to those who are not Christians. Every single Christian
believer has a job to do, a calling, to reach out to others with the grace and
truth that has been shown to us through Christ.
Paul shares two specific ways we can do this:
1- Talking to God about people (3-4): praying continually, steadfastly,
faithfully, watchfully, and with thanksgiving. Christian faith and Christian
living are always fueled by this kind of prayer. Paul gives us examples of how
to pray all throughout his letters, even in 2:1-5 of this letter, and the early
church was fueled by prayer (even praying to God before planning our work
for God!). Specifically, Paul compels us to pray for gospel witness toward
outsiders- for those who teach and preach but also for all Christian believers.
Prayer is always the first step in evangelism. Paul does not ask for prayer so
that he can be freed from prison but for others to be freed from the prison of
their sin through an open door for the Word of God as he declares the
mystery of Christ. All Christians are called to pray for those in direct
evangelism.
2- Talking to people about God (5-6): Every Christian has the joyful calling to
speak to others about Christ, walking in wisdom and knowing how to answer
outsiders. The preacher engages in direct evangelism while all believers
engage in responsive evangelism. Paul encourages us to be wise, with good
judgment and sensitivity, making the most of every opportunity. All we say
should be gracious, seasoned with salt (sambal- answers that catch
attention), so that outsiders can be brought inside the faith through the
person and work of Jesus Christ.
This is the last instruction of Paul's letter, after the theology of Christ and the
gospel, after the description of new life by the Spirit, after the putting off and
putting on, after the establishing of patterns of a faithful life (church, home,
work) -- as if to communicate that then, and only then, will our words of
witness bear the marks of authenticity and ring deeply with those who hear.
E- Expound God's Word: We want every student coming through UPH to: 1Know Christ personally (Justification) 2- Become more like Christ
(Sanctification), 3- to understand how to use their gifts and talents for the
purposes of Christ (Stewardship), and 4- follow the mandate of Christ, both
the cultural mandate and the gospel mandate (mission). Gods design has
always been for His people to be a blessing (Gen 12:1-3) and Jesus has not
only modeled a life seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10) but He has
also commanded us to gather people for the banquet of the Kingdom of God
(Luke 14:23). The call for Gods people to share the good news of the Gospel,
the saving work of Jesus Christ, is not a question of if but a question of
when. As we saw in Colossians 4:2-6, Scripture consistently reminds us
that others will not hear unless Gods people share! (see Romans 10:14-17)
We must pray for those in in direct evangelism as we boldly engage in
responsive evangelism. But how do we share the gospel with others?
1. Prayer. Pray for those in your family and faculty who do not know
Christ personally.
2. Prepare. Are you able to explain to someone how they can be
saved (see below)?
3. Personal Relationship. Are you showing the love and grace of
Christ to those who do not know Christ? Are you living the message
you want the world to know?
4. Providence. Train yourself to discern when the Lord opens doors in
conversations, gives you opportunities in teaching material, or offers
Divine appointments with others throughout your day. God will open
opportunities to share your faith!
5. Power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, changing a heart is Gods
work, not yours. He has chosen to use us as His vehicle for the
message but only God can change a heart.
E- Execute God's Word:
1- When you read Colossians 4:2-6, what stands out to you concerning Paul's
words of talking to God about others and talking to others about Christ?
2- What hinders you from praying always, continually, faithfully, watchfully,
and thankfully?
3- Do you pray for your preachers, those engaged in active evangelism?
4- How can you make the most of every moment, evangelizing in wisdom
and grace, as you share the gospel with others?
5- If The Lord gave you an opportunity to lead someone to Himself, would
you have the tools to do this? The Lord gives us words in His Word and you
can see below for direction.
P- Praying God's Word: This week, take time to pray for the preachers of
your churches and our community, those involved in direct evangelism, as
you also pray for those in your life who do not know The Lord personally. Pray
for The Lord to open doors, to draw people to Himself through you, and take
time to pray the verses below.
Verses for Evangelism:
SIN:
"For All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" Rm 3:23
TMC