The Preeminence of Christ in Our Witness and Mission | Resources
Sermon Text: Colossians 3:22–4:1
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains, so that I may make it known as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (CSB)
Devotional
Plane rides. You get an instantaneous and unyielding impression from your new neighbors if they are open to chat or have their own agenda for the flight ahead. I was on a two-hour flight home and privileged to be split up from my travel companions. The middle seat may be notoriously uncomfortable when seated by strangers, but I had been praying for opportunities to be a witness—and it gladdens the Father’s heart to answer those prayers and place people strategically when we predispose ourselves to align with His will.
A fellow Gen Z young professional settled into the aisle seat to my left. He was warm and polite, and I knew we would instantly vibe. I listened, and he talked. The rich conversation that unfolded gave me a natural segue to connect to his story authentically and share my faith- a door that the Lord alone opened. Smiling, we each introduced ourselves and shook hands. His name translates to “Isaiah.” I asked questions about his fiancé, work, and religious background. He inquired about my career and recent travels. He wanted to know my perspectives regarding church attendance. By that point in time, I could have stood up and danced! He had already shared with me his Catholic background, his homosexual engagement, his sincere desire to know God, and his belief that all things happen for a reason. And through these dicey and conflicting points of interest, I had only one way to respond: the truth of the gospel. It was the best use of my time, energy, and clear language.
In a couple of minutes, I shared pieces of Scripture and explained the bridge diagram. We circled back to Isaiah 53:5. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquity. The chastisement that brought us peace was upon him. And by his wounds we are healed.” He explained it back to me in his own words: “It’s all about Jesus.” As followers, we are to be prepared in all circumstances to “declare the mystery of Christ” (Col. 4:3) so that the gospel would be heard and believed. That day, as we prepared to deboard the plane, he thanked me for sharing the message of the gospel more clearly than he’d ever heard it before and for helping him understand who was the long-awaited Messiah that the prophet who shared his namesake expectantly proclaimed. I may never know if his heart changed.
Today, do you need to rehearse the gospel to gain confidence in your delivery, pray for opportunities to share with those God strategically places in your life, or boldly and graciously share the good news of Jesus Christ?
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1. What are the things that you have been steadfastly praying about? What things should you be steadfast in prayer about?
2. Why does Paul call the gospel a mystery?
3. Paul focuses on clarity of speech in verses 3-4. Take a few moments to write out or verbally communicate the gospel in two minutes.
4. What unbelievers in your life do you need to share the gospel with? What opportunities do you have coming up that require boldness?
5. In light of this text, what does it look like to obey the prompting of the Spirit this week?
Memory Verse
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16 (CSB)