God’s People Are Called to Pray for His Workers Around the World
All around the world, God is working through people to reach the lost. Whether at a rural church in middle America or on an island in the Pacific, God’s mission is for all people in all times.
Colossians 4:3-4 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
Especially for those who are doing mission work in foreign countries, it is a special blessing to them to know they are being prayed for and thought about and that the hopes of many people are with them and their ministry.
God’s People Are Called to Make Jesus Attractive Outside the Church
The work of evangelism is not just for those who pack their whole life into a few duffle bags and hop on a plane. Whether you are a Christian overseas or in your home country, you have a role to play in reaching the lost right where you are.
Colossians 4:5-6 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
If you are a Christian, you are a missionary and you should carry this perspective into all your interactions everywhere you go. Don’t just be a Christian on Sunday morning for an hour.
God’s People Are Called to Make Disciples, Whoever You Are
Ever heard of Archippus in the Bible? Probably not – and that’s okay. There are countless people God uses who do not achieve worldwide acclaim like the Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, or Billy Graham. We cannot all travel the world founding churches, reforming corrupt institutions, or preaching to millions. But God still has a mission for every “Archippus” in the world.
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”
Part of the responsibility of Christians is to support the growth of God’s kingdom in all places. That’s why Jesus said (Acts 1:8) that his disciples would be witnesses in Jerusalem (the local area), Judea (the larger region), Samaria (a different culture that was nearby but outside of their region), and to the ends of the earth. Whether God has placed you in a “Jerusalem,” a “Judea,” a “Samaria,” or at the “ends of the earth,” make disciples and carry out the ministry the Lord has given you. None of us are exempt from this sacred calling.
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- List some negative things that can happen to a person when they lose a sense of purpose.
- Why do you think it is difficult for people to establish a meaningful prayer life?
- Read Colossians 4:2 where Paul gives us ways to pray. (Be intentional, be alert, be thankful, be outward-focused.) Which one could you work on?
- Read Colossians 4:5-6 and share why you think God shares that it is important to “Walk in the way of wisdom.”
- Share some examples of how Christians have hurt the cause of Christ with their words.
- Read Matthew 28:19-20 and share how you can fulfill your calling to help others pursue God.
- Share what gets in the way of you telling others about Jesus.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
This is part of the Enough series. Click here for sermon resources.
