Colossians 4:2-18
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This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is "Prayer, Proclamation, and Partnership”.
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
CONNECT: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?
WARM-UP
- What has stood out for you in the letter to the Colossians?
- Do you ever feel inadequate or powerless to proclaim the Good news of Jesus? What encourages you?
Read Colossians 4:2-6
- What is the threefold pattern of prayer that Paul describes? Why do you think each part is essential?
- Why is prayer so important in the mission of God? How could you grow more in devotion to prayer?
- What in particular does Paul ask the Colossians to pray for? What does this tell us about Paul?
- What would be helpful things for us to pray for those who have a ministry of proclaiming the Gospel?
- In what way is Christianity not merely an introspective faith but one orientated outward? To whom?
- What does it mean to ʻmake the most of every opportunityʼ? Do you ever feel pressured by this?
- What – according to Paul – should our conversations be characterised by? Where is that likely for you?
- Is there an opportunity that youʼve recently had for a conversation about faith (regardless of how ʻsimpleʼ you might think it is)? How did it go? Is there a natural next step?
- What does it mean to ʻknow how to answer everyoneʼ? What is most helpful in equipping you to be able to answer people on your frontline? Are there ways you could more intentionally pray and prepare?
Read Colossians 4:7-18
- Is there anyone in the cast of farewell characters that stands out for you here?
- What types of relationships does Paul refer to? How is it clear that partnership is essential in mission?
- How do we as a community support one another in our witness to the world?
- Who partners, supports, and encourages you in your Christian walk? Who do you support?
- What is one way that people could pray for your witness on your main frontline?
APPLY: Whatʼs one practical way that you can grow in your devotion to praying missionally?
Prayer
Gracious Father, thank you for the privilege to participate in your mission to the world through prayer, proclamation, and partnership. Please grow our desire to share the Good News that we would be fervent in prayer and attentive to see the opportunities that you place before us on our frontlines. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.
Listen, Watch, and Read:
- Listen/Watch: “Christ our Sustenance and Help” by Barneys
- Listen: “The Spirituality Works in the World” by William Taylor
- Read: “Nympha and her House Church” by Michael Bird
- Read (Book): “Need to Know” by Gary Millar: Available in the St Bart’s Library
- Read (Book): “The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission” by John Dickson:
Available in the St Bartʼs Library
SERIES Resources:
- Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
- Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
- Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
- Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
- Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
- Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
- Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy
