Oct. 31, 2021

“ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR LIFE?”

“THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS”

COLOSSIANS 4:2-4

Colossians 4:2-4 “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Four Key Elements Of Prayer To Build Relationships:

  1.   Persistence- Colossians 4:2 “Continue earnestly in prayer…,” 4:3 “meanwhile praying also for us..” With all praying, continually, keeping it up.

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

Romans 12:12 “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” 

Luke 11:1-13 

2.   Watchfulness- Colossians 4:2 “being vigilant…”

Watching for what God is going to do, watching is an important element to prayer. 

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

“Watchful”-means to go sleepless, keeping awake, keep alert, heads up, like a soldier on guard duty. 

1 Peter 4:7 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

Mark 13:33-37

Four times he says to watch, for the Lord’s coming.

Watch and pray for we are in a spiritual warfare, watch because there is temptation all around us:

Matthew 26:38-41

We need to watch and pray for our flesh is weak, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

3.   Thanksgiving- Colossians 4:2 “being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

Paul says if we are going to succeed in prayer we have to be thankful.

Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

4.   Intercession- Colossians 4:3 “meanwhile praying also for us…”

This is asking for other peoples needs. Relationships are built as we pray for others.

Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

*How To Serve Christ Together:

Colossians 4:3-4 “Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Proclaiming the Word of God!!

“that God would open to us a door” vs.3- pray that we might make known the gospel to others.

Revelation 3:8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” 

1 Corinthians 16:9 “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

Ephesians 6:19-20

Our purpose is to preach the gospel and we need to pray for utterance and an open door to speak the mystery of the gospel.

A “mystery” is something that was once hidden but now is openly revealed through Christ.

“Chains” or bonds Colossians 4:3-4 “for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

Ephesians 6:20 “For which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

1 Corinthians 16:9 “and there are many adversaries.”

Are you willing to pay the price of prayer to build relationships?