Opportunities on Purpose

This is a sermon that I preached at Bethel today.  I wanted to post the notes, because as you know, sermons don't always go as planned and there are resources some may find helpful.  Because of the amazing tool called reftagger, provided by logos Bible software, (a tool that turns website Scripture references into hyperlinks that can be change to just about any version of the Bible on the fly!), I've decided to upload these notes so you can search the great passages on the "Mystery of Christ" referenced in the sermon.  May the Lord bless you as you review this text and make the decision to make unselfish praying and evangelistic praying part of your Christian worldview.

Opportunities on Purpose

Colossians 4:2-6

Since Jesus has not come back yet.  We have work to do.  There is a harvest waiting for us.

Next week we will  take up a cash offering for church planting and raise our giving budget for next year.  My concern is that this not be just another item on the church calendar.  God has redeemed us. The Gospel made it this far.  Now we have the privilege of helping get it further.  

God wants to be involved!  God wants to use us!, we have to include Him in the proposition. There is a passage at the end of Colossians that speaks to what we can do...right now.  Turn to Colossians 4:2

LET’S PRAY

1. Believers can Pray with Purpose

Colossians 4:2–4 (ESV)

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 

Delmer Guynes, the former president of SAGU and missionary to China said this about prayer:  “There is no limit to what God can do if you learn to pray unselfishly”

Jesus encouraged his disciples:  Mark 14:38 (ESV)

38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 

Colossians 2:2 ² that ^ztheir hearts may be encouraged, being ^aknit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of ^bGod’s mystery, which is Christ, 

Ephesians 1:9 ^9 vmaking known¹ to us the mystery of his will, ⁿaccording to his purpose, which he ^wset forth in Christ 

Ephesians 3:3–4 ^3 show the mystery was made known to me ^tby revelation, ^uas I have written briefly. ^4 vWhen you read this, you can perceive my insight into ^wthe mystery of Christ, 

Ephesians 3:9 ⁹ and ⁱto bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery ^jhidden for ages in¹ God ^kwho created all things, 

Ephesians 5:32 ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 

Ephesians 6:19 ¹⁹ and ^dalso for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth ^eboldly to proclaim ^fthe mystery of the gospel, 

Romans 12:12 ^12 zRejoice in hope, ^abe patient in tribulation, ^bbe constant in prayer. 

Ephesians 6:18 ¹⁸ praying ^yat all times ^zin the Spirit, ^awith all prayer and supplication. To that end ^bkeep alert with all perseverance, making ^csupplication for all the saints, 

Philippians 4:6 ^6 rdo not be anxious about anything, ^sbut in everything by prayer and supplication ^twith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ^17 wpray without ceasing, 

1. Believers can use Wisdom 

col 4:5

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 

James 1:5 (ESV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Jesus said He would not leave us comfortless.

The original word here implies walking around, “as you go about”.  It makes the best use of the time.

1. Believers can Know what to Say 

col 4:6

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

The Question of course is.....Will You?

Maybe you need to take the opportunity this morning to come to Jesus.  The door has been opened for you.  The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.

DECISION ONE

Are you willing to take this passage this week and use it? I will intentionally pray for God to open doors for lost people.

DECISION TWO

I will pray that God will provide for all of our missionaries and get us along the road to plant churches.