12/30/11 DEVOTE YOURSELVES TO PRAYER
Colossians 4:2-18
Friday, December 30, 2011
Key Verse: 4:2 Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Dear Lord, thank you for Christian friendships. I am moved by the love I receive from our Christians brothers and sisters. They love because Christ first loved them. I can love others because Christ first loved me. I pray for Jenn at the Well conference. I pray that she may be moved by the love of Jesus and the word of God. I pray that she may find direction in the new year and also direction for her university studies. I pray that you may fill me with a spirit of power and of love and of self discipline…a victorious spirit so that I can glorify the name of Jesus in this generation. I pray that you may help us all to fan into flames the passion to share the word of God to others and also the passion to know Jesus. Please open my heart to your word this morning, Lord. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

1. Pray for the clear proclaiming of the gospel (2-6).

Verses 2-6 read, “ 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Paul’s prayer topics for the Colossians were centered on the proclamation of the gospel. He prayed for an open door for the message and that he could proclaim it clearly. As they prayed this way, being watchful and thankful, they could make an impact on their relationships with outsiders. Every conversation is an opportunity to reveal God’s grace and clearly give an answer regarding the gospel.

I like verse 2. “ 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” it is not easy to pray. It is not easy take time out and simply pray. We always want to be doing something. If we are not doing something then it seems that is more better to get a little more sleep than to pray. Or watch for new posts on our FaceBook page. But I was inspired by one pastor at LaGrange hospital that had am e-prayer ministry. I thought to myself, “I can do that.” Our family meets to pray every day. We are all hooked up to the internet like and umbilical cord. Why not do an e-prayer ministry too? It will be good way to devote ourselves to prayer. I want to be prayer servant for others and encourage others to pray.

Lack of prayer is my weakness and I think most Christian’s weakness. But the truth of the matter is that more things are wrought though prayer than through anything else. Prayer is the mos useful and most potent instrument in the hands of the Christian. I repent of not utilizing it more often.

2. Greetings among beloved saints (7-18).

Verses 7-18 read, “ 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b]circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

Paul shares greetings among the Lord’s people, mentioning 11 people by name. He greeted them personally and specifically, revealing their love relationship. They loved one another in the Lord and prayed for each other. They were a comfort to Paul and good co-workers for the kingdom of God. Both Jews and Greeks shared this love relationship in the Lord. Paul was also concerned about the Laodiceans and encouraged the exchanging of letters. As we labor for the gospel, we are not alone. Let’s pray for one another and share God’s word together today.

I am taken back by the close, co-working relationships that the people had together. They mentioned each others by name. They cared about each other. They were there for each other. They made time to be with other. They were committed to a mission together. It is a beautiful teaching to this individualistic age where everyone is their own person and rarely are people committed to one another. I pray for such a beautiful co-working relationship with the people in our ministry.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the privilege of prayer. Help me pray for the proclamation of the gospel through me and through your servants around the world today.

One Word: Devote yourselves to prayer