Post by VR on Jun 29, 2016 4:06:11 GMT
EVENING | PAULINE EPISTLES | BOOK 51 of 66 | COLOSSIANS 4
Signpost Words | ‘PRAYED IN OPPORTUNITIES’
Some Observations |
Already then, this new church body of Jew and Gentile combined into one, is now functioning as a new united entity. Paul’s perseverance is based on vigilant, earnest and continued prayer, the focal point of which is for an open door for the Word to be proclaimed and preached. Of course he would have them pray for other things as well, even for his present Roman imprisonment to be remembered. However, his focal point is prayer for open doors for the preached Word of the Gospel? Why? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17 NKJV)
A Call To Action |
The present church in the West, exhibits a lost confidence in the power of the preached word, which is the salt that has long been removed from every area of national life. We have two things to pray for now; 1) That God would raise up Bible preachers 2) That God would open doors for opportunities to preach His Word.
Signpost Words | ‘PRAYED IN OPPORTUNITIES’
Highlight Verses | Colossians 4:2-6
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. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. NKJV
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. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. NKJV
Some Observations |
Already then, this new church body of Jew and Gentile combined into one, is now functioning as a new united entity. Paul’s perseverance is based on vigilant, earnest and continued prayer, the focal point of which is for an open door for the Word to be proclaimed and preached. Of course he would have them pray for other things as well, even for his present Roman imprisonment to be remembered. However, his focal point is prayer for open doors for the preached Word of the Gospel? Why? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17 NKJV)
A Call To Action |
The present church in the West, exhibits a lost confidence in the power of the preached word, which is the salt that has long been removed from every area of national life. We have two things to pray for now; 1) That God would raise up Bible preachers 2) That God would open doors for opportunities to preach His Word.