1. Prayer and witness
Colossians 4:2 - 6

2. Paul now turns to two aspects of our walk with and work for God:
PRAYER AND WITNESS
Paul now turns to two aspects of our walk with and work for God:
Prayer – speaking to God
Witness – speaking to others about God
Both are vital aspects of our lives as Christians
If we neglect either of these we will miss so much of what God wants to do in and through us

3. Prayer can be very simple – we talk to our heavenly Father
PRAYER AND WITNESS
PRAYER (2 – 4)
Paul encourages the Colossians to “continue earnestly in prayer” (steadfast, devoted)
Prayer can be very simple – we talk to our heavenly Father
But it can also be hard work – we are in a spiritual battle
Persistence is necessary (see Luke 18:1 – 8, the persistent widow and 11:5 – 10, the friend at midnight)

4. At times we may seem to be “wrestling with God” (Genesis 32:22 -32)
PRAYER AND WITNESS
PRAYER (2 – 4)
At times we may seem to be “wrestling with God” (Genesis 32:22 -32)
From Romans 15:30 we see that Christians should strive together in prayer
We are to be “vigilant” (watchful) in prayer – alert to spiritual dangers, wide awake to spot the enemy’s schemes and plans

5. Our prayers should be with “thanksgiving”
PRAYER AND WITNESS
PRAYER (2 – 4)
Our prayers should be with “thanksgiving”
God is always with us and will not desert us – Psalm 139:7 -12
Nothing can separate us from His love – Romans 8:28, 39
God provides for us in all circumstances
God gives us the victory over sin, death and devils – 1 Corinthians 15:57

6. Our prayers should be “evangelistic”
PRAYER AND WITNESS
PRAYER (2 – 4)
Our prayers should be “evangelistic”
Pray for opportunities to share the gospel (open doors) – note Paul’s concern for a door to open for the Word of God rather than an open door for him out of prison
Pray for evangelists (like Paul and his team)
Pray for missionaries
Pray for clarity of thought when speaking, guided by the Holy Spirit

7. We surely want outsiders to become insiders!
PRAYER AND WITNESS
WITNESS (5 – 6)
We have a responsibility to share the gospel with those who are “outside”
Think of what it means to be outside the love of God not only now but throughout eternity – a place of darkness, fear, wrath, misery
We surely want outsiders to become insiders!

8. “Walk in wisdom” towards them
PRAYER AND WITNESS
WITNESS (5 – 6)
If we are to share the gospel we need to live lives that commend the gospel to others
“Walk in wisdom” towards them
Do not imitate the world’s love of materialism (1 Timothy 6:8 -9)
Do not live a life that portrays Christianity to be just a legalistic moral code

9. The need to witness is urgent “redeem the time”
PRAYER AND WITNESS
WITNESS (5 – 6)
The need to witness is urgent “redeem the time”
Look for opportunities – when God sees a willing heart He will open them up
Don’t miss a chance to speak of eternal matters both to people who are outside the church but also to those within
When we speak, do not be condemning in tone but loving and gentle – no one was ever nagged into the kingdom!

10. Know the times we are living in and pray accordingly
PRAYER AND WITNESS
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Be steadfast in prayer
Be vigilant in prayer
Know the times we are living in and pray accordingly
Pray for those who are outside the Kingdom of God
Pray for missionaries and evangelists
Look out for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus
Live lives that commend the gospel to others (grace and salt)