2. Colossians 4:2-6 Three Essentials for Living Life in Christ Ruins of Acropolis in Colossae

3. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians… Included exalting Christ as the first-born in place and preeminence, Head over all things, Creator, and Saviour Included resisting the philosophies and false knowledge of men Included encouragement to renew self

4. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. [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 4:2-4 ESV) 1 st Essential to living in Christ? 1.Continue in Prayer

5. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12 ESV) pray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV) And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1 ESV) A. Devoted prayer

6. But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. [17] Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. (Psalm 55:16-17 ESV) David When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (Daniel 6:10 ESV) Daniel

7. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV) Paul Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12 ESV) Epaphras

8. Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 ESV) praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:18 ESV) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self- controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7 ESV) A.Devoted prayer B.Watchful prayer

9. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but They became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21 ESV) Ingratitude is a serious first step do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 ESV) Thanks should accompany every request A.Devoted prayer B.Watchful prayer C.Thankful prayer

10. 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 4:3-4 ESV) A.Devoted prayer B.Watchful prayer C.Thankful prayer D.Purposeful prayer

11. …praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV) I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, [31] that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, [32] so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. (Romans 15:30-32 ESV)

12. The right kind of prayer is… A.Devoted prayer B.Watchful prayer C.Thankful prayer D.Purposeful prayer

13. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Colossians 4:5 ESV) 2 nd Essential to living in Christ? 1.Continue in Prayer 2.Walk in Wisdom i.e. our life conduct, example, influence

14. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, [2] when they see your respectful and pure conduct. (1 Peter 3:1-2 ESV) Good conduct obviously CAN work…or not

15. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV) Good conduct can show us as disciples… or not “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV) Good conduct can show attractive unity… or not

16. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV) We need to walk wisely for TIME’s sake

17. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:6 ESV) 3 rd Essential to living in Christ? 1.Continue in Prayer 2.Walk in Wisdom 3.Speak with Grace The power of the tongue is awesome, but not always good.

18. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. Easy to err… [5] So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! Able to do great things… [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell Can change the course of life… [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Untamable… [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Able to both bless and curse… (James 3:2-10 ESV)

19. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV) 1.Directed to have a good flavor to our speech 2.Wisdom is seen in our speech especially toward outsiders Clear direction/goals to careful speech are seen here Are we making the most of our opportunities?

20. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 ESV) The importance of graceful speech is seen in repeated warnings.

21. With Just Three Essentials that Paul and the Holy Spirit Thought Important… 1.Our prayer life can be rich, different 2.Our “walk” can be noted for wisdom 3.Our speech can be known for it’s encouragement