1. The Mission of the Church Colossians 4:2-5

2. Col. 4:2-5 Context l Based on the Finished Work of Christ “…having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” Col. 2:14 l Based on the Ethic of Love: “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Col. 3:14  Within the Christian Community  Within the Family  Within the Work Place  Now: Outside our Personal World

3. Col. 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; [3] praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; [4] that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. [5] Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. [6] Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

4. “that we may speak forth” l So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21 l “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 l “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 l And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20

5. “that we may speak forth” “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. “[20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:19-20 (NASB-U) 2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us…

6. Why Pursue this Cause? l It’s God’s Intent for the Church. l Objective Truth Exists. l People are Confused About God. l Masses of People Are In This State. l It’s an Issue of Compassion.  1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

7. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice “You were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds” Col. 1:21 “You were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds” Col. 1:21 “Freely you received, freely give.” Matt 10:8 “Freely you received, freely give.” Matt 10:8

8. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice 2. Requires Initiative “Praying…that God will open a door for us…” Col. 4:2 “Praying…that God will open a door for us…” Col. 4:2 “GO, therefore…” Mt.28:19 “GO, therefore…” Mt.28:19

9. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice 2. Requires Initiative 3. Going to all people “Go therefore… to all the ethnoi… and lo, I will be with you always” Mt.28:19 “Go therefore… to all the ethnoi… and lo, I will be with you always” Mt.28:19

10. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice 2. Requires Initiative 3. Going to all people 4. A burden for everyone in the church …the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Col. 2:19 (NASB-U) …the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Col. 2:19 (NASB-U)

11. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice 2. Requires Initiative 3. Going to all people 4. A burden for everyone in the church 5. Requires Equipping Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Col. 4:6 (NASB-U) Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Col. 4:6 (NASB-U) Romans 2:4 (NASB-U) “… the kindness of God leads you to repentance…”

12. Implications 1. Requires Real Sacrifice 2. Requires Initiative 3. Going to all people 4. A burden for everyone in the church 5. Requires Equipping 6. Requires Prayer “…praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word…” Col. 4:2-3 Acts 14:27 … they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.