Sermon on 5 September 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
We are called to share our faith. Sharing our faith is an essential thing that we should do as Christians, wherever we are placed. We need to be mission-focused and commission-driven. Mark 16:15 teaches us that we must preach the gospel to all creatures. Matthew 28:19-20 teaches us to make disciples, to teach all that Jesus has taught. Many preach the gospel, but few make disciples. We need to do both.
Message
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. – Colossians 4:2
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. – 1 Peter 3:15-16
Be bold in sharing your faith (Colossians 4:3-4)
There is a closed door beyond which lies the word. You need the key to open the door to access the word. This key is prayer. To be bold, you need to pray.
…pray…that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ…make it manifest, as I speak. – Colossians 4:3-4
1. Opportunities
…utterance be given to me, that I open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, - Ephesians 6:9
Pray for opportunities. Pray for the door to be opened. Pray for utterance. When you preach the gospel, you can feel the presence of God.
2. Clarity
Paul prayed for clarity.
that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. – Colossians 4:4
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. – 1 Corinthians 2:2
Remember that we are in the light. Pre-believers are in darkness. They have to open their heart. You are the light.
“To be”
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. – Philippians 2:8
God is only concerned with how you respond to His calling. The only condition for us to have restoration is obedience. Be humble. When you are humble, you can “do”.
“To do”
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. – John 6:38
Jesus said to them “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. – John 4:34
Be questionable in living your faith (Colossians 4:6)
Be kind to people. Be full of the Spirit. This means to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Then the fruit of the Spirit will grow naturally, because you are abiding.
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. – Colossians 4:6
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; - 1 Peter 3:15
Worship God in your heart every day. Have God at the centre of your lives. When you have the reverence of God in your heart. Then you will always be ready to answer questions. The most effective method of evangelism is to answer questions. Provoke the unbelievers to question our beliefs – “why are you always so gentle? Why are you always smiling? Why are you always so calm?”. Be intriguing. Take every opportunity to answer questions (Colossians 4:6), in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. How questionable is your life?
We have failed if people do not know we are Christians. Ask yourself – “will my neighbour know I am a Christian?”
How can we be more questionable? Bless others.
You can bless through words of affirmation, acts of kindness or gifts. Can you try to bless at least 2 people a week? Share with your family every Sunday evening about the 2 people that you have blessed. Blessings will inherit blessings (1 Peter 3:9).
Closing
Live a life that does not follow the pattern of this crooked world. Our calling, our vocation, is to follow Christ. Pray for the ability to respond to this calling. Be bold in sharing. Be questionable. Live a life that welcomes questions.
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