Young People's Group

AN OPEN DOOR FOR THE WORD

by Pastor Mitch
October 20, 2013

Praying Continuously For God To Open Doors For The Word

Battling for the souls of people is not quite as straight-forward as we contemplate it to be. More often than not, opportunities to share the word of the gospel do not come as we wish them to. Paul, who was in prison, challenged the Colossians to remain steadfast in their prayer endeavours and to be watchful in them. He also asked to them to intercede for him that God would graciously open a door for the word.

“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.” 
Colossians 4:2-4

Paul understood how it is God who would grant him the opportunity to share the gospel. In the text of 1 Corinthians 16:9, it can be noted how a great and effective door had been opened to him and he would tarry in Ephesus. A door was also opened to him by the Lord to preach Christ’s gospel when he came to Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12). Paul wanted the Colossians to pray for him that he would have the occasion to speak the mystery of Christ as he ought to speak, even though he was in chains. He was always fully committed to sharing his faith. Young people, let’s also pray that doors would be opened to us to share His word. Let’s keep praying till doors are opened.

Learning To Have A Wise Testimony

“Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, redeeming the time.” 
Colossians 4:5

Seeking to share the word is never just about the act of sharing itself. It is also about how we live out our life. The Apostle Paul understood how reaching out to people should be accompanied by a life that is Christ-centered. He challenged the brethren to live their life in wisdom and not in foolishness, especially before those who are non-believers. There were false teachers who were teaching man-made commandments and restrictions of not eating certain types of food, not drinking certain drinks and not touching certain things. If the non-believers were to see the Colossians practising such a self-imposed religion, having false humility and neglecting the body (Colossians 2:23), would they not recognise these as foolishness! The challenge was for the Christians at Colosse to live wisely, focusing on the Lord Jesus, making full use of their time. They were not to waste time on having a ritualistic religion. They were to gain more wisdom through dwelling deeply on the word of God (Colossians 3:16). When we live wisely and seek to make full use of our time, the word we share will make a bigger impact on non-believers. They would see how wonderful having faith in Christ is.

Knowing How To Share The Word

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” 
Colossians 4:6

How we share the word also makes an impact on those who are outside. The words we speak should always be with graciousness. Each time we share, our words should be kind and gentle ones. When the Lord Jesus spoke (as recorded in the text of Luke 4:22), gracious words proceeded from His mouth. Furthermore, our words should be seasoned with salt. Salt was used during the Roman empire as payment to soldiers for duty rendered to the empire. Salt had much worth then. When we share the word, it should be words that would profit those who are listening to it. They should be of much worth. Let’s also seek to be wise and skilled in how we answer people. Let’s do all we can to speak words that would bless hearts.

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