Colossians 4:2-6

I ought to speak to make the gospel clear.

• Perspective – how does their life portray a gospel problem?
• Bridge – how can I identify with them in the problem, the struggle, and the solution?
• Approach – what avenue do I have to speak life and hope to them?

Keep yourself alert and ready for gospel conversations!

1. Steadfast in prayer

Are you devoted to praying?

• For God’s desires and God’s will?
• For God to move in you?
  • “Humble me, change me, use me”
• For those around you, with watchfulness?
• Recognizing and appreciating what God has already done?

2. Intentional in relationships

The gospel is most effective in the midst of my life, not instead of my life.

What is an “open door”?

• When someone is seeking truth
• When someone is hurting or struggling
• When I face hurts or struggles
• When there is pushback
• There are many openings to steer the conversation to eternal matters!

3. Wise in time

Consider: why do I do what I do?

• It’s time to reevaluate our busyness!

Wisdom reflects our values (Prov 1:7)!

• Do I value people?
• Do I value God’s mission?
• Do I value my calling as a Christian?
• Do I hold dear what’s not eternally
  precious?

4. Gracious in speech

How can I let my speech be “seasoned with salt”?

• Speak to real people with real struggles needing real answers!
• Listen first! (Prov 18:13, James 1:19)
• Love with burden and perseverance!
• Share Jesus, not moralism!
• Win people, not arguments!

Application Questions for Reflection

1. What questions or reactions do you have?  What is one application you will make?
2. How do you generally think about “open doors” (Colossians 4:3)?  Does that merely refer to when someone asks “how can I be saved?” (Acts 16:30), or could it include effort to seek small openings?
3. Why is it hard to transition a conversation to a spiritual focus?  How can we be intentional without being abrupt and awkward?
4. Consider the typical church and personal prayer.  How often do we pray for the lost and for open doors (Colossians 4:3)?  How can we be more faithful to do so?
5. We are always “on the clock” as Christians (Colossians 4:5).  How does that further influence our calls to holiness and evangelism?
6. What are some important elements of empathetic and gracious conversation that can build bridges for the gospel (Colossians 4:6)?