devo sheet

Watching, Walking, Witnessing
Colossians 4:2-6

Memory Verse: Colossians 4:5-6

Day 1: Think about it!!

A young pastor, eager to make his first sermon a memorable one, shared a few of his sermon ideas with one of the deacons. “I am planning to confront hypocrites, gossips, and lukewarm Christians.”

Solemnly, the deacon informed the pastor that some of the rather influential church members fell into those categories. “It might be best, Pastor,” the deacon advised, “to preach against witch doctors. There isn’t one of them within 4,000 miles of here.”

Those are the type of people Paul is addressing in Colossians 4:2-6. Read the passage and pray for God to show you were you need to change.

Day 2: Don’t Give Up Praying, Don’t Ever Give Up

North Carolina State basketball coach, Jim Valvano, inspired his players to put their best effort into every game. “Don’t give up, Don’t ever give up,” Coach would tell his players. The players took his advice winning the national championship in 1983. Later, Valvano would carry this attitude into a much harder battle, the battle against cancer. He fought valiantly until his death in 1993. Near the end, he was assisted to the podium of a national sports award show to give a speech. He told the audience, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”.

That is the attitude Paul was looking for when He said, “Continue in prayer”. (Col. 4:2) What was Daniel’s attitude concerning prayer in Dan. 6:7-10?


What did the Christians of Acts show us about prayer in Acts 12:1-12?


Day 3: Thank you, Lord!

Our loving Heavenly Father has invited us- and even urged us- to approach Him anytime with any request (Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16). However, our prayers should consist of more than requests. Along with our requests, we should offer thanks. Colossians 4:2 says, “watch in the same (prayer) with thanksgiving”.
This means we should be alert to opportunities to thank God. Take a few moments to list in each category below some items for which you are thankful.

Family-

Church-

Personal-


Day 4- Be Specific

Paul urged the Colossians to pray specifically. Paul does not ask for prayer for his release, but instead ask that God can use him while in prison (Vs 3-4). Paul asked the people to pray for evangelistic opportunities. Each of us has a distinct mission field- a circle of friends, acquaintances, and relatives who need Christ. Our youth group survey revealed that over 50% of our youth group has at least 6 unsaved friends. We need to be prayer for those open door chances to witness to them. Think of 3 friends that you want to witness to and pray that God will create an opportunity. How can you create one?


Day 5- Walk and Talk

Christians need to change the world by standing out as different. In the last 3 decades, church membership has grown by 30% in our country, but in the same time, the countries moral climate has deteriorated. Violent crime has increased by 550%. Single parent families have increased from 10% to 40%. Divorce rate has doubled. We should contrast the world, but too often we do not.

Paul says we are to walk in wisdom, but why (vs5)? ________________ That is right. We are to be an example to the lost. If evidence exists that we are a real Christian, then opportunities to share the gospel will follow.

Paul then addresses one specific area to walk wisely- our speech. Based on verse 6, how should our speech be?



Day 6- Putting Truth into Action

1. Christians should pray
____ a. Infrequently
____ b. Occasionally
____ c. Constantly
____ d. Never

2. Prayer should include
____ a. thanksgiving
____ b. wish lists
____ c. vain repetitions
____ d. self-adulation

3. How can you find time this week to share the gospel?