Are you living a life that bears witness to the Gospel’s transformative power? In the heart of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians lies a profound message about how our daily actions can become a testament to the message of Jesus Christ. Join us as we explore three timeless principles from Colossians chapter four that guide us towards a lifestyle of evangelism, where our prayers, actions, and words align to reflect the grace and truth of our Savior boldly.
In Chapter Four of his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul shifts from doctrinal teachings to practical applications of living in Christ. This chapter emphasizes the extension of faith from personal life to various aspects, including church, family, and work. The central question posed is whether our lives serve as a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s response is straightforward: Our lives should embody a lifestyle of evangelism, continually reflecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This passage offers three critical principles for achieving lifestyle evangelism.
Pray with Purpose:
The first principle, outlined in Colossians 4:2-4, is to pray with a purpose. This involves praying faithfully, consistently, and sincerely. It means avoiding empty or mechanical prayers and committing to fulfill our promises to pray for others. We should pray with open eyes, being intentional about what and who we pray for, including the world’s needs.
Walk in Wisdom:
The second principle advises us to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” (Colossians 4:5). Here, “walk” signifies intentionality and progress in our interactions with those outside of our faith. Wisdom entails applying God’s truth correctly in our lives. It encourages us to be purposeful in building relationships and not squandering our time on unproductive arguments.
Speak The Truth with Grace:
The third principle, found in Colossians 4:6, is to “speak the truth with grace.” Our speech should consistently exhibit grace and be “seasoned with salt,” serving as both a preservative and a healing agent. This means speaking truth with love, providing the benefit of the doubt, and emulating the gracious yet truthful speech of Jesus.
In summary, the Christian life can be distilled into these three principles: praying with purpose, walking in wisdom, and speaking the truth with grace. It’s a life marked by continual prayer, wise interactions with others, and lovingly truthful speech. Every Christian is called to actively witness to the Gospel and embody these principles in their daily lives.
Our Response
- Intentional Prayer: Commit to pray faithfully, consistently, and sincerely for others. Keep a prayer journal to track your prayers and ensure follow-through.
- Relationship Building: In your interactions with non-believers, practice walking in wisdom. Strive to build genuine relationships, listening more than debating, and look for opportunities to share your faith when trust is established.
- Gracious Communication: Examine your speech and communication style. Aim to speak truth with grace in all interactions, whether with believers or non-believers. Avoid harsh or judgmental language.