Do you live in a small community and attend a church with just a few people? Ever feel like because of that your influence is insignificant and your impact on world evangelism is unimportant? I’ve been reading Apostle Paul’s challenge to Christians living in a small community like that – Colossians 4:2-6.
Colossae was a small community in the ancient Roman province of Asia (the area now called Turkey) on the banks of the Lycus River. At one time Colossae had been a city of considerable importance. However changes in commercial patterns and needs brought about the decline of its importance and size. Someone has said, that the Colossian church was “the least important church to which any epistle of Paul was addressed” (Lightfoot, 16).
To believers in this small town and little congregation Apostle Paul urged THREE THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTION SIGNIFICANT (I’ll feature another one of those things today, and the final one tomorrow) …
First, Sustained Intercessory Prayer is Important! (Colossians 4:2-3a)
Next, Proclamation of the Gospel is Critical. (Colossians 4:3b-4)
Paul also recognized how important it was that the gospel continue to be proclaimed without hindrance! Although he was in prison in Romein chains, he never felt like the gospel was chained (2 Timothy 2:8-9)! In fact, in Philippians he claimed that his imprisonment had actually provided an incredible opportunity to reach “Caesar’s household” with the gospel (Philippians 1:12-18)! Now he asks the congregation in Colossae to pray that God would open marvelous new doors for the message of the gospel and that God would help him proclaim it clearly.
Nothing can hinder the gospel! In the plan and purpose of God it will go forth! It breaks down barriers, demolishes spiritual strongholds, sets people free, and transforms lives, communities and nations! OH HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT EVEN BELIEVERS IN SMALL TOWNS AND CONGREGATIONS PRAY FOR OPEN DOORS FOR THE GOSPEL AND THE SUCCESS OF THOSE WHO PROCLAIM IT!
For years faithful Christians asked God to destroy the iron curtain of communism that blocked open access to the gospel in the Soviet bloc. They asked God to sustain, protect and enable believers there for witness. China, too, seemed like an impenetrable barrier. Little was known about the welfare and vitality of the church there. But the prayers of God’s people were answered! A miracle took place and the walls came down and the Soviet bloc was opened to the gospel! Incredible reports of the success and vitality of the persecuted church in China were reported. God had again been faithful! It pays to pray!
Coffee With The Lord 