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 just 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 the final one of the three today) …
FIRST, SUSTAINED INTERCESSORY PRAYER IS IMPORTANT! (COLOSSIANS 4:2-3A)
NEXT, PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL IS CRITICAL. (COLOSSIANS 4:3B-4)
FINALLY, YOUR PUBLIC LIFE IN YOUR COMMUNITY IS AN IMPORTANT WITNESS! (COLOSSIANS 4:5-6)
Paul also recognized the importance of the consistent Christian living and personal witness of the believers who lived and worshipped in Colossae! He urged the believers there to “make the most of every opportunity.” Paul also challenged them to be careful about their everyday conversations. He realized that the quality of their lives and graciousness of their words were as important to the success and spread of the gospel in Colossae and around the world as his own apostolic mission!
Hey, your daily life is vitally important to the Lord! Those who don’t know the Lord watch Christians in their neighborhoods closely. They listen carefully to our words. If we are sensitive to the Spirit’s leading we will have daily opportunities to minister to the needs of our neighbors and share Christ with them. Think of yourself as an ambassador for the King of Kings, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). You represent Him and His kingdom! Your task is to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to further the cause of Christ in your neighborhood and world!
Coffee With The Lord 