posted on October 28, 2011 15:05
"Don't forget to pray for us too, that God will give us many chances to preach the Good News of Christ for which I am here in jail. Pray that I will be bold enough to tell it freely and fully, and make it plain, as of course, I should. Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone." Colossians 4:3-6 (LB)
What compelled Paul to be so driven to share the gospel? Why was he not bitter about his hardship in jail? Why was he asking prayer to be effective at sharing the salvation message behind bars? Why was he admonishing the church in Colossae to make the most of every opportunity to share the Good News of Christ Jesus?
1. Treating the gospel as a jewel of great value.
Paul's "near life" experience with Jesus on the way to Damascus was transformative. This indelible encounter was the basis for his call to ministry and the growth of the church throughout Asia. He witnessed, first-hand, how the gospel is powerful, unique, and life-changing. Paul wanted everyone to share in the same new life that he'd experienced. The power of a changed life moves people and prompts them to notice. How has the power of the gospel changed your life? How does it impact your job performance, family relationships, your neighbors and your thought life? If your answers aren't radical, perhaps you need to spend some time contemplating why the gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News.
2. Why does the gospel transform our perspective in the midst of trials?
Having your life transformed by the redemptive work of the cross of Jesus changes your perspective about possessions, relationships, hardship, trials, etc. The world regards possessions as something to be accumulated, relationships to be dominated, hardship to be spurned, and trials to be avoided. The redeemed consider possessions to be shared or given, relationships to be fostered and loved, hardship as opportunities, and trials embraced with joy. Where is your perspective? How do you embrace these?
3. How does the light of the gospel need to be shared?
The joy of the Lord is part of the multi-faceted fruit of the Holy Spirit. Its partners are love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. When Paul encourages the church's conversations about the gospel be gracious and sensible, he wants us to be winsome. Being winsome about the gospel as well as life has at its foundation in the fruit of the Spirit. We can all think of sour, Eeyore-like Christians. (I'm sure we've all worn that face a time or two.) But it's really a contradiction to be a Christian and live like that. Besides it doesn't produce good fruit. Another aspect of being winsome with the gospel is that we have to believe that its power can change everyone. Paul encourages Timothy to share this truth because he longs that all will be saved (1 Tim. 2).
Begin praying that we would be more willing than ever before to share the love of God and the plan of salvation with those that we meet, interface with, love and want to be saved. This is their greatest need. What a privilege to be a partner with God in unlocking the gift of heaven to them.
God bless you all. We're in this together.
BFC Staff