Back Story

         I understand that the Navigators teach that the basics of the Christian life consist of four spokes to a wheel that have a hub of a Christ centered life. I was correctly taught in college that the four basics of the Christian life can be summed up by four talks: (1) God talks to us through the Bible, (2) We talk to other Christians for fellowship, teaching, and encouragement, (3) We talk to9 the lost by witnessing, and (4) We talk to God in prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. The results of prayer brings glory to God and benefit to us. However, the REASON for prayer is to tap the power of the Holy Spirit as we witness.

Questions

If God knows what we have need of before we pray, why pray?

If prayer is always for our benefit, then why do we not always get a yes answer to our prayers?

Memory Verse

“Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” Colossians 4:3

Explanation

         In Colossians 4:3-6 we see characteristics of an affective soul winner.

In verse 3 we see the first step in being a soul winner. We are to pray for open doors of utterance. That means to pray for opportunities to share the gospel.

Then in verse 4 we read: “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:4 In other words, we need to make the most of our opportunities. Most of us, actually, have many opportunities to share the gospel, but we just do not speak as often, as clearly, or as kindly as we should.

In verse 5 we are warned not to waste time. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time,” Colossians 4:5. This would also include the idea that we should intentionally make time to share the gospel, not simply look for opportunities as they arise..

Finally, in verse six God approaches the manner in which we speak to the lost. It should be about the grace of God more than the condemnation of man. It is true that a person needs to realize his sinful lost condition before he will trust in Christ, but that is really why God gave us our conscience. More and more people are becoming narcissistic sociopaths where everything is all about them, and in every circumstance they are the victim. However, most people still have a conscience and can empathize with others.

So, “Let your speech be alway with grace,” (about the grace of God). “Seasoned with salt,” (Salt makes food palatable, causes thirst for more, and preserves). “That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man,” Colossians 4:6.

For More Information

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