Colossians: Prayer, Proclamation, and Partnership

Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the eighth and final sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Prayer, Proclamation, and Partnership”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 4:2-18

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: Colossians 4:2-18

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?

WARM-UP

1. What has stood out for you in the letter to the Colossians?

2. Do you ever feel inadequate or powerless to proclaim the Good news of Jesus? What encourages you?

Read Colossians 4:2-6

1. What is the threefold pattern of prayer that Paul describes? Why do you think each part is essential?

2. Why is prayer so important in the mission of God? How could you grow more in devotion to prayer?

3. What in particular does Paul ask the Colossians to pray for? What does this tell us about Paul?

4. What would be helpful things for us to pray for those who have a ministry of proclaiming the Gospel?

5. In what way is Christianity not merely an introspective faith but one orientated outward? To whom?

6. What does it mean to ʻmake the most of every opportunityʼ? Do you ever feel pressured by this?

7. What – according to Paul – should our conversations be characterised by? Where is that likely for you?

8. Is there an opportunity that youʼve recently had for a conversation about faith (regardless of how ʻsimpleʼ you might think it is)? How did it go? Is there a natural next step?

9. What does it mean to ʻknow how to answer everyoneʼ? What is most helpful in equipping you to be able to answer people on your frontline? Are there ways you could more intentionally pray and prepare?

Read Colossians 4:7-18

1. Is there anyone in the cast of farewell characters that stands out for you here?

2. What types of relationships does Paul refer to? How is it clear that partnership is essential in mission?

3. How do we as a community support one another in our witness to the world?

4. Who partners, supports, and encourages you in your Christian walk? Who do you support?

5. What is one way that people could pray for your witness on your main frontline?

APPLY: Whatʼs one practical way that you can grow in your devotion to praying missionally?

PRAYER

Gracious Father, thank you for the privilege to participate in your mission to the world through prayer, proclamation, and partnership. Please grow our desire to share the Good News that we would be fervent in prayer and attentive to see the opportunities that you place before us on our frontlines. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen/Watch: “Christ our Sustenance and Help” by Barneys

• Listen: “The Spirituality Works in the World” by William Taylor

• Read: “Nympha and her House Church” by Michael Bird

• Read (Book): “Need to Know” by Gary Millar: Available in the St Bart’s Library

• Read (Book): “The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission” by John Dickson:
  Available in the St Bartʼs Library

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview

• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians

• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright

• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)

• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright

• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook