Pray for the Salvation of the Lost

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. 3. 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 4. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Introduction:

Paul was in jail for preaching the gospel. But Paul is not taking a break from preaching while incarcerated. He asks for prayer for opportunities to win others to Christ, and for the boldness and wisdom to speak. He asks that his speech and life will open the hearts of the lost. Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. What a challenge to our lives. Paul did not let jail stop him from preaching. For example, in Philippi, Paul and Silas were in the deepest section of the jail in stocks with bleeding backs. But when the held a praise service, God answered with an earthquake releasing their bonds, and Paul was enabled to lead the entire family of the jailer to the Lord.

We know that true prayer is effective when our prayer is aligned with the will of God. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Therefore we can pray for the salvation of anyone and know that our prayer is in line with the will of God since He wants everyone saved.

The Lord is our master in heaven. One day we will be called to give an account of our lives. Romans 14:10b for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God….12. So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God. How we live will either reinforce the message of salvation or hinder it. Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him….23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Pray continually for the lost:

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. We should pray when we go to present the gospel. When Jesus sent out the 70, he commanded them. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. ?Pastor Sexton admonishes us: “We cannot effectively go with the gospel until we pray. We should pray before we go and as we go.”

Pray that the Lord would open a door for us:

Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel. He did not pray for a door to be opened for him to leave the prison, but that a door of utterance would be open for him to witness. Colossians 4:3. 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 4. That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Apparently Paul won many soldiers and servants of Caesar’s household, as well as perhaps those who visited him.

Pray that God will enable us to speak as we ought:

It is not just saying the right words that is speaking as we ought. Those words need to be backed up by a life committed to God and under the control of the Holy Spirit. We should meditate on such texts as: Psalm 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 139:23 Search me O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. I should be growing in Christ and showing more of Christ to those around me as I speak with them. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Pray to God to walk in wisdom and use my time wisely:

Colossians 4:5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:15 Se then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise; 16. Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ultimately God controls how long we have here on earth. We should use the time which He allots us in the wisest way. We should plan to use each day and each minute of the day for His glory. We can “roll-over” money often, or perhaps vacation days, but not time. When it is gone, it is gone.

Pray that our words would be full of grace and truth:

Jesus Christ came to earth full of grace and truth. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. Luke 4:22a (Jesus back at Nazareth) And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth… Our words should be seasoned with salt. Salt purifies and preserves. Colossians 4:6. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

As Christians, Christ lives in us. We should manifest His life. When He is lifted up, He draws all men to Himself. Let our light shine to others so that they will give God glory. Let us be faithful in continually praying for the lost, for keeping our lives clean, and walking in the Spirit as we seek the lost.

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