Pray for outsiders
Colossians 4:2-6(ESV) Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
In this passage, Paul desires that we are devoted to the activity of prayer. Paul begins with a prayer request that is near to his heart, namely that God would graciously give him the opportunity and ability to proclaim the gospel to those outside so that they might believe, be rescued, and brought to the inside. Becoming children of God.
Chafer explains in his book, Systematic Theology, the ‘abiding confidence’ that one has. Chafer believed the words of Jesus in John 14:14(ESV) If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
This, Chafer says, is the secret of all true evangelism. “Where believing prayer has been offered with expectation toward God alone, there has always been evidence of the power of God unto salvation…. The personal element in true soul-winning work is more a service of pleading for souls than a service of pleading with souls.” He argues, it is actually more about ‘talking with God about people’ rather than ‘talking with people about God’.
1 Timothy 2:1-4(ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
We cannot begin to think about reaching those on the outside, until we begin with earnest, devoted prayer for them to be brought safely to the inside.
1 Timothy 2:1(ESV) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
Romans 10:1(ESV) Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
Whenever prayer is coupled with the ministry of the Word, the Lord advances the building of His Church.
Acts 1:14(ESV) All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 2:41(ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Not only does Paul request us to pray for the outsiders, but also that God will open doors to enable us to share the Word of God.
Colossians 4:3-4(ESV) At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:18-20(ESV) praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul is praying for two things: an open door and the ability to open his mouth. When it comes to sharing the Gospel, God is the doorkeeper of opportunities for people to listen to the Gospel.
Revelation 3:8(ESV) “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Colossians 4:4(ESV) that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Today let’s pray this prayer of Paul, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare the mystery of Christ, that we may make it clear, which is how we ought to speak. That we walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of our time. Let our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each person.