Supreme: Thanks BE Giving

Supreme: Thanks BE Giving

November 25, 2023

Title: Thanks BE Giving Text: Colossians 4:2-18 Target: “Gratitude makes sense of your past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie I. Pray Diligently: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (4:2) A. Approach God Boldly: “continue steadfastly” (4:2a) “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) B. Believe for it Expectantly: “watchful in it with thanksgiving” (4:2b) C. Create a Divine Opportunity: “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—” (4:3) D. Declare Salvation Clearly: “that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (4:4) II. Live Missionally: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Vs. 5) A. Carry yourself Cautiously: “Walk in wisdom” (4:5a) B. Seize Moments with Intentionality: “making the best use of the time” (4:5b) C. Words Seasoned Graciously: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, (4:6a) D. Lead people to Jesus Personally: “so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (4:6b) III. Thank Personally:“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (4:18) A. Tychicus (faithful servant) - Served Paul while in Prison(4:7-8) B. Onesimus (one of your number) - Runaway slave led to Christ by Paul. (4:9) C. Aristarchus (fellow prisoner) - Gave up his own freedom to serve Paul. (4:10a) D. Mark (welcome him) - Reinstated by Paul after quitting earlier on Paul. (4:10b) E. Justus (encouragement) - Brought comfort to Paul by standing with him. (4:11) F. Epaphras (deep concern for you) - Labored lovingly for the church of Colossae as their pastor. (4:12) G. Luke (beloved physician) - cared for Paul's medical needs. (4:14) *Writes Luke and Acts. H. Demas (deserted Paul) - Fell away unto a worldly lifestyle (4:14b, 2 Tim. 4:9-10) I. Nympha (opened her home) - Paul thanks for sharing her resources. (4:15) J. Archippus (speaks blessing over) - “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” (4:17) Takeaway:  Never let the things that you want tomorrow to cause you not to be grateful for what you have today.