BEARING A GOOD TESTIMONY FOR CHRIST
TEXT- COLOSSIANS 4:1-18
INTRODUCTION
As we discussed in our previous studies, we saw that the book of Colossians was written by Apostle Paul to the Church at Colosse with the aim of bringing them fully to Christ. He centered on Christ's preeminence, His glory, our salvation through Christ and the mystery of Christ in us. We should not allow the cares of this life to distract our focus on Christ. Paul mostly preached a certain message which is the mystery of Christ- Colossians 4:3, Colossians 2.
A) PAUL'S FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS TO BELIEVERS - Colossians 4:1-6
Apostle Paul in this chapter touched major character that a good Christian should portray so that we can bear the glorious testimony about the Christ in us.
1) Master and servant relationship - Colossians 4:1, Colossians 3:22-25
2) Devotion to prayo, watchfulness and praises - Colossians 4:2-4, Ezekiel 33:7, 1Thessalonians 5:17
They had a prayer guide: prayers for open doors to the gospel and boldness to preach sound doctrine.
3) To be wise in relating with unbelievers - Colossians 4:5, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, 1 Corinthians 10:20
We should use every opportunity to present Christ to them. We must also remember that light and darkness do not work together- 2 Corinthians 6:14
4) Our conversation should be a blessing - Colossians 4:6, Psalm 39:1, Psalm 50:19, Psalm 119:172.
As Christians we should be careful of what we speak, where we speak and how we speak. Every of our conversation should be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Psalm 120:2.
B) THE TESTIMONY OF PAUL'S MEN - Colossians 4:7-17
Apostle Paul was in prison during this time in his ministry but he was not left alone. He had men like; Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke and Demas. Apostle Paul told of their testimony in this manner:
1) They were like brothers to him
2) They were beloved and faithful
3) They were coworkers for God's kingdom
4) They worked for the steadfastness and maturity of the Church.
5) They were men that wrestled in prayers.
Paul had this support because he obeyed Christ's teaching- Matthew 28:19-20
• Who are you raising as a disciple of Christ?
• What is your testimony like?
C) THE COMPLETENESS OF OUR MINISTRY IN CHRIST - Colossians 4:17, 2 Timothy 4:6, James 1:12, 1 Timothy 6:12.
Apostle Paul admonished us through the scripture that we have to be fulfilled in our ministry. We must work to end well even as we began well in Christ. He was an example of this- 2 Timothy 4:6-8. We should not be spiritual dropouts in the ministry given to us by God.
CONCLUSION
"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins" - Colossians 2:13.
