Empowered by Prayer: Participating in God's Mission
Summary
In our journey through Revelation 5, we are reminded of the ultimate vision of God's kingdom, where people from every tribe, nation, and tongue are redeemed. Our church is committed to participating in this divine mission, and this month, we are focusing on our missionaries worldwide. We are not just a church that sends out missionaries; we are a river of life, flowing with the gospel message, raising and sending the next generation of missionaries. Our offerings today are dedicated to supporting this mission, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder those called to serve.
We also support organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention of Virginia and the North American Mission Board, believing in their mission to bring America under the rule of Jesus Christ. Our commitment extends to church plants, both locally and globally, as we strive to be a river, not a pond, of God's love and grace.
As we conclude our series on Colossians, we focus on Paul's exhortation to the church to be devoted to prayer. Prayer is the lifeblood of our faith, empowering us to be bold witnesses of the gospel. It is not just a ritual but a mode of existence, a rhythm that aligns us with God's will. We are called to be watchful and thankful in our prayers, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances.
Paul's request for prayer in Colossians 4:2-4 highlights the importance of praying for open doors for the gospel and clarity in its proclamation. We are reminded that God is the one who opens hearts and minds to His truth, and our role is to faithfully share the message of Christ's love and redemption.
As we embark on this month of missions, let us devote ourselves to prayer, lifting up our missionaries and church plants, and seeking God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. May we be a church characterized by prayer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to seeing the gospel transform lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Vision of Revelation 5: Our church is committed to the vision of Revelation 5, where people from every tribe, nation, and tongue are redeemed. This vision drives our mission efforts, as we support missionaries and church plants worldwide, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder those called to serve. [29:39]
2. Prayer as a Mode of Existence: Prayer is not just a ritual but a mode of existence for believers. It empowers us to be bold witnesses of the gospel, aligning us with God's will and enabling us to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. [42:21]
3. Devotion to Prayer: Being devoted to prayer means setting aside time to be with the Father, both individually and collectively. It involves being watchful and thankful, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances. [45:09]
4. God Opens Doors for the Gospel: God is the one who opens hearts and minds to His truth. Our role is to faithfully share the message of Christ's love and redemption, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring people to Himself. [53:26]
5. Participating in God's Mission: We are invited to be active participants in God's mission by praying for open doors for the gospel and clarity in its proclamation. Our prayers empower us to be bold witnesses, joining in God's redemptive purposes for the world. [01:01:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Vision of Revelation 5
- [02:15] - Supporting Missionaries
- [04:00] - Offering Dedication
- [06:45] - Southern Baptist Convention Support
- [08:30] - North American Mission Board
- [10:00] - Church Plants and Generosity
- [12:00] - Prayer and Devotion
- [14:30] - Paul's Exhortation to Pray
- [16:45] - Empowerment through Prayer
- [19:00] - Being Watchful and Thankful
- [21:30] - God Opens Doors
- [23:00] - Participating in God's Mission
- [25:00] - Call to Prayer for Missions
- [27:30] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 5
- Colossians 4:2-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the vision described in Revelation 5, and how does it relate to the mission of the church? [29:39]
2. According to Colossians 4:2-4, what specific instructions does Paul give regarding prayer, and why are these important for the church? [42:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the church's role in supporting missionaries and church plants both locally and globally? [29:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between prayer and being a bold witness for the gospel? [48:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of Revelation 5 inspire the church's mission efforts, and what does it mean for individuals to participate in this vision? [29:39]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer is more than just a ritual, and how does it become a mode of existence for believers? [48:56]
3. What are some barriers to being devoted to prayer mentioned in the sermon, and how might these barriers affect one's spiritual life? [53:26]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of God in opening doors for the gospel, and what is the believer's responsibility in this process? [53:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the vision of Revelation 5. How can you personally contribute to the church's mission of reaching every tribe, nation, and tongue? [29:39]
2. The sermon emphasizes prayer as a mode of existence. What practical steps can you take to integrate prayer more deeply into your daily life? [48:56]
3. Identify a specific barrier that hinders your devotion to prayer. What strategies can you implement to overcome this barrier? [53:26]
4. Consider the role of prayer in empowering gospel witness. How can you be more intentional in praying for opportunities to share your faith? [48:56]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of being watchful and thankful in prayer. How can you cultivate a more thankful heart in your prayer life? [57:47]
6. Think about a missionary or church plant you know. How can you support them through prayer or other means this month? [01:03:37]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a "river, not a pond" in terms of sharing God's love and grace. What is one action you can take this week to let God's love flow through you to others? [29:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Vision of Redemption
The vision of Revelation 5 is a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan for humanity, where people from every tribe, nation, and tongue are redeemed. This vision is not just a distant hope but a present reality that drives the mission efforts of the church. By supporting missionaries and church plants worldwide, the church actively participates in this divine mission, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder those called to serve. This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the church's role as a river of life, flowing with the gospel message and raising the next generation of missionaries. [29:39]
"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'" (Revelation 5:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you personally contribute to the vision of Revelation 5 in your community or through supporting global missions today?
Day 2: Living Prayer as a Mode of Existence
Prayer is more than a ritual; it is a mode of existence that empowers believers to be bold witnesses of the gospel. Through prayer, individuals align themselves with God's will, enabling them to see His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. This alignment is not passive but active, requiring believers to be watchful and thankful, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances. By embracing prayer as a way of life, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater impact in their communities. [42:21]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, aligning your life with God's will?
Day 3: Devotion to Prayer and Its Transformative Power
Being devoted to prayer involves setting aside intentional time to be with the Father, both individually and collectively. This devotion is characterized by being watchful and thankful, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances. Through prayer, believers are empowered to be bold witnesses of the gospel, experiencing the transformative power of aligning their lives with God's purposes. This commitment to prayer is not just about personal growth but about participating in God's redemptive work in the world. [45:09]
"Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more watchful and thankful attitude in your prayer life, recognizing God's presence in every situation?
Day 4: Trusting God to Open Doors for the Gospel
God is the one who opens hearts and minds to His truth, and believers are called to faithfully share the message of Christ's love and redemption. This understanding shifts the focus from personal ability to divine sovereignty, trusting that God will use their efforts to bring people to Himself. By praying for open doors for the gospel and clarity in its proclamation, believers can participate in God's mission with confidence, knowing that He is at work in the hearts of those they encounter. [53:26]
"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." (Colossians 4:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel, and how can you pray specifically for God to open doors for you to share His love with them?
Day 5: Participating Actively in God's Mission
Believers are invited to be active participants in God's mission by praying for open doors for the gospel and clarity in its proclamation. This participation is not passive but requires intentionality and boldness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. By joining in God's redemptive purposes for the world, believers can experience the joy of seeing lives transformed by the gospel. This commitment to God's mission is a reflection of a deep understanding of the church's role as a river of life, flowing with the message of Christ's love and redemption. [01:01:07]
"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." (Colossians 4:3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to actively participate in God's mission, both locally and globally, through prayer and outreach?
Quotes
"We're a church that is passionate about joining in on God's mission, what he's doing, redeeming people from every tribe, every nation, every tongue. And one way that we're going to get to emphasize that this entire month is we're going to be looking at missionaries that we've sent all over the world. We're going to be praying for them." [00:26:32] (18 seconds)
"Prayer empowers God's people to be a gospel witness. Verse two says, Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. There's other translations that are written to the phrase, devote yourselves to prayer. And when we think of the word devotion, there's probably several different things that come to mind." [00:43:02] (20 seconds)
"Prayer was, it was a mode of existence. Right? It wasn't just something on the side or an afterthought. It was their natural response to particular situations, but also a regular rhythm that they practice in their day. Simply put, it was who they were. They were a people of prayer." [00:48:41] (19 seconds)
"Here's the thing, maybe you'll, like, maybe you can find yourself being more productive in the eyes of the world by just doing things, spending less time in prayer and doing the work, but apart from prayer, you will not be productive in the kingdom of God. Apart from him, you can do nothing." [00:52:07] (23 seconds)
"And he is able to do far beyond anything I could ever ask, think, or imagine through prayer. And that's despite all this. He has called you to sit and be still with him in the midst of the chaotic life that you have, because I know it is. If you ask anybody in this room, hey, how was your week? It was busy." [00:53:25] (27 seconds)
"And God does that, we can plant, we can water, but it is only the Lord that gives the growth. And man, that's comforting for me. Let me tell you, because I fumble over my words all the time. Whew, praise the Lord. He's the one that can do it. We need to do exactly what Paul is praying for this or asking for prayer from this church." [01:01:06] (21 seconds)
"And so Paul prays or he asked for prayer from this church. He says, be an active participant with me in my gospel witness by praying for me. Pray that the Lord would open the door and pray that he would walk through it. Pray that he would be able to take that opportunity and be a gospel witness." [01:03:47] (19 seconds)
"As we set our hearts and our minds on this gospel message and seeing it go forward, I cannot think of a better way to start this month off than by devoting ourselves to prayer. Prayer for one another prayer for our missionaries all over the world that God would open doors that no man can shut and that we would see his kingdom come." [01:04:32] (37 seconds)
"Father, you are holy, holy, holy, the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come. And God, I pray that you hear the prayers of your people today. Jesus, would you be glorified and magnified in our prayers, Lord? Would you help us to be a people that are devoted to prayer, both individually as well as collectively?" [01:16:31] (29 seconds)
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