Living Out the Unfailing Love of Jesus
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that Jesus never fails, even when everything else in life seems to falter. This assurance is rooted in His love for us, demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection. As we delved into Colossians 4, we focused on how to live as followers of Jesus in a way that captures the attention of an unbelieving world. The key lies in a life devoted to prayer, clear communication of the gospel, and readiness to seize every opportunity to share the good news.
Paul's instructions to the Colossian church, a group of new believers navigating a complex cultural landscape, are just as relevant to us today. He emphasizes the importance of steadfast prayer, not as a ritualistic act but as a continuous, heartfelt conversation with God. This prayerful life is marked by thanksgiving, not dependent on our circumstances but on the eternal reality of our identity in Christ.
Moreover, Paul urges us to pray for opportunities to share the gospel and to communicate it clearly. This clarity is not about intellectual prowess but about making the message of Jesus accessible and understandable to all. Our lives, both in action and speech, should reflect the transformative power of the gospel, inviting others to see the difference Jesus makes.
Finally, we are called to live wisely and speak graciously, ensuring that our conduct and words align with the gospel we profess. This involves being engaging and genuine in our interactions, ready to respond to the opportunities God places before us. Our obedience to Christ is not for personal gain but to draw others to Him, demonstrating His love and truth through our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Never Fails: In a world where many things can let us down, Jesus remains constant and victorious over death. His love and sacrifice assure us of His unfailing nature. [49:33]
- Devotion to Prayer: A life lived for the gospel begins with steadfast prayer, which is not confined to specific postures or times but is a continuous conversation with God. This prayerful attitude should be accompanied by thanksgiving, rooted in our identity in Christ rather than our circumstances. [51:56]
- Clear Communication of the Gospel: Sharing the gospel requires clarity, not complexity. It's about making the message of Jesus understandable to all, using common language that resonates with people's experiences and understanding. [01:05:34]
- Living Wisely and Speaking Graciously: Our behavior and speech should reflect the gospel, demonstrating wisdom and grace in our interactions with others. This involves being engaging and genuine, ready to share the hope we have in Christ. [01:12:14]
- Urgency in Sharing the Gospel: We are called to live out our faith with urgency, recognizing the responsibility we have to share the gospel with those around us. This involves praying for opportunities and being ready to act when they arise. [01:22:57]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[42:43] - Introduction to Colossians
[46:56] - Context of Paul's Instructions
[49:04] - Living for the Gospel
[51:56] - Devotion to Prayer
[53:26] - Thanksgiving as a Lens
[54:38] - Watchfulness in Prayer
[55:53] - Thanksgiving Beyond Circumstances
[57:22] - Eternal Reality of Thankfulness
[59:20] - Praying for Open Doors
[01:00:46] - Sharing the Gospel Clearly
[01:03:08] - Responsibility to Pray
[01:04:05] - The Battleground of Prayer
[01:05:34] - Communicating Clearly
[01:07:44] - The Simplicity of the Gospel
[01:09:39] - Avoiding Complexity
[01:11:16] - Living Wisely
[01:12:14] - Conduct and Speech
[01:14:00] - Obedience to Christ
[01:15:38] - Gracious Speech
[01:17:02] - Engaging Conversations
[01:18:04] - Relating to Non-Believers
[01:19:50] - Multiplication and Impact
[01:20:39] - Burden of Obedience
[01:21:53] - Urgency in Action
[01:22:57] - Living Out the Gospel
[01:24:53] - Invitation to Believe
[01:25:47] - Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 4:2-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean by "continue steadfastly in prayer" in Colossians 4:2, and how does he suggest this should be done? [49:04]
2. How does Paul describe the way we should communicate the gospel in Colossians 4:3-4? What is the significance of clarity in this context? [01:00:46]
3. According to Colossians 4:5-6, what are the two key aspects of our conduct that Paul emphasizes, and why are they important for engaging with non-believers? [01:11:16]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of living wisely and speaking graciously in our daily interactions? [01:12:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of prayer being continuous and filled with thanksgiving, regardless of circumstances? How does this reflect our identity in Christ? [51:56]
2. What might be the challenges and benefits of communicating the gospel clearly rather than smartly, as discussed in the sermon? [01:05:34]
3. How does living wisely and speaking graciously serve as a testimony to non-believers, according to the sermon and Colossians 4:5-6? [01:12:14]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that urgency in sharing the gospel can impact our daily lives and interactions with others? [01:22:57]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate a more continuous and thankful attitude in your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to make prayer a more integral part of your life? [49:04]
2. Think about a recent opportunity you had to share the gospel. How did you communicate it? What changes can you make to ensure your message is clear and relatable to others? [01:00:46]
3. Identify a situation where you struggled to live wisely or speak graciously. What could you do differently next time to better reflect the gospel in your actions and words? [01:12:14]
4. Consider the urgency of sharing the gospel as discussed in the sermon. What practical steps can you take this week to be more proactive in sharing your faith with those around you? [01:22:57]
5. How can you ensure that your conduct and speech align with the gospel you profess, especially in challenging environments like work or social gatherings? [01:11:16]
6. Reflect on a relationship with a non-believer in your life. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith, using wisdom and grace? [01:17:02]
7. What specific distractions or fears might be preventing you from living out your faith with urgency? How can you address these barriers to become more effective in sharing the gospel? [01:22:57]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Jesus' Unfailing Love and Victory
In a world filled with uncertainty and disappointment, the assurance that Jesus never fails is a profound truth that offers hope and stability. His love for us, demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection, is the foundation of this assurance. Jesus' victory over death is not just a historical event but a present reality that impacts our lives today. This victory assures us that no matter what challenges we face, Jesus remains constant and His love never wavers. [49:33]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in Jesus' unfailing love and victory today? How can you remind yourself of His constant presence in your daily routine?
Day 2: Continuous Prayer as a Lifestyle
A life devoted to prayer is not about adhering to a strict schedule or specific postures but about maintaining a continuous, heartfelt conversation with God. This kind of prayer life is marked by thanksgiving, which is rooted in our identity in Christ rather than our circumstances. By focusing on the eternal reality of who we are in Jesus, we can cultivate a prayerful attitude that transcends the ups and downs of life. [51:56]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate continuous prayer into your daily life? What are some practical ways to remind yourself to engage in conversation with God throughout the day?
Day 3: Clarity in Sharing the Gospel
Communicating the gospel clearly is essential for making the message of Jesus accessible and understandable to all. This clarity is not about using complex theological terms but about speaking in a way that resonates with people's experiences and understanding. By focusing on the simplicity of the gospel, we can ensure that its transformative power is communicated effectively to those around us. [01:05:34]
2 Corinthians 4:2-3 (ESV): "But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share the message of Jesus with them in a clear and relatable way today?
Day 4: Living Wisely and Speaking Graciously
Our behavior and speech should reflect the gospel, demonstrating wisdom and grace in our interactions with others. This involves being genuine and engaging, ready to share the hope we have in Christ. By aligning our conduct and words with the gospel, we invite others to see the difference Jesus makes in our lives. [01:12:14]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your words and actions today reflect the wisdom and grace of the gospel? What specific steps can you take to be more genuine and engaging in your interactions?
Day 5: Urgency in Sharing the Gospel
Living out our faith with urgency involves recognizing the responsibility we have to share the gospel with those around us. This means praying for opportunities and being ready to act when they arise. By living with a sense of urgency, we demonstrate the importance of the gospel and our commitment to drawing others to Christ. [01:22:57]
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: What opportunities do you have today to share the gospel with someone? How can you prepare yourself to respond to these opportunities with urgency and readiness?
Quotes
1. "Because there are so many things in life that fail and I don't know if your week has been like my week but I feel like this weather is failing me for November right now There are so many things that can fail but the one thing the one thing that will never let us down is Jesus and it's because he loves us so much that he gave us a chance to fail us down He gave himself up for us to live and to die and to be resurrected for you and for me He will not fail He has already defeated the grave There is nothing that can stand against him And so if there's anything that we can celebrate today it's death" ([00:40:58] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "We encourage everyone to read along in their Bible with us as we preach, because I don't want you to just take my word for it. I want you to read and see what God's Word says for yourself. So it's really important that we do that. And that's also why on your response cards, there's a place for notes, so that you have a chance to write down, to reflect, to take notes on what we're reading today. And we do that for you. We have a chance to take notes on what we're reading today. And we do that for a variety of reasons, but my favorite one is because we want to encourage you to take those notes so that you can walk someone else through the book of Colossians." ([00:43:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "It's a devotion to prayer that flows throughout the follower of Jesus's life. But here's the thing. I think some of us may have a wrong idea about prayer and how it's done and what we do. Uh, because sometimes I think that we think prayer is where we have to bow our heads, close our eyes, clasp our hands and thank the Lord for our food, our sleep, our day, whatever. And if we're not in that posture, we're not praying. Um, I think that that's a part of it. Sure. Because prayer at its heart is, is a conversation with God, right? It's where we talk with him and he speaks back. That, that's what it is. It's, it's our way of commuting with him." ([00:49:53] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Thanksgiving is not a mental activity. Giving thanks is not a cerebral mental ascent to listing the things that I need to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is not just a meal we eat once a year or multiple times a year if you like turkey and dressing, or stuffing as some weird people do. It's not even the polite answer you're supposed to give when somebody does something to you, when you just say thank you, because you can say that passive -aggressively. No, thanksgiving is a lens through which we are to view the world, and I want us to really grasp this for a second." ([00:55:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Thankfulness has nothing to do with your external circumstances. Circumstances. It is based solely on the internal reality that you are in Christ Jesus. You are kept. You are secure. You are chosen. You are holy. You are loved. No matter what happens out here, you have every reason to be constantly and continually thankful. There's nothing that can shake that from you, no matter what. It's hard to remember that in hard circumstances, but it is the truth of the follower of Jesus." ([00:58:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "A life lived for the gospel shares the gospel clearly, because as God opens that door, we have to share it clearly. A life lived for the gospel shares the gospel clearly. Let's look at verses three and four again. 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'm in prison. I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." ([01:00:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "Paul doesn't say communicate the gospel smartly. He says communicate it clearly. Because communicating the gospel in a way that anyone can understand reminds us that the gospel isn't about what we know. It's about them understanding who Jesus is. See, story time. I went to a small Christian liberal arts college in Mississippi, and it was fun. It was the late 2000s. There were lots of fun things happening in the late 2000s. I lived on campus, and I was surrounded by a lot of people who knew a lot of things, right? Because you don't know a lot of things. You don't know a lot of things. You're all in college." ([01:05:02] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "So the life that's lived for the gospel, that's leveraged to make much of Jesus, is built on a foundation of prayer and a foundation of clear communication of who Jesus is so that it can be understood by the very least of these. So, that's great. Where are we supposed to communicate this, though? Like, how am I supposed to integrate this into my life? When and where? What's the idea? Well, Paul answers that. So you can, take notes and write this down. A life lived for the gospel, a life leveraged for the gospel, stands ready in every situation." ([01:10:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "We live out our obedience to Christ so that other people see that you are living differently and they are moved to wonder. Your faith and obedience is not a private part of your mind and soul that you just keep within the confines of your home or your car or your dorm room or your office or wherever. It's to be lived out in your going and your doing and in your relationships because that is who you are." ([01:14:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "You and me, everyday normal people who choose to follow Jesus, who live up our faith in front of their neighbors, their co -workers, their friends, their families. They obey Jesus because he's called them to, and he's worthy of our obedience, and they obey him outwardly, not inwardly. They pray for those around them, and God opens doors of opportunity for them. They pray for those around them, and God opens doors of opportunity for the word of the gospel, and Jesus is shared, and lives are changed, and then they go and do the same thing again, and again, and again." ([01:19:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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