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Are We Up to the Challenge? Col 4:2-6 Continue earnestly in prayer, being

vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each

one.

* * 0 As we go through life we

often face many challenges!●Some of these we have little or no

control over, such as the death of a loved one, sickness, unseen trails & etc. ●Some of these we bring/impose on

ourselves, being a runner in a race, trying out for a club or team, getting good grades, doing good at work & etc.●Today we will be looking at some of

the challenges that Paul makes to the Colossians!

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What is a Challenge?●Challenge = a call to take part

in a contest or competition, especially a duel (Oxford Dict.)

●A challenge then is something one must work at, something that one must strive to overcome or win, something that one works to complete or finish!

●Tonight we ask ourselves, “are we up to the challenge?”

* * 0 I. The Challenge to be

Prayerful!“Continue earnestly in prayer” & “meanwhile praying also for us” (Col.

4:2a & 3a)●Not once but twice in just two verses Paul “challenges” the church to be “people of prayer!” (Js. 5:13-17; Lk. 18:1-8)–“Pray without ceasing!” (1 Thess. 5:17)●Prayer is communication with God, God

speak to us by His Word & we in turn speak to Him in prayer!–Heb 1:2 “has in these last days has

spoken to us by His Son” (Jude 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:2-3)

* * 0 Jas 5:15 “And the prayer of

faith will save the sick”●The most meaningful prayer comes

from a heart that places its trust in God & expects the Lord to hear & answer!–1 Jn. 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence

that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

●The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much! (Js. 5:16)

* * 0 II. The Challenge to be

Watchful!Col 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same”

●If someone was to hire you to be a “watchman” what do you suppose or job would be?●One that is watchful, stays alert,

they are vigilant (careful & aware of danger/difficulties!)●We need to “beware” of dangers

& difficulties!

* * 0 We should also be watching

for “opportunities!”●We need to have a desire to step in

and help others!–Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore

opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.–Gal. 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken

in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

* * 0 III. The Challenge to be

Thankful!Col 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving”●This one should be an easy one, it

should be a by-product of God’s grace!–Eph 1:3 “Blessed be the God and

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”–We bless because we have received a

blessing!

* * 0 The one that is thankful is

relieved that they have received help from another!

●Christians should always express “an attitude of gratitude!”●1Thess. 5:18 in everything give

thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.–It is hard to complain when we are

giving thanks, just as it is hard to hate your enemy when you are praying for him!

* * 0 IV. The Challenge to be

Fruitful! Col 4:3-6 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for

which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,

redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each

one.●The Christian life is to be

characterized by one who seeks to produce “much fruit!” This is done by us being “productive!”

* * 0 This fruit can come in many

forms!

●This may be new converts, or help the saved remain saved! (Mk. 16:15,16 & Js. 5:19-20)●This many be the “fruit of the

Spirit!” (Gal. 5:22-23)●We must “use it or lose it!” (Mt.

25:14- 30)●We are “known” by our fruits! (Mt.

7:17-20; 12:33)

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Conclusion:●As we live our lives we will face

many challenges, the question remains, how will we meet them?●How are we doing with the

challenges of life?●Paul has given 4 challenges for us

as God’s children, let’s make sure we are meeting them!●If you are here and not yet a

Christian, then join the winning team this evening!

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