Introduction
Kick of the discussion with prayer followed by this week’s reading and discussion questions
You can use the kick off prayer below (or do your own), and give time for others to pray into the night together.
Example kick off prayer: Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.
Passage: 7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Discussion
Discussion
- Paul’s friendships were deeply rooted in gospel ministry. How would you describe your partnership with God in what He is doing around you? Or how are you connected to gospel ministry?
- Paul has lots of friends to lean on. Have you invited anyone into your life to partner with you in gospel ministry? [Team with you in pursuit of God, service to others, generosity, or use of giftings]
- Paul names and honours many people—what does this show about how we’re meant to value others in gospel work? Who in your life needs more encouragement or recognition from you?
- Epaphras is described as “struggling" or "wrestling" in prayer for others (v.12). What does it look like for you to labor in prayer for someone else? Do you do this?
- How can we be more intentional, as a community, in encouraging one another in our ministry and mission like Paul does here?
Habit of Grace
Habit of Grace: Witness
Witness is the Spirit-empowered yet ordinary act of sharing Jesus and his Good news (Gospel) with others. It involves both our words and our works—how we live and what we say—so that others might see and hear the good news of Jesus.
Last week we stepped out in faith to simply engage in a unique way with one of the people we have been praying for. Please share with the group how this interaction went. Did you learn something new about what they love? How does the Gospel speak into this? (maybe the group can help out) Was there an opportunity to introduce a gospel conversation?
Practice:
- Continue praying everyday this month for the 3 people you identified last week.
- As week continue in prayer for others, let us commit to praying that we be filled with the spirit and empowered to witness.
- This week select at least 1 of the 3 people you are praying for and make an appointment to see them. This will be someone different than last week. The hope is that you are able to experience a gospel shift in your relationships with each of the 3. If is someone you see regularly such as a family member or coworker, invite them to something that is not routine and one on one, such as a coffee or dinner.
- Manage expectations on yourself. You are stepping out in faith and praying that God provides the opportunity and the ability to speak. Evangelism is God's problem and your joy!
Pray:
Pray with one another that we may be so rooted in our identity in Christ that our lives continuously witness to the glories of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of a Spirit filled life. If you are willing, share the people you will be praying for and pray together for salvations to come to those we know and love.
Example daily prayer based on Colossians:
Father, hallowed be you name! I thank You with all my heart for the inheritance You have given me in Christ. You have rescued me from the domain of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of Your beloved Son—in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. What a glorious gift!
Please will you open doors for the good news of Jesus to be shared through me. Allow me to be a witness to your goodness, and a eye witness to the power of your Spirit to bring others from darkness and into the light of your kingdom. Father I pray specifically for XXXX, XXXX and XXXX. That you may overwhelm them with the beauty and wonder of the Gospel, so that they too may receive redemption, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Lord I love these people. I know you love these people. Jesus died for these people. For the sake of your Son Jesus have mercy on them and forgive them, as you have forgiven me. Increase the inheritance of Christ with these 3 people whom you love!
And Father fill me with your spirit that I may know the depths of the love of Christ and be transformed, so that I my speech may be gracious, seasoned with salt. And that I may speak clearly and know how to answer each person as though speaking your very words. As I go out open my eyes to the work you are doing, so that I do not miss out on the joys of partnering with you in bringing the glories of Jesus to the ends of the earth.