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Scott Worthington
Be Wise in the World
Compelling Disciples: Living a Life that Can't Be Ignored
Jun 9, 2024Colossians 4:5-6
We kicked off a new series called Compelling Disciples: Living a Life that Can’t Be Ignored. In this message, Pastor Scott teaches from Colossians 4:5-6 and challenged us to look for opportunities in the season we’re in right now to live out the mission of God on our lives.
Sermon Notes
Compelling Disciples: Living a Life that Can’t Be IgnoredWeek 1: Be Wise in the World // Colossians 4:5-6
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6
Imagine a world where…
• Christians are the extreme minority
• The government, by and large, is anti-Christian
• There is an expectation and demand to worship cultural idols
• Religious people are not living by the values they claim to believe
“‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’” Acts 1:8
The Spirit moved most powerfully in a culture that seemed least likely for a move of God.
The 1st Century Roman Empire was a society where…
• Christians were the extreme minority
• The government was anti-Christian
• There was an expectation and demand to worship cultural idols
• Religious people were not living by the values they claim to believe
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23
Jesus followers were living lives that could not be ignored
Compelling (adj.) – Powerful, irresistible effect demanding attention
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6
1. Compelling Disciples Are Disciples Who Have Been Compelled
“toward outsiders” v.5
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)
2. Compelling Disciples Are Disciples Who Live Different
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…” v.5-6a
The world will never be won over by Christians saying true things yet living lives contrary to the truth they claim
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
Word of Wisdom #1: Take Advantage of Time
Word of Wisdom #2: Watch Your Words
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
A wise question to ask:
Is what I am about to say kind, helpful, or encouraging?
3. Compelling Disciples Are Disciples Whom God Uses
“…so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” v.6b
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15
Question to Consider:
If I am never being asked about the hope that is in me, am I living life as a compelling disciple?
“Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” Charles Spurgeon
Sermon Notes
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