FBC Daily Devotions

Read Colossians 4:5.

Proclaiming the gospel begins with an impression. The first impression we give is often seen in our actions. People looking from the outside at our lives. How we conduct ourselves toward all sorts of people. How we react to difficult situations. How we work and play. And after we have made an outside impression, there is finally personal, non-verbal contact. A smile, a courtesy, a helping hand. Our actions often paint a positive view or a negative view of Christ even before the first words of Christ reach our lips.

Today’s passage has two thoughts. What are they?

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What do you think it means to “be wise” in one’s conduct toward outsiders (cf. 1 Cor. 9:12b; 2 Cor. 6:3-10; 11:7)? What does wise conduct look like with the gospel in view? On the flipside, what does unwise conduct look like? 

The idea of making the MOST of EVERY opportunity seems to be asking quite a lot of us! It seems hard enough to just identify the opportunities let alone make the most of them. Perhaps that is the reason this passage (Col. 4:2-6) begins with prayer with watchfulness (v. 2). When prayer is at the frontend of proclamation, we become more aware of the opportunities before us. But making the most of those opportunities is not black and white. At the end of an encounter, it is difficult to know if the most was made of the opportunity.  Let me suggest that we ought not to struggle with trying to figure out what “most” is for a given opportunity.  God will make the most of any effort we make. The key is being mindful of the opportunity, having an attitude of making Christ known in some way, and being brave enough to make an effort. I believe this mindset is seen in Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view… we are therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Cor. 5:16, 20)

To consider:

As you go about your day, be mindful of your conduct. How you act toward outsiders is an important part of the proclamation of gospel. It’s not as much what you don’t do as what you do do. Be wise in your behavior, and have the mind of Christ in your view of others today.

Read Colossians 4:2-4.

In Paul’s request for prayer, what two things does he ask for (vv. 3-4)?

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Prayer is at the front end of evangelism. Great efforts to reach out are not accomplished without prayer (Eph. 6:19; 2 Thess. 3:1). The Great Awakenings throughout history were the result of prayer. Where there is a revival of prayer, there is often an awakening of God in the unbeliever. Is it the preaching that brings forth fruit? No, not without prayer. Paul, in a similar passage found in Ephesians 6, asked for prayer out of necessity. E.M. Bounds writes,

“The force of his request for prayer centered on him, that he might be able to talk with force, fluency, directness, and courage. Paul did not depend upon his natural gifts, but on those which came to him in answer to prayer. He was afraid he would be a coward, a dull, dry speaker, or a hesitating stammerer, and he urged these believers to pray that he might have courage, not only to speak clearly, but also freely and fully.” (Prayer and Praying Men, E.M. Bounds).

Are there people in your life that you would love to share Christ with, but are afraid that you will fail or that your words will fall on deaf ears? Then pray. Prayer can transform our abilities and awaken hearts to the gospel.

To consider:

Perhaps you have been praying for a friend or relative to come to Christ. Pray that God would use you to share Christ with him or her. Pray for boldness and clarity. Ask others to pray with you. And then, as the Spirit leads, move forward in faith and share Christ, leaving the results to Him.

Read Romans 8:18-21; Colossians 1:19-20.

We live in a fallen world. Its bent is self-serving and for those things that are opposed to God.  The world is fallen, but it does not mean God is not in the world.  His power and glory are present in creation and today most prominently in the Church (at least it’s supposed to be). Many of His attributes are present in mankind, albeit perverted in many ways. The world is fallen, but He is not absent.  What does that mean? Does that mean there is some redeeming value in this world? There must be something or else why would God want to redeem it?

Indeed, there is a redeeming value, but it is not because there is any intrinsic value in creation. It is valuable for no other reason than God has placed a high value on it. The world didn’t earn it. The world didn’t fix itself up pretty to make it more valuable (in fact, it did the opposite). Perhaps more than a redeeming quality to God’s creation is that there is an endearing quality.

My little brother used to have a beloved stuffed animal as a child. Of all the different animals available, his was a chicken. Not a chick, but a chicken. (How many stuffed chickens do you see today?) Over the years that chicken showed the wear and tear of love. The fur was nearly non-existent. Just tiny patches of fuzz on cloth. It was missing its eyes. Just this mangy yellow fabric thing with a little, red felt beak. As we got older we, we brothers were pretty mean, and we used to put the chicken (”chicky” was his name) in the large trash dumpster in our cul-de-sac.  And my brother would cry and run out to the dumpster and dig him out. “Chicky” was beloved. Despite his tattered appearance, there was an endearing quality to him.

God created the world. And despite all of its ugliness, it has an endearing quality to Him. God so loved his creation that he wants to redeem it back for Himself. He wants to pull it out of the dumpster, so to speak — not because the world deserves it, but because He is its Creator, and He loves what He created. He may not be pleased with the direction it is going, but it is His creation nonetheless, and He is purposing to bring it back to Himself.

Oh, that we might have that same vision of the world. Fallen, but loved. Ugly, but endearing in some sense.

To consider:

How does knowing that there is an endearing quality in God’s creation affect your attitude about the people and things around you (e.g. co-workers, family, friends, the environment, etc.) - especially those that aren’t so endearing to you?

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

Engaging the World

“For God so love the world…”  (John 3:16)

“And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Rom. 10:14)

To us, Christ’s followers, is given the responsibility of proclaiming the message of God’s redeeming love to the world.  It begins with our hearts aligning with God’s. He loves the world. It continues with prayerful dependence on God to do what we cannot. And it concludes with action on our part to proclaim the message without getting in the way. That is our journey this week… a journey that will begin with proper preparation and end with faith that God will work through our efforts. Climb aboard.   -Pastor Mike

Small Group Questions
Week of November 17, 2008

REACHING OUT: ENGAGING THE WORLD

Opening:  How have you seen God work this week?

1. Read Colossians 1:19-20. What does this say about God’s plan for His creation?
2. God created the world. And despite all of its ugliness, it has an endearing quality to Him. God so loved his creation that he wants to redeem it back for Himself — not because the world deserves it, but because He is its Creator, and He loves what He created. He may not be pleased with the direction it is going, but it is His creation nonetheless, and He is purposing to bring it back to Himself. Where is it difficult for you to see the endearing qualities of God’s creation?
3. Read Colossians 4:2-4. What two things does Paul ask for in his prayer?

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4. What does this say about the need for prayer in our witness?
5. Are there people in your life that you would like to share Christ with, but are afraid that you will fail or that your words might fall on deaf ears? Share with one another and add this to your prayer list during the week. Pray for an open door and boldness in these relationships.
6. Read Colossians 4:5. What are the two thoughts in this verse?

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7. What does “wise conduct” toward outsiders look like? What does it look like with the gospel in view? On the flipside, what does unwise conduct look like?
8. Paul says to make the most of every opportunity. What are some examples of opportunities in your life from the past several weeks where wise conduct played or could have played a role in making the most of the occasion?
9. Read Colossians 4:6. What two aspects of our conversation with outsiders are brought out in this verse?

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What do these two characteristics look like in a conversation?

How have you seen these characteristics lead toward spiritual conversation?

In addition, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Read Titus 3:3-7.

At one time we were foolish. (Okay, sometimes we still are, but how much more foolish before Christ.) God pulled us out of a life headed for wrath. Why did he save us according to this passage?

________________________________________________, v. 5

This means that our former lives brought forth no good thing worthy of salvation. Our history is His-story showing how His mercy delivered us from ourselves. That’s what makes a personal testimony all about the power, love, and glory of God - it has little to do with us. A personal testimony is not about us as much as it is about God.

To Consider

Go back and review your personal testimony from yesterday. How does it reveal the power, glory, and mercy of God in your life?

Week of 11/10/08

REACHING OUT: IN YOUR OWN WORDS

The gospel  - it is good news because it has reconciled us to God and assures we will live with Him for eternity. It is the message that needs to be heard by everyone. As an act of love, it is the greatest thing we can do for someone without Christ. This week’s devotions were intended to help you articulate your faith. It included an understanding of the gospel message, the experience of the gospel power in our own lives, and the sharing of the gospel -in your own words.

Opening:  How have you seen God work this week?

1. If someone asked you to share the gospel with them, could you? Is there anyone in the group brave enough to “practice” with the group? (It’s not as easy as you might think!) As uncomfortable as it may be, consider splitting into pairs or triads and practicing sharing the gospel. There are many ways to share the gospel, but look for these elements: personal sin, penalty of sin, payment for sin, repentance, and confession of Christ’s death for sin and subsequent resurrection for us.
2. No one can deny the power of the gospel to save. We can try arguing and debating peripheral issues, but in the end it comes down to one’s relationship with God through Christ. The power of the gospel comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not by our own strength, but by His. The gospel has the power to save, and it brings forth a change in the life of the believer. A willingness to live for Christ accompanies salvation. Debating and arguing has its place, but only if an individual is willing to make a change.
3. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. What were the evidences of the Thessalonians’ salvation:

v. 6 ___________________________________________

v. 7 ___________________________________________

v. 8 ___________________________________________

v. 9 ___________________________________________

4. The gospel changes lives. Getting more personal, how has the gospel changed your life?
5. Last week you read Paul’s faith journey as he grew up with the education of the Pharisees, became zealous in his religious commitment, and later met Christ on the Road to Damascus (Acts 26:1-29). Are you able to clearly articulate your own faith journey. Take some time right now to answer the following (be brief):

   What was your life like before you met Christ?

   What was your life situation when you were awakened to Christ?

   How did you come to understand the gospel?

   Why did you believe?

   What difference has it made in your life since?

   *If you are someone who believed as a child, consider emphasizing how Christ is making a difference in your life today.

   How has Christ helped you through an experience in your life?

   What ways is Christ important in your life? (What difference is He making and how could it help someone going through like struggles?)

6. A personal testimony is not about us as much as it is about God. Read Titus 3:3-7. How has God’s mercy been evident in your life?

 In addition, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Reread Acts 26:1-29 (from yesterday’s reading).

Your personal testimony is all yours. No one can argue with it. Therefore, it can be a great way to share Christ with others because no one can question it. When communicated clearly and personally, it can put the ball in the other person’s court, so to speak. Note the clarity of Paul’s testimony. He begins with his past (26:4-11), moves to his conversion experience (26:12-19), then to his new life (26:20), and finally to the present day (26:21-23). He ends with a question: “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?”

Are you able to clearly articulate your faith journey? It has been said that our job is to convince, and it is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict. We communicate the truth clearly and convincingly, but the Holy Spirit brings conviction to the heart of the unbeliever.

How did God save you? What was life like before Christ? What happened in your life that awakened you to Christ? How is God continuing to save you (from this present life of struggles)? For Paul, he was struck down. He was on his own mission. But God stepped in and struck him with blindness. And in the midst of his ailment, God awakened him to the truth of the gospel.

To Consider

If you have time, write down in one paragraph your faith journey: (1) your life situation when you were awakened to Christ, (2) how you came to understand the gospel (did someone share with you, did you hear it on tv, read it in a tract?), and (3) why you believed.

Note:  For some, you were saved as a child. Looking back on your life before Christ is a blur and, of course, childlike and not relatable to the adult unbeliever. One’s testimony, though, can be more than the salvation experience. The testimony of Christ in our lives continues for a lifetime. If you are one who believed as a child, consider emphasizing how Christ is making a difference in your life today. How has Christ helped you through an experience in your life? What is He teaching you? How are you coping?

Read Paul’s testimony to King Agrippa in Acts 26:1-29. While it is a long reading, it is an excellent story of Paul’s faith journey.

It is one thing to know the gospel, it’s another thing to know how to share it. The words of the gospel are pretty straight forward once they are clear in our heads. But the gospel is more than mere words. They are accompanied by a body - us. And when the gospel is very, very personal and touches our lives in a meaningful way, the gospel message can be very powerful. Of course, it means nothing without the power of the Holy Spirit working in the life of the unbeliever.  Which raises the question: Is a personal testimony important? Based on yesterday’s passage, aren’t the gospel words and the Holy Spirit powerful enough by themselves? Is our testimony really needed when it is the Holy Spirit that draws an unbeliever to Himself?

The Bible says to always be ready to give an answer for the hope in us (1 Peter 3:15). That is something personal because one’s life generates questions about their hope. Paul shared his testimony on several accounts (you have just read one). Is there a place for personal testimony?

Personal Thoughts

A personal testimony helps provide credence to the gospel through the eyes (and ears) of the listener. When a witness testifies to a crime, the truth of the act is verified by the witness. Our testimony is a similar kind of witness. The truth of Jesus is verified by our personal witness. That is the gist of Jesus’ words that the disciples would be witnesses of Jesus, testifying to what they had seen (Acts 1:8). When we have seen something and have experienced Christ personally, then our testimony has a little more weight. Is that an attempt to replace the Holy Spirit’s work in the unbeliever? I think not. The Holy Spirit’s work is essential. The gospel words are essential. And that’s where a personal testimony comes in. Our testimony is in essence the gospel in our own words and life. The power is still the gospel, but the way the words are communicated differ from person to person, but the essential truth of the gospel is the same: Jesus saved me from a wretched life deserving of wrath.

To Consider

No matter if your faith journey was a dramatic transformation or a smooth transition, God can use your story because the gospel is at its core. Tomorrow we will look at our testimonies in more detail, but for today, begin thinking about your own faith journey and how it can be woven into spiritual conversations. The gospel is powerful, and it becomes much easier to share it with others when it comes from your personal story.

Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10.

No one can deny the power of the gospel to save. We can try arguing and debating peripheral issues, but in the end it comes down to one’s relationship with God through Christ. The power of the gospel comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not by our own strength, but by His. The gospel has the power to save, and it brings forth a change in the life of the believer. A willingness to live for Christ accompanies salvation. Debating and arguing has its place, but only if an individual is willing to make a change.

Reading the passage from 1Thessalonians, what was the evidence of their salvation? (i.e. what gave Paul the assurance that they’re salvation was real?)

v. 6 ______________________________________________

v. 7 ______________________________________________

v. 8 ______________________________________________

v. 9 ______________________________________________

God has given us to the gospel in order to live a life pleasing to Him both now and for eternity. He has given us the power to live a changed life.

To Consider

The gospel changes lives. The Thessalonians had come a long way since their pagan days. How has the gospel changed your life?  In what ways is it similar to that of the Thessalonians?