December 14, 2003 Communion Dedication - Baldwin Christian Church

We've just wrapped up the paragraph concerning roles and relationships in the Christian home, and now as we enter this next section in verses two through six, the Word of God is addressed to each and every one of us. Verses 2-4 are exhortations to our internal behavior, the things that are hidden from the world but have such great effect on the world. Verses five and six instruct our external behavior.

Colossians 4:2-4
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

The devil loves to lie to us, and make us believe that we can't talk to God. He loves it when we think we're not good enough to talk to God. He loves it when we say, "I don't know how to pray," or when we believe that our prayers have to go according to some formula, and that we can't just simply and plainly speak to God. He loves it when we convince ourselves that, "Since I've fallen short of God's commandments, and gave in to temptation, I can't come to Him in prayer now." The devil loves it when we tell ourselves, "God's gonna do what He wants, so why should I pray? My prayers don't do anything." He loves it when we say, "I don't know what to pray for right now." Well, verses 3 and 4 give you something to pray for. Pray for Pastor Ray. Pray that the closed doors and closed minds will open up for him to teach, and pray that the Holy Spirit will speak through him. Pray for his ministry, encourage him, and pray for this church and the entire body of Christ. Whenever the lies of the devil start creeping into your mind, remember that under the blood of Jesus, righteousness is imparted to your spirit, and you can pray directly to the Father at any and all times. Verse two is communion. Jesus taught us to be active and persistent in prayer, always asking in His name and according to the will of the Father. And, as we continue praying, with an attitude of gratitude and remembrance, we ought to keep one of our spiritual eyes open in eager anticipation of the Father's answer, whether it be "yes," "no," or "wait and see."