Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

For some Christians, evangelizing can be challenging. In Colossians, Paul explains how to share our faith in Jesus Christ.

Have you ever wanted to tell your friend, family member, or co-worker about Jesus but you didn’t know where to start? In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul gives simple instructions on how to reach out to non-Christians.

Colossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Pray

Paul first asks the church to pray that he will have opportunities to share the gospel and that he will have the right words to those that question his message. In this first tip, be sure to pray for opportunities to evangelize, the right words to say, and that the person you speak to will be receptive to the message.

Live Wisely

After prayer, Paul discusses how Christians should live wisely among non-believers. One should always be honoring God, but being “brave” and “meeting people where they’re at” are less-practiced concepts. Have courage to talk to non-believing friends and engage in activities that they enjoy. For example, if you have a friend who plays soccer, play soccer with them. If you have a friend who likes music, strike up conversations about the bands they like.

Have Conversations That Are Gracious and Seasoned

Every conversation will be different in evangelizing because every person is at a different point in their walk with God. For some people, inviting them to church is a good step, but for others, it would be best to hang out and get to know them better. In each instance, be gracious. If your friend is not receptive to Jesus, have the courage to make sure your interactions are “seasoned.”

Evangelism is a difficult for some people. Sometimes people aren’t receptive to your message, and you’re unsure if you even have the right words to say. Remember the above tips: pray for courage and conversations, live wisely among non-believers, and speak truth in love. With these concepts in mind, evangelizing to friends should be a bit easier.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. What are some things that stop you from telling people about Christ? Why?
  4. Have you ever tried to share Christ with non-Christian friend? How did it go? What do you think went well and what didn’t? Why?
  5. Read James 5:16. Do you think that prayer can really prepare you for evangelizing? Why or why not?
  6. In 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 Paul talks about the concept of becoming “all things to all people.” What things would you need to do or change to reach the people you want to evangelize to?
  7. Who are some people in your life that are ready to hear about your faith and who are some people that are ready just to get know you more? Make a list of how you can reach these people where they are at.
  8. In Ephesians 4:15 Paul asks believers to speak truth in love. What are some ways you can do that with your non-Christian friends?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

 

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