Jesus told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47 (NIV) Big Idea: We are called to live on mission—praying, speaking, and representing Jesus in everyday life. To Live On Mission: 1. Pray for God’s Mission 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV) 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:3-4 (NIV) "This, then, is how you should pray: "‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) A – Adoration C – Confession T – Thanksgiving S – Supplication → Prayer fuels the mission Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV) → If you’re not praying for the mission, you’ll miss the mission. 2. Live Wisely and Speak Clearly About Jesus 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Speak with readiness and grace1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) → Your life opens the door—but your words share the message. 3. Be Faithful Where God Has Placed You 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:7-18 (NIV) → God doesn’t call you to be famous—He calls you to be faithful Are you living your life on mission? NEXT RIGHT STEPS This week, I will: Pray daily for one person far from God Look for one opportunity to share my faith Be intentional where God has placed me TALK IT OVER Big Idea: Because Jesus is supreme, we are called to live on mission—praying, speaking, and representing Him in everyday life. Opening Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to the people around you and give you boldness to live on mission this week. Icebreaker (5 minutes) Who is someone that made a spiritual impact on your life? What did they do that made a difference? Read Colossians 4:2–18 together. Key Truth: You are not just saved—you are sent. Discussion Questions Family / Youth Friendly Questions Which action step stood out to you most this week? o Pray with purpose o Speak about Jesus o Be faithful where you are Why can it feel intimidating to talk about your faith with others? → Pray with Purpose for God’s Mission (Colossians 4:2–4) What does it mean to be “devoted to prayer” in everyday life? Why is prayer essential to living on mission? Who is one person you can begin praying for this week? → Live Wisely and Speak Clearly About Jesus (Colossians 4:5-6) What does it look like to live wisely among people who don’t follow Jesus? How can we speak about our faith in a way that is both bold and gracious? What is one opportunity you’ve had—or could have—to talk about your faith? Cross reference: 1 Peter 3:15 → Be Faithful Where God Has Placed You (Colossians 4:7–18) What stands out to you about the people Paul mentions at the end of this letter? Why do you think faithfulness matters more than visibility or success in God’s kingdom? Where has God placed you right now that could be part of your mission? Personal Reflection: Which of these do you most need to act on this week? o I need to pray more intentionally o I need to be more open about my faith o I need to be faithful where I am Why? Life Application: This week, take one intentional step: ☐ Pray daily for one person far from God ☐ Look for one opportunity to share your faith ☐ Live intentionally where God has placed you Pray for: o boldness o opportunities o clarity in sharing the gospel o faithfulness in everyday life Close Together