Lessons for Living

UNIT 10: TOOLS FOR THOSE THAT DISCIPLE

Lesson 1: Prayer before Discipleship

COLOSSIANS 4:1-6

By Paul H. Evans, Sr. and Helen R. Evans

Key Verse: 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 (Colossians 4:3).

After completing this lesson, the learner will be able to:

1. Recognize that no discipleship efforts are successful without prayer.

2. Analyze Paul’s prayer request from the saints.

3. Summarize the importance of prayer before endeavoring to evangelize or disciple others.

Everything begins with prayer! Anything that we purpose to do for the Kingdom of God and Kingdom work must be preceded with communication with the One who has called you to work. The Spirit of the Lord should lead you, guide you, and He will teach you all things. But not only will God lead you, He will strengthen you for the task and give you the anointed word to be used for optimum results.

What's the key to discipleship success and souls maturing as saints of God? Prayer, prayer, and more prayer! Without communication with the Lord through prayer, the results of our efforts at discipleship will be null and void. Jesus says that without Him, you can do nothing. Prayer will always bring the Lord into the situation. Scripture also says that except the Lord builds the house they that labor will labor but in vain. When you know that God has spoken and is with you then there's no job or task too difficult because the Apostle Paul says that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

In today’s lesson, the Apostle Paul encourages those in the city of Colossae to pray for his missionary efforts and journey that God would grant them success and give them the words to speak. But the Apostle Paul did not only want to speak mere words, He asked that they pray that his words be seasoned or timely so that it ministers to the needs of everyone that is listening. He knew that his time was limited here on earth just as ours is as well. Thus, he wanted to be effective in preaching the gospel and training those that are new to the faith. But the Apostle Paul knew that his efforts were in vain without prayer.

Remember that prayer opens heaven and prayer pleases God. He knows that you are depending on Him and not on yourself. Prayer also keeps us from being sidetracked because prayer draws you closer to the Lord. What would Nehemiah have done without prayer? Also, look at Hannah's persistence in prayer that brought results. Can we successfully walk in the truth without prayer? Can we successfully disciple others without prayer? Everything we do for the Lord should begin with prayer.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the key for all believers’ success in their spiritual walk?

2. What does the Apostle Paul say about the disciples’ public life in verses 5-6?

3. What request does the Apostle Paul make of the believers in Colossae in verse 2?

Thought to Remember

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving! - Colossians 4:2