Colossians 4:2–6 (ESV) - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Continue steadfastly in prayer - Pray earnestly for others in your life.

Being watchful in it with thanksgiving - Guard your own heart.

God may open to us a door for the word – Be ready for open doors. The Bible is your guide, not your opinion.

To declare the mystery of Christ - The gospel is where conversation begins.

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time - No certain pattern. There are not five easy steps to telling others about Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV) - For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Paul adapted to his audience yet did not compromise the gospel. He sought to remove any obstacles to their reception of the gospel message.

(Colossians 4:6) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

2 Timothy 2:22–26 (ESV) - So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Galatians 6:1 (ESV) - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

No one battling any sin should have to go it alone.

James 5:19–20 (ESV) - My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

You don’t have to change your conviction of truth in order to love someone well.

Ask respectful open-ended questions to lower defensiveness and encourage reflection on truth.

Remember – we are sinners!

Discussion Questions
1. Which creates lasting change, seeking to change a person’s behavior or their heart? Why?
2. Who is the biggest salt fan in the group? Why do we tend to like salt so much?
3. Read Colossians 4:5-6. Restate your understanding of these verses in your own words.
4. Apply Colossians 4:2-6 to the following scenario. What counsel would you give to this couple? Our son and daughter-in-law have determined it’s best to let their newborn – our first grandchild - determine their gender when they get older. The in-laws are supportive of this decision. How can we, as grandparents, talk with our son and daughter-in-law about this? How should we relate with our granddaughter in light of our son’s decision?
5. How can we maintain a conviction of biblical truth AND love others well? How does remembering we ourselves are sinners, redeeming by grace, help in this endeavor?
6. What is one helpful takeaway from this message for you?
7. Use Colossians 4:2-6 as a prayer guide for your group to finish. Read the passage and begin to simply pray for the things Paul mentions.