Colossians 4:3 The Open Door
Joy’s Notes:
Col 4:3
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message (“the Word) so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” NIV
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2 doors :
1st door = God knocks on door of heart & WE open it. Handle is on our side only (“I stand at the door & knock…” )
Rev 3:20
2nd door= after I’ve opened the knocking door to let God in- He alone will open doors in my life that lead to sharing His Word with others (the great commission)
GREAT COMMISSION:
Matt 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (See card-Acts 2:25)
Acts 16:26
(Paul made a
fortune-telling demon leave from slave woman.
Her master formed a mob & Paul/Silas were STRIPPED & BEATEN W/ WOOD RODS — & imprisoned in the inner-dungeon & clamped feet in stocks.
Midnite- began praying & singing hymns- ALL the prisoners were listening
Earthquake opened up ALL the prison doors 🙌
Praising God in the midnight hour!
👉What’s your current EARTHQUAKE Gods using to open up doors for you?
The earthquake of COVID opened the door to this Bible study
But…
“Clinging to Old ways won’t open new doors”
acts 12
Peter’s in jail & am Angel visits him w/ bright light— chains FALL OFF wrists
“Get dressed”
“Put on sandals”
“Follow me” (Angel)
Peter “follows the Angel” through the OPEN prison DOOR.
They came to another shut DOOR of the city — & this door opened by itself
PETER FOLLOWED — he never opened any doors!
Stephens stoning caused Christian’s to scatter.
They preached the Word in every city!
Philip (Ethiopian man)
God opens doors that lead to being UNCOMFORTABLE.
👉Jamie - open door to plane (surrender at 6 yr old child— which led to his freedom )
“Go get it” 2 kings 6=
Elisha story. Elisha’s friend losing his ax. God brings ax to surface but he makes his friend go get it.
God asks us to do the natural, and he does the super, allowing there to be a supernatural outpouring of the Holy Spirit‘s power!
God will do the miracle of opening the door— we need to do the stepping into it!)
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C H A I N S :
The chains in col 4:3 are BECAUSE of Paul walking through the door to share the Word
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EXTERNAL chains/ INTERNAL freedom
“God is much more interested in our calling that he is our comfort”
Jesus says man will turn against father , a daughter against mother (Matt 10:35)
Matt 10:38-39
“If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me (walk in the open door) you will find it.”
Jesus says: make sure you count the cost BEFORE stepping into that door!
👉A builder makes sure he has the funds to finish project BEFORE beginning
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples”
(Luke 14:33)
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Rev 3:8
“I know your deeds.
See, I have placed before you an open door that NO ONE can shut.
I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
“I AM the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9)
👉God is your doorkeeper. Other people can’t keep you out of your purpose; • obstacles can’t keep you from what God has ordained for you.
7 ways of knowing God’s opening a door :
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The open door points to God & gives only Him all the glory.
The open door makes you completely dependent on Him
The open door requires your white robe & sandals. (Identity)
The open door opens without my effort to open.
The open door requires great acts of faith (obedience, risk & vulnerability)
The open door is like a burning fire in my bones (Jeremiah) —all-consuming
The open door is confirmed (by others, Bible, sermon, etc)
Anita’s Notes:
