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Engaging Our World With His Love

Colossians 4:2–6
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: November 23, 2025

Tagline

Redeem the time by living as Christ’s people—steadfast in prayer, seeking God's opportunities, sharing clearly, shadowing Jesus, and gracious in our speech.

Sermon Summary

The message opened with a picture of homemade yogurt—how a small spoonful of living culture quietly transforms an entire jar overnight. Jesus used the same image when he said the kingdom is like yeast working through dough. Though the world will never fully reflect Christ until he returns, the gospel still works steadily and powerfully through his people today. Paul’s closing words in Colossians remind us that God changes the world not through noise or force but through ordinary Christians practicing small, steady, faith-filled habits that carry the redeeming love of Christ into their kairos—this time, this culture, this moment in history.

Paul calls us to “redeem the time,” echoing the redemption God has already accomplished in us. We do this through five practices: steadfast prayer, seeking God’s open doors, sharing the gospel clearly, shadowing the Saviour, and speech seasoned with grace. These practices shape how we see people, how we engage our world, and how we participate in God’s redeeming work. In a chaotic world, the redeemed become outposts of Christ’s kingdom—attentive, intentional, and hopeful.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

Playful: What hobby do you have that takes something ordinary and transforms it into something better—like knitting yarn into a sweater, beans into coffee, or milk into yogurt? 
Meaningful: Can you recall a “small” moment or conversation that God later used in a significant way?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 4:2–6 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed

Paul says God works through small practices like steadfast prayer, seeking opportunities, sharing clearly, shadowing (imititating) Jesus' life, and gracious speech. Consider Jesus' ministry: Can you see examples of Him practising these things?

2. Humanity Mirrored

The sermon highlighted how easily we move through our days unaware of the significance God may be weaving into ordinary moments. What causes us to lose that watchfulness?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision

The command to “Redeem the time” echoes the redemption Christ has already worked in us (1:14). It's like Paul is saying, "You were redeemed by Jesus; now bring His redemption to your world." What did it look like when you were redeemed? What might redemption look like in the people and environment in your world?

4. Transformed Living

Of the five practices—steadfast prayer, seeing opportunities, sharing clearly, shadowing (imitating) Jesus, gracious speech—which one did the Spirit emphasize to you? How might practicing it more intentionally change the way you engage your world with His love this week?

5. Sharing and Witness

In the past week or so, have you seen God use you to "redeem the time" by prayer, seeing a significant opporunity, sharing the Gospel clearly, shadowing (imitating) Jesus, or speaking with grace?

For Further Study

  1. Matthew 5:13–16 – Jesus calls his people salt and light, shaping the world through quiet faithfulness.
  2. Ephesians 5:15–17 – A parallel call to walk wisely and make the best use of the time.
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 – A portrait of steadfast prayer, thankfulness, and attentiveness to God’s work.
  4. Philippians 1:9–11 – Love abounding in knowledge and discernment so we can walk wisely.
  5. 2 Corinthians 5:17–20 – Believers as ambassadors of reconciliation in a broken world.
  6. Psalm 1 – The wisdom-path: those rooted in God’s word flourish in every season.
  7. James 3:13–18 – Wisdom from above contrasted with earthly patterns.
  8. 1 Peter 3:15–16 – Answering each person with gentleness and respect.
  9. Luke 10:1–9 – Seeing and stepping into God’s prepared opportunities (“persons of peace”).
  10. Romans 12:9–21 – The shape of seasoned, gracious speech and non-reactive love in a hostile world.
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