What personal barriers hinder you from sharing the gospel like Paul? The Open Door Paul Prayed For “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains” (Colossians 4:3). Paul, literally locked behind iron bars, still saw open doors everywhere. By inspiration of the Spirit he showed that chains on the wrists need not silence the tongue. Our own wrists may be free, yet inner restraints can keep the gospel bottled up. What Paul Faced—Yet Overcame • Physical imprisonment (Colossians 4:3) • Threats and beatings (2 Corinthians 11:23–27) • Constant travel hardships (Acts 20:23) Despite these, he pressed on: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Comparing his obstacles with ours exposes the smaller, often internal barriers that hinder a willing witness today. Barrier 1: Fear of Opposition Scripture light: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Worry about ridicule, rejection, or damaged relationships can muzzle the mouth. • Paul asked believers to pray for bold speech (Ephesians 6:19), showing courage grows as others intercede. • Remedy: lean on the Spirit’s promised power, remembering the apostles’ prayer for boldness under threat (Acts 4:29-31). Barrier 2: Feeling Inadequate or Unprepared Scripture light: “Always be prepared to give an answer… with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). • Doubts about articulating the gospel clearly may prompt silence. • Paul called the message a “mystery” (Colossians 4:3) yet still proclaimed it openly, trusting God to illumine hearts (2 Corinthians 4:6). • Remedy: meditate on core truths (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), memorize key verses, and rely on the Spirit to recall them (Luke 12:11-12). Barrier 3: Shame Over the Gospel Scripture light: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Cultural pressure to keep faith private breeds embarrassment. • Paul’s chains became a platform, not a cause for shame (Philippians 1:12-14). • Remedy: cherish the gospel’s power, seeing each life transformed as living proof. Barrier 4: Comfort and Convenience Scripture light: “He must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). • Busy schedules, desire for ease, or reluctance to alter routines sap evangelistic energy. • Paul wrote letters, held conversations with guards, and greeted visitors—redeeming every circumstance (Philippians 1:13). • Remedy: schedule intentional gospel time, view interruptions as divine appointments (Acts 8:26-35). Barrier 5: Unconfessed Sin or Spiritual Lethargy Scripture light: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). • Hidden sin dulls spiritual sensitivity, muting the desire to speak. • Paul emphasized a clear conscience before God and men (Acts 24:16). • Remedy: regular repentance, daily Scripture intake (Jeremiah 15:16) to rekindle zeal. Barrier 6: Doubt About the Message’s Effectiveness Scripture light: “So shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). • Skepticism about people’s openness or the gospel’s relevance weakens motivation. • Paul trusted God to open hearts (Acts 16:14), counting on divine sovereignty over results (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Remedy: sow the seed faithfully, resting in God’s promise to give growth. Putting the Passage into Action • Pray daily for open doors, just as Paul requested. • Invite others to intercede specifically for boldness in your life. • Identify which barrier above most often restrains you, then apply the paired Scripture repeatedly. • Step through the first door God opens—conversation with a neighbor, note to a coworker, word to a family member—and watch Him work. No chain, calendar, or culture can shut a door God Himself swings wide. Let nothing inside you do it either. |
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