World-Changing Families Through Christ - Colossians 4

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: Why Families Lose Their Outward Vision

Today we’re going to talk about “World-changing Families Through Christ.” Even families who love Jesus can lose their outward vision. We get busy and safe, focusing inward on our own needs. It’s easy to forget that our homes were meant to shine outward with the love of Christ.

When this happens, faith becomes private and quiet. Our neighbors may not even know the hope that’s in our hearts. Prayer fades into routine and witness turns into silence. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our families were made for more. God desires for each of our families to be world-changers through Christ. God desires to empower ordinary families to display His grace right where they live. To turn our homes into places of mission and joy.

Picture with me a small lamp in a farmhouse window. Each evening as the light faded, the mother would plug in the lamp by the window. She would pray softly, Lord, let this light remind someone they’re not alone tonight. Travelers who passed by would see it glowing across the dark fields.

Some said they felt comforted just knowing that someone was awake and caring. That’s what God intends every Christian home to be. A lamp in the window, in a world that feels darker day by day. He places our families in neighborhoods, schools and workplaces to shine with hope.

Yet, how easily that light fades when prayer is neglected. When we close ourselves off from others. But through Christ that light can burn bright again. When we pray together, live wisely and work with others for the Gospel.

Our homes become beacons of grace. Jesus said in …

Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Jesus told His followers and it applies to us as believers today. You are the light of the world. The world is a very dark place and we are the only light of the world. We are not to hide the light of Christ away under a basket.

The light we have should be set on a stand, better on a hill so that others may see it. When other see our light, our good works, they will be pointed to God and give glory to Him.

Philippians 2:14–15 (ESV) Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

We live in the middle of a crooked and twisted generation. In order to shine as lights in the world, we must be different than the world. No more grumbling, complaining, arguing or sinning. We are called to live blameless lives as the children of God shining as lights.

Here’s the key from Jesus Himself.

John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus is the light of the world and our light comes from Him. To have His light in our lives we must follow Him in the light. Then we have the light of life, of eternal life that no darkness can withstand. Then we will have world-changing families through Christ.

When families walk with Christ in prayer, wisdom and grace, they become His light in their world. Shining hope where darkness once ruled. Ao, let’s learn how to have world-changing families that light up our world.

Pray Together with Purpose

Colossians 4:2 (ESV) Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Prayer must be consistent, alert and thankful. To continue steadfastly means to persist even when answers are slow. Watchful means staying spiritually awake. Understanding and praying against the attacks of Satan.

A thankful spirit keeps our prayers centered on God’s goodness rather than our frustration. Families that follow these commands develop eyes to see God’s open doors.

Colossians 4:3 (ESV) At 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.

Paul teaches believers to pray for opportunity, not just comfort. A door for the word means a chance to share Christ naturally in ordinary life. Families that pray for open doors begin to notice them. In conversations, errands and friendships throughout life.

Colossians 4:4 (ESV) That I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Paul asks for clarity when he shares the gospel. He is dependent on God both for courage and for what he will say when there is an open door. Families that pray for open doors and clarity speak Christ’s love with gentleness and conviction.

Application: Make Prayer the Air of Your Home

There are three types of prayer that are essential for each family. First of all is the personal daily prayer of each family member. Secondly is the prayer together of family members in the home. Finally is prayer that the family members have in the church family, in church services and in Life Groups.

To be world changers, your prayers must go beyond just your family’s needs. Pray for open doors to share the gospel with friends, relatives and neighbors. Pray for clear, kind words when speaking about faith with others. Encourage your children to pray for other children who have needs.

Prayer should be the air that a world-changing family breathes. To be a world-changing family, we must learn to pray about everything, without ceasing.

Live Wisely Before a Watching World

Colossians 4:5 (ESV) Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

We are to walk in wisdom toward outsiders. Who are outsiders? Outsiders are people outside of the family of God, they are not saved. The majority of the people around us are outsiders although many believe they are insiders headed for heaven.

We must walk in wisdom with outsiders even though their actions and thoughts may be very wrong. Outsiders are won to Christ, not through condemning words, but through the truth spoken in love. We are to make the best use of the time that God has given us. Every moment of our lives is meaningful.

Every conversation is an opportunity to represent Christ in our words and attitudes. A wise walk with Jesus turns regular days into ministry moments.

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

Grace filled words especially to outsiders attract and preserve. These words focus on what God has done in our lives and what He can do in their lives. Seasoned with salt means words that add flavor and preserve goodness. Our tone should make Christ believable and attractive.

Families that talk graciously at home speak graciously outside it.

Colossians 4:7–9 (ESV) Tychicus … is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that … he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you …

Paul shows us how he relates to his fellow workers in the church with wisdom. He honors and encourages each one who are spreading the gospel in a hostile world. Families that speak well of others and build encouragement show the gospel in action. Both withing the home and outside as well.

Application: Use Words and Time That Point to Christ

Parents, encourage one another and encourage your children. What you practice in the home will prepare you to encourage others in the world. Use your home to welcome neighbors or classmates with warmth. Teach your children how to be kind and share with one another and others.

Ask as a family how can we use our words to show Christ this week. Discuss with one another what is the best use of your time for Christ.

Work Together in Gospel Friendship

Colossians 4:10–11 (ESV) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark …if he comes to you, welcome him, and … Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

Paul mentions co-workers in the Gospel beginning with a fellow prisoner. He speaks of other Jews who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God. With Paul in prison, he thanks those who have comforted him in many ways. Mark is mentioned, who had a previous disagreement with Paul and left him, who is now commended.

Families that forgive and partner with others in the family of God can be world changers like Paul.

Colossians 4:12–13 (ESV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you …

Epaphras models intersession for the church of the Colossians. Prayer for others is not always easy, he struggled for them in his prayers. He prayed that they would grow mature and be full of assurance of God’s will for their lives. Paul honors Epaphras for this hard work on behalf of the church at Colossae.

Colossians 4:14–18 (ESV) Luke .. greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, … say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul’s closing lines of his letter reveal a network of believers working together. Oftentimes we think of Paul as a lone ranger missionary, but he was anything but that. He speaks of Nympha, a woman leading a church in her house. He encourages Archippus to fulfill the ministry that he had received from the Lord.

He reminds those reading his letter to remember his imprisonment in their prayers. World changing families serve faithfully in their church family. They gladly serve together with others to build the kingdom of God and change their world for Christ.

Application: Partner, Forgive, and Serve Together

Think about how you can partner with others to pray for unsaved friends. If you are not part of a Life Group, we encourage you to join one, so you can pray together with others and they can pray for you. If you have youth age children, make sure they are part of our weekly youth meeting with Pastor John

If there is any unresolved conflict within your family or relatives, do as much as you can to forgive and restore that relationship. Encourage both your children and others as they serve the Lord to keep going. Open your home for hospitality to friends, neighbors or even a Life Group. Work together with others in gospel friendship.

Conclusion: Let Your Family Be a Lamp in the Window

Think back to that lamp in the window. It wasn’t large or loud, but it pierced the darkness. That’s what your family can be. You don’t have to go far, you only have to stay bright.

Paul was a world changer and his words show how to do it. We pray together with purpose. We live wisely before a watching world. We work together in gospel friendship.

That’s how ordinary families become world-changing families through Christ. His light in you can change your world. One prayer, one word, one friendship at a time. When families walk with Christ in prayer, wisdom, and grace, they become His light in their world.

Shining hope where darkness once ruled. You can be a world-changing family through Christ.

📘 Continue the Journey

Reflect deeper and apply this week’s message with the Message Study Guide — perfect for personal devotions, family discussion, or your Life Group.

Looking for community?
Join a Life Group and grow in your faith with others walking the same path.