Colossians 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Ah Friends, Bruh Paul’s advice is even more important to us today, than it was to the Colossians two millennia ago, for though the world seems to have changed so much over the years, it really hasn’t. Everything has just increased in size, operating on a larger scale now. Though the Church is bigger and more influential, it’s still divisive, possibly more so, and the enemy is also more powerful, so we’re still fighting on two fronts; from within, against ourselves, and also against the powers of darkness and evil. But before we can gain ground on either front, we first need a good strategy to faithfully follow. And there’s none better than Bruh Paul’s for the Colossians. It shows his knowledge, excellent grasp and adept use of the scriptures. He first advocates that we ‘Walk in wisdom towards them that are without…’ Be sensible and above board in our dealings with unbelievers. The Ephesians got the same advice. ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.’ (Eph.5:15) Friends, that’s of the utmost importance. To do Jesus’ work properly, we must have our heads on right and set a good example. Jesus emphasized that in Mat.10:16. ‘Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.’ And while we’re walking in wisdom, we must also be ‘redeeming the time.’ The Ephesians got that message too. ‘Redeem the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16) That means making the most of every opportunity, seizing every chance to witness to unbelievers; telling them the good news of Christ dying to pay for our sins and provide salvation; free, gratis and for nothing. Wow! All they have to do is believe. No gift can be greater than that Friends, so we must spread that news with joy and enthusiasm. Secondly, Bruh Paul stipulates: ‘Let your speech be always with grace,’ Wise conduct includes graciousness in daily speech; not brash and arrogant, but positive and self confident. ‘The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.’ (Eccl.10:12) Oh yes people, the Preacher certainly got that right. Chatting foolishness does irreparable harm. And that gracious speech of ours, must be ‘seasoned with salt;’ have strength and power and flavour to move the unbelievers; like good, spicy West Indian food. Just had some, and Friends, it sure moved me! (smile) Now it’s fine to be pleasant and gracious, but if our words lack the ability to create change, then it’s all for nought. ‘Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.’ (Mark 9:50) Absolute wisdom from our Saviour, people! And the result of all this? ‘That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.’ Yes, engaging in wise, gracious conversation, suitably seasoned with salt, enables us to competently answer questions on the gospel of Christ. And it’s ever so important for us to get it right. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ye ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.’ (1Pet.3:15) Please Friends, let’s adhere to that basic strategy for spreading the gospel, witnessing with joy, winning numerous souls for Christ. Much LOVE!…your results…are only as good as…your plan…and your following it…
Ah Friends, Bruh Paul’s advice is even more important to us today, than it was to the Colossians two millennia ago, for though the world seems to have changed so much over the years, it really hasn’t. Everything has just increased in size, operating on a larger scale now. Though the Church is bigger and more influential, it’s still divisive, possibly more so, and the enemy is also more powerful, so we’re still fighting on two fronts; from within, against ourselves, and also against the powers of darkness and evil. But before we can gain ground on either front, we first need a good strategy to faithfully follow. And there’s none better than Bruh Paul’s for the Colossians. It shows his knowledge, excellent grasp and adept use of the scriptures. He first advocates that we ‘Walk in wisdom towards them that are without…’ Be sensible and above board in our dealings with unbelievers. The Ephesians got the same advice. ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.’ (Eph.5:15) Friends, that’s of the utmost importance. To do Jesus’ work properly, we must have our heads on right and set a good example. Jesus emphasized that in Mat.10:16. ‘Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.’ And while we’re walking in wisdom, we must also be ‘redeeming the time.’ The Ephesians got that message too. ‘Redeem the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16) That means making the most of every opportunity, seizing every chance to witness to unbelievers; telling them the good news of Christ dying to pay for our sins and provide salvation; free, gratis and for nothing. Wow! All they have to do is believe. No gift can be greater than that Friends, so we must spread that news with joy and enthusiasm. Secondly, Bruh Paul stipulates: ‘Let your speech be always with grace,’ Wise conduct includes graciousness in daily speech; not brash and arrogant, but positive and self confident. ‘The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.’ (Eccl.10:12) Oh yes people, the Preacher certainly got that right. Chatting foolishness does irreparable harm. And that gracious speech of ours, must be ‘seasoned with salt;’ have strength and power and flavour to move the unbelievers; like good, spicy West Indian food. Just had some, and Friends, it sure moved me! (smile) Now it’s fine to be pleasant and gracious, but if our words lack the ability to create change, then it’s all for nought. ‘Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.’ (Mark 9:50) Absolute wisdom from our Saviour, people! And the result of all this? ‘That ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.’ Yes, engaging in wise, gracious conversation, suitably seasoned with salt, enables us to competently answer questions on the gospel of Christ. And it’s ever so important for us to get it right. ‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ye ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.’ (1Pet.3:15) Please Friends, let’s adhere to that basic strategy for spreading the gospel, witnessing with joy, winning numerous souls for Christ. Much LOVE!…your results…are only as good as…your plan…and your following it…
SCRIP-BITS 