Colossians 4:5-6 / Better Answers
Notes
Transcript
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Be wise
Be wise
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [1]
Wisdom
you’re paying attention and
doing some (spiritual) analysis.
Outsiders
We need to acknowledge that the bible calls them outsiders
They are “outside” the body of Christ
They need salvation!! (Universalism not true)
What do you feel about outsiders?
What do you feel about outsiders?
Taught to not trust them,
maybe even shun them.
It is meant to draw compassion for them.
Don’t expect them to be “biblical”
(Duh! They are outside the faith)
You’re not living right and you known the Lord!
Stop expecting them to be biblical.
Spiritually discern where they are coming from.
Are they even ready to hear the Gospel
What are their deeper hurts.
Salvation > Opinion
Salvation > Opinion
Their salvation is greater than your opinion
Everyone seems to have an opinion today.
You are not trying to prove them wrong
You’re trying to be able to introduce them to Christ.
Wisdom means more understanding
(of them, you, the situation, scripture…)
Be purposeful
Be purposeful
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [2]
REDEEM
We are reclaiming the time the devil meant for destruction.
Devil wants them distracted
Devil wants them distrustful (of Christians)
Devine Appointment
Illustration: “I’m just waiting for a sing.”
Jesus is the greatest sign.
You are also a sign.
Passport
You are constantly gaining or losing access to their heart.
Hypocrisy loses passport.
Don’t be perfect, grow authentically and be real.
Being opportunistic loses passport
Don’t be a snake-oil salesman.
Be gracious & true
Be gracious & true
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. [3]
Find the balance!
Illustration: Company Chicken
What am I lacking?
What am I lacking?
Grace? —> maybe you lack love, compassion,
Maybe it’s a pride issue
Salt? ---> Maybe it’s a lack of knowledge
Maybe lack of courage
Which bring us back to what Paul is bringing us here for.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. [4]
“… So that you may know …”
Paul is equipping us
Would go on a trip without the right gear.
We have been sent
be wise as serpents
innocent as lambs
You are going to have trials.
Don’t let it be because you were not equipped!
“Answer”
giving a response
Requires Listening to understand!
Not to respond.
(ask) Why you believe what you do.
About abortion
About homosexuality
About transgenderism
About creationism
About social justice issues
“Each person”
They are not in a bucket
Buckets are easy to discard
They are individual souls in need of a Savior!
Few will accept Him
Christ died for each of them.