Text: Ephesians 5:15-16

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.    

Friday, 6^th September 2024

THE WORD OF WISDOM IS USED TO HANDLE UNBELIEVERS

Text: Ephesians 5:15-16

Memory verse: 1 Thessalonians 4: 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside and may have need of nothing.

Wisdom is also needed in dealing with those outside the church. Paul wrote in Colossians 4:5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, believers are to act wisely toward unbelievers. Taking care to act so that we are not only cleared in the sight of God, but also to be cleared in the sight of men, avoiding every appearance of evil. In all parts of our life, we ought to have good consideration even of those who are outside the Church, deliberately and thoughtfully, looking for opportunities to win them, even though you lose something of your own by it.

The Church of Christ was considered an enclosure; a field, or vineyard, well hedged or walled.  Those who were not members of it, were considered without, not under that especial protection and defence which the true followers of Christ had. To be a Christian was essential to the salvation of the soul, so to be in the Church of Christ was essential to being a Christian; therefore, it was concluded that "there was no salvation out of the pale of the Church."  

Now this is true in all places where the doctrines of Christianity are preached; but when one description of people professing Christianity, with their own peculiar mode of worship and creed, arrogate to themselves, exclusive of all others, the title of THE Church; and then, on the ground of an adage which is true in itself, but falsely understood and applied by them, asserts that, as they are THE Church, and there is no Church besides, then you must be one of them, believe as they believe, and worship as they worship, or you will be damned; when this is asserted, every man who feels he has an immortal spirit should examine the pretensions of such spiritual monopolists.  

Now, as the Church of Christ is formed on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone, the doctrines of this Christian Church must be sought for from the sacred Scriptures.   

CGDS HYMN 42: SS & S 692:

TRUST ON, TRUST ON, BELIEVER!

1. Trust on, trust on, believer !

Though long the conflict be,

Thou yet shall prove victorious ;

Thy God shall tight for thee.

Refrain:

Trust on ! . . trust on ! . .

Though dark the night and drear :

Trust on ! . . trust on I . .

The morning dawn is near.

2. Trust on ! the danger presses,

Temptation strong is near;

Over life's dangerous rapids

He shall thy passage steer.

3. The Lord is strong to save us,

He is a faithful friend :

Trust on, trust on, believer !

Oh, trust Him to the end !  

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, help me to walk with them that are without through Your wisdom in me.

2.  LORD God Almighty, let all unbelievers around me perceive Your wisdom in me and submit to the Lordship of Christ in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.