Text: Colossians 4:1-6

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal;  knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;  3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:  4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.   6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.  

Saturday, 7^th September 2024

THE WORD OF WISDOM IS USED TO HANDLE UNBELIEVERS 2

Text: Colossians 4:1-6

Memory verse: Galatians 6: 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Those that are of the household of faith, that is, those who are joined with us in the profession of one self-same religion, ought to be preferred before all others, yet in such a way that our generosity extends to all. While it is the time of sowing let us sow the good seed; and let our love be, as the love of Christ is, freely manifested to all.  Let us help all who need help according to our ability but let the first objects of our regards be those who are of the household of faith-the members of the Church of Christ, who form one family with us, of which Jesus Christ is the head.  They have the first claims on our attention, but all others have their claims also, and therefore we should do good unto all.

Part of proclaiming the gospel and making it clear, the believer's actions toward unbelievers is very important in soul winning. Two important principles are presented here. First, wisdom or discernment should be used regarding our actions, our "walk" toward unbelievers. What we do and what we say must be consistent, over time, and with each other, to clearly present the message of Jesus.

Second, we are to make effective use of our time. Some translations interpret this phrase as "making the most of every opportunity." Every moment of life is important and should be maximized in service to Christ. Apostle Paul was extremely aware of this, having been beaten, imprisoned, and shipwrecked over the course of his ministry. This perspective inspired Paul to boldly share faith in Jesus with unbelievers.

This is a fundamental part of the gospel message: time is short. Whether by accident, nature, or the return of Christ, each person can be face-to-face with God at any moment. Believers should be motivated by the knowledge that the people around us will die without Christ unless they hear and receive the gospel.

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, let Your wisdom enable me to do good unto all men always.

2.  LORD God Almighty, I declare Your wisdom rest upon me afresh to walk with men wisely in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.