Wisdom Toward Those Who Are Outside

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:5-6

Last week, we hardly got into Acts 11 in our Bible study because it was clear that so many were under spiritual fire.  We spent much of our time encouraging one another to stay the course, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:2) One thing we found to be the case is that we know the truth.  We know what the word of God says, but sometimes we need to be reminded, don’t we?  That’s exactly what the apostle Peter said in 2Pe 1:12-13: “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.  Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you…” So, I’d like to do some reminding today, and simply let the word of God, which we already know, strengthen us in our hour of need.

Our text reminds us to “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.”  Flesh is as grass.  Here today and gone tomorrow.  Our time on this globe is brief in the big picture.  Use that time wisely!  Store up treasure that is eternal!  Remember that most often those individuals in the flesh that stand against you are “those who are outside”.  They need a Savior!  You’re not simply dealing with an adversary, you’re dealing with an eternal soul!  You’ll need wisdom to do that.  God says ask for that wisdom, and He’ll give it. (Jam 1:5) Yes, there are enemies.  Jesus sent the disciples forth saying, “I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.”  Therefore, they had to be “wise as serpents” while also being “harmless as doves”. (Mat 10:16) Don’t forget that Jesus came to save men’s lives not destroy them, so as you deal with those who resist you in this world, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

The trials shouldn’t surprise us.  “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Act 14:22) The trials are simply an opportunity for us to show we have a foundation that is sure and steadfast in Jesus Christ.  It gives our words power, our faith validity, when we stand firm in calm assurance though the world around us crumbles.  We have an inheritance that cannot be taken away!  What should our response be to that fact per Heb 12:28?  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”  Let us press on in simple obedience to the Lord.

May we remain at peace while others are gripped by anxiety.  May we show grace and mercy while others are rendering evil for evil.  Remember that Christ, while hanging on a cross, prayed for forgiveness for the ones who put Him there!  That’s not natural.  It’s supernatural!  When we’re overlooked, when our care and faithful service is ignored, remember Jesus’ example.  “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (Heb 12:3) Your labor may be overlooked by the world, but when we labor as unto the Lord, our labor is never in vain! (1Co 15:58) Commit these things unto Him.  “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” (1Co 4:5) Don’t work for the approval of men, but work rather for the glory of God.  Those who do so will one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Mat 25:23)

Jamie

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