Walking in Wisdom: Engaging the World for Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Colossians 4:4-6, focusing on how we, as followers of Christ, should walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of our time and words for the sake of the gospel. We began by acknowledging the supremacy of Christ over every aspect of our lives, breaking down the false dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. Christ's lordship extends to every area, and thus, our lives should reflect His rule in all we do.
We explored the Great Commission, emphasizing that our mission is to make disciples as we go about our daily lives. This involves both prayer and action—speaking to God about people and speaking to people about God. Walking in wisdom requires understanding God's Word and applying it in our lives, especially toward those who are outside the faith. These "outsiders" could be our family members, colleagues, neighbors, or even strangers we encounter daily.
We discussed the importance of making the best use of our time, not just in isolated moments but throughout our lives until Christ returns. This involves living thoughtfully and purposefully, not retreating into Christian enclaves but engaging the world around us. We are called to be salt and light in our various vocations, making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel.
Our words, too, must be used wisely. They should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, making our conversations attractive and thought-provoking. This means respecting and valuing others, understanding their needs, and speaking the truth in love. We must be prepared to answer questions about our faith, even if they come from a place of hostility or skepticism.
Finally, we acknowledged the fears that often hold us back from sharing the gospel—fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or facing negative outcomes. Yet, we are reminded that God equips us with the words we need and that our ultimate accountability is to Him. We are the missionaries in our everyday lives, and our testimony can have a profound impact on those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ's Supremacy in All Areas of Life: Christ's lordship extends beyond the church into every aspect of our lives. There is no sacred-secular divide for a Christian. Wherever we are, we are to live as Christ's representatives, acknowledging His rule over our time and actions. [26:50]
2. Making the Best Use of Time: We are called to redeem the time, making the best use of every moment for the sake of the gospel. This involves living thoughtfully and purposefully, engaging with the world around us rather than retreating into Christian enclaves. [37:16]
3. Walking in Wisdom Toward Outsiders: Walking in wisdom requires understanding God's Word and applying it in our interactions with those outside the faith. This includes family members, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers. Our lives should be a clear witness of Christ's love and truth. [32:14]
4. Gracious and Seasoned Speech: Our words should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, making our conversations attractive and thought-provoking. This involves respecting and valuing others, understanding their needs, and speaking the truth in love. [44:44]
5. Overcoming Fear in Evangelism: Fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or facing negative outcomes often holds us back from sharing the gospel. However, God equips us with the words we need, and our ultimate accountability is to Him. We must be bold and faithful in our witness. [53:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:33] - Introduction and Prayer
[26:50] - Christ's Supremacy Over All Areas
[28:54] - The Great Commission and Our Role
[29:51] - Walking in Wisdom
[32:14] - Understanding Outsiders
[34:33] - Engaging with the World
[37:16] - Making the Best Use of Time
[39:59] - Living Thoughtfully and Purposefully
[43:55] - The Necessity of Words in Evangelism
[44:44] - Gracious and Seasoned Speech
[50:02] - Engaging in Meaningful Conversations
[53:50] - Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
[57:49] - Suffering for Righteousness
[59:05] - Engaging Culture with Graceful Conversation
[01:00:56] - The Role of Everyday Believers in Evangelism
[01:02:08] - Call to Prayer and Action
[01:04:43] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 4:4-6
- Matthew 28:18-20
- 1 Peter 3:14-16
#### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders" according to Colossians 4:5? How does this relate to making the best use of our time? ([29:51])
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what authority does Jesus claim, and how does this authority relate to the Great Commission? ([28:54])
3. According to 1 Peter 3:14-16, how should believers respond when asked about their hope, even in the face of suffering or hostility? ([57:49])
4. What are some specific examples given in the sermon of how we can use our words wisely and graciously? ([44:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of Christ's supremacy over all areas of life challenge the idea of a sacred-secular divide? ([26:50])
2. What does it mean to "redeem the time" in the context of Colossians 4:5 and Ephesians 5:15-16? How can this be applied in our daily lives? ([37:16])
3. How can understanding the needs and backgrounds of "outsiders" help us in sharing the gospel more effectively? ([32:14])
4. What are the implications of speaking with "gracious and seasoned" words in our interactions with non-believers? How can this approach impact our witness? ([44:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific areas where you can better acknowledge Christ's lordship and integrate your faith more fully? ([26:50])
2. Think about your interactions with non-believers. How can you make the best use of your time to share the gospel in these relationships? ([37:16])
3. Identify a person in your life who is an "outsider" to the faith. What steps can you take to walk in wisdom and be a clear witness to them? ([32:14])
4. Consider a recent conversation where you had the opportunity to share your faith. How could you have made your words more gracious and seasoned with salt? ([44:44])
5. What fears do you have about sharing the gospel? How can you overcome these fears, knowing that God equips you with the words you need? ([53:50])
6. How can you be more intentional in engaging with the world around you rather than retreating into Christian enclaves? ([39:07])
7. Reflect on a time when you faced hostility or skepticism about your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from 1 Peter 3:14-16 about handling such situations in the future? ([57:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Supremacy in All Areas of Life
Christ's lordship extends beyond the church into every aspect of our lives. There is no sacred-secular divide for a Christian. Wherever we are, we are to live as Christ's representatives, acknowledging His rule over our time and actions. [26:50]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully acknowledged Christ's lordship? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 2: Making the Best Use of Time
We are called to redeem the time, making the best use of every moment for the sake of the gospel. This involves living thoughtfully and purposefully, engaging with the world around us rather than retreating into Christian enclaves. [37:16]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: How can you make better use of your time today to engage with those around you for the sake of the gospel?
Day 3: Walking in Wisdom Toward Outsiders
Walking in wisdom requires understanding God's Word and applying it in our interactions with those outside the faith. This includes family members, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers. Our lives should be a clear witness of Christ's love and truth. [32:14]
James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: Think of an "outsider" in your life. How can you show them Christ's love and truth in a practical way this week?
Day 4: Gracious and Seasoned Speech
Our words should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, making our conversations attractive and thought-provoking. This involves respecting and valuing others, understanding their needs, and speaking the truth in love. [44:44]
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV): "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you make your speech more gracious and seasoned with salt today?
Day 5: Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
Fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or facing negative outcomes often holds us back from sharing the gospel. However, God equips us with the words we need, and our ultimate accountability is to Him. We must be bold and faithful in our witness. [53:50]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: What is one fear that holds you back from sharing the gospel? How can you trust God to help you overcome this fear today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible, this letter, this sermon, recognizes that Christ is Lord over every area of your life. So there's no such thing as you as a Christian. In a secular place, because wherever you are, as a Christian, it's a sacred place because Christ rules over you." [26:50] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As followers of Christ, we must make the best use of our time and words for the sake of the gospel. I want to go back to the Great Commission for a moment. Matthew 28. 18 to 20. Jesus came and said to them, that is his disciples, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me." [27:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We, as followers of Christ, must be a clear witness of Christ in how we live, how we walk with those who are closest to us. And let's expand this. Whether we totally like them or they like us or not, the people we work with are many of them outsiders. People who don't know Christ." [33:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't live on the defensive. If we just live in a defensive posture and we retreat back and live defensive where we're just around Christians all the time, what's gonna happen to the evil people? They're gonna go to hell. And sadly for some of you, you're like, how Christian is that?" [39:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Here's what I believe, brothers and sisters. I believe in the core of my being, if you will, whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, fruit will be produced on some level. The gospel through your life will impact others." [42:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you're going to walk in wisdom, it's going to require the understanding of the things of God, understanding the gospel of Christ, understanding the word of God, and giving yourselves to prayer, to seeking understanding and application in your life. The word wisdom is actually being fleshed out." [29:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are not to squander our lives, squander our opportunities by acting and living unwisely. And let's not specific. He is here. You can be so many things. You can preach on and think about walking in wisdom. But he's very specific. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders." [31:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "An important aspect of wise living is to use the short time God has given us to best effect. Begs this question. Am I making the best use of my time for the sake of the gospel? Turn back a few pages to Ephesians 5. He says almost the exact same thing, just different nuances of words here." [37:16] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We exist to glorify God. So that means we have to take an offensive or a proactive posture, not a defensive posture. I don't mean spiritual SWAT team. I referred to that last week. I mean that we are thoughtful in our use of time opposed to being thoughtless." [39:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As followers of Christ, we must make the best use of our words for the sake of the gospel. Francis Assisi is famous for this statement. Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words. That's a falsehood. It's just not true. Nobody has ever been saved because they watched you live for Jesus." [43:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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