“Walk in Wisdom Toward them that are without, Redeeming the Time”

Walking in God’s Wisdom is a Powerful Witness to a Lost World

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5

There is a powerful witness to those around us, namely the lost, that God is good and that none can be truly blessed outside of His kingdom.

Setting before me and memorizing and meditating upon certain Bible truths has been beyond an irreplaceable blessing to this disciple. Going into every situation in the Spirit, armed with Word is the winning combination!

“Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses…” 2 Corinthians 6:3-4

There is no greater message than the message of the Gospel and especially as it is seen being lived out by one of Christ’s disciples. The cross must be the foundation – the crucified daily life. This is how we follow Jesus and no other way.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” Luke 9:23-24

“them that are without” = those outside of Christ’s kingdom.

The sin ravaged world around us has never more needed solid, sound disciples of Jesus to witness to them of the glories of the Savior.

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5

Believer’s Bible Commentary:

“4:5 Christians should walk in wisdom toward those who are outside. In their everyday behavior, they should realize that they are being carefully watched by unbelievers. The world is more interested in our walk than in our talk. In the language of Edgar Guest: ‘I’d rather see a sermon, than hear one, any day.’ This does not mean that the Christian should not also confess Christ with his lips, but the point is that his walk should correspond with his talk. It should never be said of him, ‘High talk, low walk.’

Redeeming the time means ‘buying up opportunities.’ Every day of our lives we face opportunities for witnessing to the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ. As these opportunities come along, we should be ready to snap them up. The word ‘buying’ implies that there is often a cost involved. But whatever the cost may be, we should be ready to share our precious Savior with those who do not know Him.”

Adam Clarke writes:

“Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom – Act wisely and prudently in reference to them who are without – who yet continue unbelieving Gentiles or persecuting Jews. 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; i.e. not under that especial protection and defense which the true followers of Christ had.”

FB Meyer writes:

“It is not easy to walk in wisdom towards those that are without. But God will teach us how to buy up opportunities and crowd each of them with good service. Our talk may sparkle like salt and purify as it does. Paul bound his fellow-workers to himself by the high estimate he placed on them. Love idealizes. Probably we should have thought some of these men to be very ordinary, but the Apostle saw them in hues borrowed from his own heart. Onesimus, a runaway slave, recently converted, is described as a faithful and beloved brother!”

Now let’s widen the lens a bit… Colossians 4

God brings people together via work. Work environments are a powerful opportunity for the lost to see the blessings of God working in and through His people. With that in mind, take a look at what Holy Scripture details concerning this occasion:

“Masters (bosses), give unto your servants (workers, employees) 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; … 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.” Colossians 4:1-6 

Treating others with golden rule kindness, as we “Continue in (a life of) prayer” giving God the thanks daily, as He blesses us to “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without” so as to help them see their need for Him.

There’s a difference between a prayer life and a life of prayer – “Continue in prayer.”

In prayer and thanksgiving we are redeeming the limited time we’ve been gifted here on earth, uttering words seasoned by divine grace, setting forth a powerful heavenly witness of the goodness of God found in knowing and walking with Christ Jesus.

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You now and thank You for finding and redeeming me out of sin, out of this world and into Your eternal family. Thank You Jesus for coming to this earth, showing us the Father’s will, and dying on that cross to save us, me. I love You LORD Jesus. I love You Father. Now, please do Your deeper cross work in this life You gave and cause there to be an ever increasing knowledge and fruitfulness to Your eternal glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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