Live with Christian Distinction

Colossians 4:5–6 (ESV)

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

DT: As we live in this day and era we are challenged to live so that our lives demonstrate whom we serve and what we believe.

Introduction:

Conduct Yourself Wisely (v.5)

Colossians 4:5 (ESV)

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Paul encourages the church in Colossae to be mindful of their behavior among the world. Paul specifies that the Colossians must not blend in with the wold, they must live with distinction. Paul deliberately points out that they must consider their actions when they are interacting with “outsiders”.

Define Outsiders ~ Outsiders are those who are not of the faith. They are the unbelievers.

Why is this important? Because Paul wish for them to realize the necessity of their daily lives being witness to the life with Christ.

Paul also stresses the importance of time. “making the best use of the time”. Paul is teaching the Colossians to have a sense of urgency to expand the Kingdom of God. Every moment should be seen as an opportunity to lead and direct others to know Christ.

Application: Ultimately your goal must be to lead the unfaithful to faith. Do not waste your time. Live with the purpose of kingdom building.

Our lives tells everyone what we believe.

Where we go, what we do, what we say, how we act and treat others. If you live a life that opposes Christ, you are not building the faith of others. We must attract people to the kingdom. Kingdom people live with a purpose for the kingdom.

What does your life say? How are you living? Are you conducting yourself so that Christ is introduced to others?

Do the unsaved on your job find you to be an appealing representation of the kingdom?

Transition: Paul further expresses their need to live distinctive and differently as he encourages the church to Speak Graciously.

Speak Graciously (v.6)

“6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Paul says, that the speech of the Christian must ALWAYS be gracious. He does not say only when it benefits them or when people are nice. Paul says, “Let your speech always be gracious.” Look at how he describes it:

- Seasoned with salt ~ There is a difference in season and salty. Seasoned is when something has been salted just enough to had balance to the flavor. We all love well seasoned food. Salty, is when there is too much salt and the food is unbearable.

So, Paul asks them them to have conversations and speak in ways that are bearable and add substance to the lives of others.

Paul says, to consider what is said before one speaks so that others will hear Christ.

Application: Speak to all with respect and love.

Conclusion:

Jesus taught His disciples to express love in away that all would know that they were His disciples.

John 13:35 (ESV)

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus demonstrates distinction even on the Cross at Calvary. He died with love in His heart for those who crucified Him. He forgave and prayed for them. HE DIED FOR THEM!