Life and Lips in the Service of Christ

Scripture Reading

Colossians 4:5–6 NIV84

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Introduction

A. Attention-getter:

Examples of how words can be used to build up or tear down.

Examples of how my life and conduct can either put Christ on display, or bring shame upon the name of Christ.

This evening, as we consider these verses from Colossians 4:5-6, we must see the emphasis that Paul places on the use of our lives and our lips in the service of Jesus Christ.

We need to keep in mind that this is approaching the end of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The first 2 chapters were spent outlining the theological truths for Christians in Christ. He presents these grand and glorious truths about who Christ is, and what Christ has done for these Christians.

And that forms the basis for his exhortations in terms of how they are to live and to relate to one another, which is what we considered from chapter three, and into chapter 4.

We’ve spent a number of weeks looking at those exhortations in terms of how they are to live. And, if you’re like me, you’ve probably been somewhat convicted and challenged in terms of how radically different the manner of life of a Christian ought to be when compared to the world. We are called to live lives that are different.

But we need to make that connection between the doctrine and the life of a Christian. I do want to emphasize that. It’s regeneration that enables us to live differently, but God uses truth to sanctify us. John 17:17

John 17:17 NIV84

17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

In other words, as we grow in our convictions and understanding of doctrine, our life changes. If our lives are not honoring Christ, the first step is not simply to try harder, but rather to study further the truth of God, and to pray for a clearer and deeper appreciation of those truths.

The Christian life, practically speaking, has been the focal point of our study.

But Paul ends off this section on Christian conduct with some exhortations to the church in terms of their testimony and witness to the world that is watching. While the previous exhortations have honed in on our relations with other Christians, both in the context of the church, and also in households, Paul now turns his attention to focus in on how we as Christians are to behave towards those outside of the church.

This is really important. God is concerned not merely with how Christians treat one another, but with how Christians put Christ on display through their interactions with those who are not Christians.

With that in mind, we are going to be considering these two verses under two main points.

1. A Life in Service of Christ

Paul writes in Colossians 4:5…

Colossians 4:5 NIV84

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.

Notice Paul’s exhortations here. There are two key instructions here from Paul as he encourages the Christians.

1.1 Be Wise Towards Outsiders

Firstly, he calls upon Christians to “be wise in the way you act toward outsiders.” The “outsiders” that are referred to here are those who are not in Christ, those who are not Christians.

The manner of our interactions as believers with those who do not know Christ and the Gospel is very important.

There are a few things that we need to consider as we think what Paul is referring to here.

One aspect is that Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV84)

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us...

Christians need to be wise in their manner of conduct, in their way in which they live before outsiders, because we are the ambassadors of the eternal God, and the King of kings.

We understand the significance of an ambassador in terms of representing their country.

In 2002, it was revealed that Amanda Vanstone (Australian Ambassador to Italy) had appointed her hairdresser as a cultural attache at the Australian embassy in Rome, despite the individual having no qualifications or experience for the role. This led to widespread criticism and calls for her resignation, with many arguing that she had brought shame to the Australian diplomatic corps and the country as a whole. She later resigned from her position as a result of this controversy.

For us as Christians, our home, our true citizenship is in heaven, and we are acting as ambassadors in this world, prior to Christ coming to finally establish His kingdom.

We need to ask ourselves, as Christians living in this world that is not truly our home, am I living my life as a noble and worthy ambassador for my King, Jesus Christ? What do my actions and decisions in life communicate to the watching world about Jesus Christ?

In the early church, there are godly examples of Christians who refused to engage in the practices of society around them, because they knew that they were serving their Lord and master. One commentator writes this:

Colossians and Philemon (4:5, 6)

In the days of the early church believers were often slandered by these outsiders. For example, they were called atheists because they served no visible gods, unpatriotic because they did not burn incense before the image of the emperor, and immoral because, of necessity, they would often meet behind locked doors. The apostle knew that the best way to defeat this slander was for Christians daily to conduct themselves not only virtuously instead of wickedly but also wisely instead of foolishly. ...... It was then as it is now: in the long run the reputation of the gospel depends on the conduct of its devotees. It is as if the apostle were saying, “Behave wisely toward outsiders, always bearing in mind that though few men read the sacred scrolls, all men read you.”

Now, that is certainly true in our own day. Although few would seek to read the Scriptures, they are daily reading the lives of Christians around them. As we live as Christians in this world, what do our lives say about our belief in God, our hope? What do our lives say about the power of the Gospel to transform us?

1 Peter 4:3–4 NIV84

3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

As you look at your own life, and evaluate your actions and conduct in the arena of unbelievers (in other words, outside of the church life) how are you living? What are you indulging in? Are you acting in every respect, and in every moment, as an ambassador of Christ?

Taking this a step further, being wise in interactions with outsiders is an expression of love and respect for those who do not yet know Christ. In other words, we need to always be conscious of how we are engaging with and treating others. The tone with which we are engaging. The words that we use as we engage with them. Do the promote the advancement of the Gospel because our lives have a winsome character to those interacting with us?

While we are to put Christ on display in our lives, and while there is necessary time and place to call people to repentance, we need to ask if our lives demonstrate a love and care for those who are not in Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV84

15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Matthew 5:16 NIV84

16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV84

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

All of these speak to the importance of acting in a wise way that will win over the hearts of the people.

Beyond this, there is the possibility that Paul had in his mind the words of Christ as he penned these words.

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said…

Matthew 10:16 NIV84

16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Even as we go out into a world that is hostile towards Christians, we need to go with a good measure of wisdom and understanding. We should not be naive about the way in which the world would operate.

How should we do this practically?

Firstly, we need to be discerning in our relationships: Christians should be cautious about who they spend their time with, and should be aware of people who may try to lead them astray or take advantage of them.

Another area of wisdom is being prepared for persecution: Christians should be aware that their faith may lead to persecution, and should be prepared to stand firm in their beliefs even in the face of opposition.

The question is, are we being wise.

1.2. Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Paul very clearly exhorts these Christians that as they live out their lives as ambassadors in this world, they are to make the most of every opportunity.

This generally means that Christians ought to live sober and careful lives, knowing that the world in which we live is not only sin-cursed, but that our time here in preparation for our true home is limited.

Ephesians 5:15–16 NIV84

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

There is a spiritual battle being waged in the world, and we have a duty and responsibility to wise living. Satan is at work; people not in Christ are seeking opportunities to bring the gospel into disrepute, and to dishonour Christ. We thus have a responsibility to live very carefully in the world.

We also need to live with the realisation that our days in this world are numbered, and we thus need to be careful to live each of them wisely.

Proverbs 27:1 NIV84

1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

James 4:13–15 NIV84

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

We need to live with a constant reminder that our days are numbered, and the time for living with wisdom, and the time for bringing honour to Christ is not next year, or even next week. We ought to make the most of every opportunity.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV84

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Now, do keep in mind that all of this is to be done for the sake of the Gospel. In other words, live each day as an ambassador for Christ, making the most of every opportunity in every day to glorify Him.

2. Our Lips in the Service of Christ

Colossians 4:6 NIV84

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

As Christians, the words we speak hold a great deal of weight and power. They can be used to build others up or tear them down, to bring healing or cause harm. As such, it is crucial that we are intentional in our speech and use it to glorify God and serve others.

Notice how Paul says that our lips are to be used in the service of Christ. Firstly, he says that our conversation must be always full of grace. In other words, as we as Christians engage with others, the words and the tone, and the manner of our speech should that which is filled with grace.

This means that our words should be spoken in a way that brings honor to God and blesses others, rather than causing harm or offense. The word "grace" in this verse is translated from the Greek word "charis", which means "unmerited favor" or "free gift". So, Paul is calling upon Christians to speak words of grace, which are words that reflect the undeserved kindness and love of God.

That ought to be the manner of speech of the Christian.

Now, I think it’s important to see that Paul is saying here that our words are to be such even to those who are unbelievers, even those who we may deem to be unworthy. Keep in mind that the grace of God was freely given to us. It was not on the basis of merit, but God freely gave it. So should our words be to others… always.

Elsewhere in Scripture, we see further the clear importance of our words. In James 3:2-12, we are warned about the destructive power of the tongue and encouraged to use our words to bring peace and blessings to those around us. The tongue is a small member of the body, but it makes great boasts! James says that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. So, we ought to be very careful in the way that we use our tongues. Are tongues are to be used with grace.

Paul also says in Colossians 4:6 that our speech is to be seasoned with salt. It should be used to bring flavor and life to those around us. It is to have the effect of preserving and preventing decay, rather than bringing corruption.

Paul is saying here that we who are the salt of the earth are to have language and words that tie in with our character.

Proverbs 18:21 states:

Proverbs 18:21 NIV84

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

The parallel passage in Ephesians 4:29 says...

Ephesians 4:29 NIV84

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Friends, our words have a profound impact on the people around us, and the environment around us.

As Christians, when we live out our lives in the world, does our speech - in terms of content and tone - promote and environment that is wholesome and preserving. Does our speech bring healing and life, rather than decay and death? What impact are our words having on those around us.

In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus gives a poignant reminder:

Matthew 12:36–37 NIV84

36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Our words are a reflection of our hearts. What comes out of our mouths is that which resides in our hearts.

R.C. Sproul writes:

"The heart is the source of words, and the words are a reflection of the heart. If the heart is full of love, the words will be full of kindness; if the heart is full of anger, the words will be full of wrath."

It is the Gospel that should radically transform our hearts such. When we understand the grace and mercy of God towards us, and as Christ regenerates our hearts by the power of His Spirit, we are changed and transformed. We are then called to speak to others with words that reflect the work of grace in our own hearts.

Taking this a step further, the words we speak can also be used to share the gospel and bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We should not miss this within the context of what Paul is saying here.

In Romans 10:14-15, we are told...

Romans 10:14–15 NIV84

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Our words can be used to be the very instrument of salvation for those around us. For us to have speech seasoned with grace, and for us to make the most of every opportunity, surely we must seek to share the Gospel message through our interactions with others?

One further thing that Paul says here is that Christians should know how to give an answer. In other words, they are to know how to answer people - the words to use; the tone to use; the manner of answering.

Paul is urging the believers to be able to give a fitting and insightful response to everyone, whether they are believers or non-believers, friends or enemies, or people in authority or people who are under authority. Paul is exhorting the believers to be able to give an answer that is full of grace, which is kind, compassionate, and forgiving, and seasoned with salt, which is wise and discerning.

In other words, Paul is encouraging Christians to be able to respond to others in a way that is respectful and considerate of their needs, while also being wise and discerning in their words. He wants them to be able to give a response that is appropriate for each situation, one that will bring honor to God and bless others.

This is a high calling indeed!!

Application / Conclusion

A.1. Live to honour Christ

Before I speak about the practicalities of that, I want to emphasize that for us to live lives that honour Christ, we need to have a good theology. Without solid theology, our lives will not be lived to the glory of Christ.

With that in mind, we are to always keep in our hearts and minds the importance of living every moment for the glory of Christ. We are to be making the most of every opportunity.

This is to be done in the workplace; it’s to be done in the manner in which you resolve an incorrect price on your goods in the shop; it’s to be done when the company that was supposed to fix something in your house causes more damage than good; it’s to be done in public when your children misbehave and cause you shame; it’s to be done when the referee on the sports field is unfair in their calls...

Whatever the circumstances of life, our lives as Christians, our responses to circumstances, are to be used to glorify Jesus Christ.

We are to use our lives to show love and compassion to a world that is need of the Gospel. Do you respond and treat others with kindness and grace, mercy and compassion? This is the manner of life of the person redeemed by God.

A.2. Speak Words that honour Christ

We are called to use our lips to share the gospel, and to reflect God’s grace to us through both what we say and how we say it.

Our words are to be gracious, compassionate, filled with love, at times firm, but in general, on the whole, full of love.

1 Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise, let them flow in endless praise.

3 Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee, filled with messages from thee.