Colossians 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, ..."

We are to have a right attitude towards those who are not in Christ. We should be so concerned for those who are "outside" that every step we take should be directed at winning them. Our growth and progress in Christ should make Christ attractive to them. Everything about us should be a winsome appeal to get the outsider to come inside.

"We owe them that are without, such a walk as may tend to bring them in. Our life is to a large extent, their Bible. They know a great deal more about Christianity as they see it in us, than as it is revealed in Christ, or recorded in Scripture - and if, as seen in us, it does not strike them as very attractive, small wonder if they still prefer to remain where they are." Alexander Maclaren - The epistles of Paul to the Colossians and Philemon - Hodder and Stoughton, 1888

Oh, the sad and solemn state of those who are without (Ephesians 2:12 ). Our response should be living right that God may use us to reach them.

"Redeeming the time". (Colossians 4:5 ). Make the most of every opportunity. The Lord gives us opportunities to serve Christ by sharing the good news. With each opportunity comes personal responsibility (Luke 12:48 ). We are not to be timid - indifferent - careless or selfish. We are to seize each opportunity, making the most of them. Opportunities have varying degrees of difficulty, but the Holy Spirit will be your helper, providing special ability, strength, courage and power. Hardships can be an opportunity to encourage others to persevere.

Philippians 1:14 "and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear."

Disciplined readiness helps us effectively make the most of any opportunity. Be disciplined in studying the Word (2 Timothy 2:15 ); in praying for others; in obeying the Holy Spirit's leading. Such spiritual skills will make you a successful soul winner.

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, ..."

We are asked to clothe our speech with grace. Gracious speaking in the home, business, in public, should witness to Christ being in us. When we tell others about Christ it is important that we are gracious in what we say, and how we say it. Being courteous wins respect for and attention to the important message we are sharing. Gracious speaking includes controlling your desire to say what you should not say, avoiding offending, and so winning your hearer.

Colossians 4:6 "... seasoned with salt, ..."

Ellicott in his commentary says: "Salt is the wholesome point and pertinency".

Whereas graciousness makes our witnessing winsome, seasoning with salt adds faithfulness to tact that makes our witness acceptable. Our witnessing must never be insipid but to the point. Never tasteless, as salt added brings out distinctive taste, so the Christ centred message is as distinct as health-giving, soul saving mediations (1 Timothy 2:5 ).

Colossians 4:6 "... that you may know how you ought to answer each one. "

What we say must be an appropriate word suited to each one to whom we witness. We will be challenged, so to be able to answer in a way that is accurate, assuring, acceptable, and with authority, we need the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:48-49 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What changes in your lifestyle do you need to make so that Christ will be made attractive to those you want to win? (Colossians 4:5 ).
2. What spiritual skills do you need to develop so that you can make the most of every opportunity to win others to Christ? (Colossians 4:5 ).
3. What does it mean to you to clothe your speech with grace, and season it with salt? (Colossians 4:6 ).