Walking In Wisdom by Brother Curtis Hansen

         For the sermon this evening, we will be going to the book of Colossians. We will be reading from chapter 4 and will read verses 1-6. Starting in verse 1.

        Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

        This is interesting to read because man's ego usually goes with having the slightest bit of power whether at work, or in the home, and  goes too far with it. Those who fall into that trap abuse and mistreat others to benefit them. When you are going through life there are some people who will come into it for a season. Some are there as a trial for you. A test for your faith so to speak. There are others who are there to elevate you from the plateau you are standing to the next level. The thing to remember is not all people you associate and befriend are beneficial for you nor can they come along on your walk. You need to develop the discernment when to let go. Now, verse 2.

        2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

        If you have a committed time set for prayer, you may notice that the problems and negativity the world has at large is coming into your prayer time. It isn't affecting you per se, but, there is a lot of cruel and wicked things in the world that will weigh on you if you aren't prepared. Double up on your prayer in the new year. Be happy and aware in your prayers. There is beauty and simple things we take for granted which we need to thank God for in our life. When we slip up, fail, fall short, God is a forgiving God. God answers prayers. Most important, God draws near to you when you pray. One of the stumbling blocks a new believer has is how to pray. Jesus demonstrates this sharing the Lord's Prayer. Sometimes, silence is the answer. James wrote in chapter 4 sometimes we go to God in prayer and ask amiss. We would want to spend it on our own pleasures. Those things we request from God because our flesh says it is a priority doesn't register on the almighty's barometer.

        3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

        This verse is speaking on understanding your spiritual battles. There are things around you which are trying to claim you. Peter gives a stark warning in his first letter. Chapter 5 and verse 8.

        8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary is the devil, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour:

        See, the adversary isn't just wanting you off the path. He isn't content with having you out of church and living a life subscribed to your own imaginations. He is wanting to do three things in your life. He is wanting to steal, kill, and destroy. There are many sins which you will need to overcome. Some of those sins are hereditary which you were unaware of to a point. There are some sins which may not be a problem to others as it is to you. Going back to mans ego, we will often try to fix the behavior with a flesh solution without addressing the spiritual aspect. 

        This coming year, learn, and more important, practice a thankful heart of what God has brought you. The prayers he has answered. The assembly of brothers and sisters in Christ. It isn't the spacious home or the many vehicles or all the things you own. No disciple lived an opulent lifestyle. Jesus stressed having just the bare essentials to his disciples. If you look back on the words of Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 5 and verse 15 he says;

        15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing for his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

        Now, let us return to Colossians 4 with verse 4;

        4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

        In this verse Paul is saying to the church as well as to us today to share the gospel with others. There are plenty of ways to share the gospel, but, it is in adhering to the Holy Spirit what matters. It's baffling to see a saint keep the benefits hidden for himself, or let opportunities to share with others pass by because of nerves, or they weren't feeling it. My question to that passive believer is this; If you do love God, why wouldn't you want to share that with others? We will allow God so much space in church on a set time, but we shorten and place limits on him in other parts of our life. The gospel we share with people is our testimony of what God has done for us. The more we restrict his presence just to this sanctuary, our testimony is not seen. Speak clearly or make manifest so there is no confusion to people. Now, moving on to verse 5;

        5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

        Knowledge and wisdom are two different things. Wisdom is the knowledge you get and you put it to work. Paul is speaking about your community, family, even your own church. Be strong and hold yourself accountable when you are surrounded by bad decisions. Let's look at redeeming the time. Help them not walk in errors of their life. Some people will look up to you and be inspired. 

        Finally, you need to be prepared for opposition in this walk. It doesn't take long for push back and resistance to come against you. Let us read verse 6;

        6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 

        In your speech being seasoned with salt Paul is saying what you say not just fizzle out quickly. Your word remains longer with others. If our testimony be true, we need to make sure that we truly know the gospel. 

        Don't try to actively avoid non-Christians. You were not called to hoard your testimony. You can strategically connect with non-Christians. There are opportunities that you can be a light to others. Our daily goal should be a light to others and a walking testimony to everyone we meet.

        Be nice and strongly defend the gospel. It is our job in the way we talk to people correctly. You cannot anger everyone with your words and expect results of salvation.