Colossians 4:5,6

Duty of Example - 4:5-6

5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

We should walk (live our lives) in wisdom. Phillips "be wise in your behavior" SEB "live wisely" Let the conduct of your life and the example you set before the world show where "true" wisdom can be found.

The wisdom of the world is not in the same ballgame with the wisdom of God. (James 1:5-6; James 3:13-18)

This visible wisdom must be seen by the world, not just the church. We should behave toward those out of Christ in such a way that they want to be Christians.

NIV "make the most of every opportunity" We must make good use of the limited time we have to make good impressions on the world around us. When the door opens, we must be ready to take advantage of it. Example: When Russia opened it doors to Americans - within 6 months there were more than 5,000 Americans in Russia and more than 100 churches started with thousands of baptisms.

If anyone asks about how to jump at opportunity when opportunities are so hard to recognize - the answer is "Just keep jumping."

5 - Conduct your life with wisdom before those who are outside of Christ. Buy for your use all the opportunities you can.

6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Our speech should be kind. NEB "always gracious, never insipid" Phillips "speak pleasantly to them" SEB "message should always be beautiful"

Make sure that you add some salt to flavor it, make it taste better and more acceptable. Our lives must be salted. Study Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34.

We must learn how to respond under adverse circumstances. The meaning is not how to answer their questions. The idea is that we must how to respond to the circumstances of life. We must respond in faith. We must deal with the problems of life with graciousness and in good taste.

6 - Allow your words to be gracious at all times. Make sure that your words are tasteful so that you can properly respond to any circumstance.