Sermon Prepared by James McCullen
Email Preach Him with Dr. Jim

The Christian Walk
Col 4:5-6

1.    The Christian Walk A Walk In . . Wisdom. v 5

A.    Wisdom Toward the . . Outsiders. v 5 a
        "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,. . . "

    1.    Who are Outsiders?
        a.    Anyone Outside the Faith.

Illustration
My great-grandmother had a son later in life who was her favorite child.    She spoiled this child and he never became a Christian.   One time an evangelist was trying to win this boy to the Lord and he said "your mother is going to heaven but you are not."   The young lad said my mother could never enjoy heaven without me."   The evangelist said she will never remember you."   The lad said "my mother could never forget me.  On her death bed all the Children were called in and they came to talk to her.  This boy came in and my great grandmother said "who are you."    The boy said " I am your son Bill."   She answered "I don't have a son named Bill."

    b.    Some mothers have treated Son's like Christians When they were not

B.    Wisdom Toward the . .Opportunities. v 5 b
        ". . . redeeming the time. "

    1.    Opportunities with Relatives.
    2.    Opportunities with Friends.
    3.    Opportunities with Neighbors.
    4.    Opportunities with Acquaintances.
    5.    Opportunities with Strangers.

Illustration Source: preachingtoday@christianitytoday.com
While in seminary in Chicago's suburbs, I discovered that a Promise Keeper's convention was coming to Soldier Field. A group of us took a commuter train downtown, then caught a cab to the stadium.

We were running late, but still hoped to get a good seat. I'm sure our driver, a man who spoke little English, felt intimidated as the six of us piled into his taxi, jabbering loudly. Traffic was heavy and got worse near the stadium. We slowed to a crawl. We weren't going to get that good seat after all.

A couple of us started talking about hopping from the cab and running the rest of the way to the stadium. It sounded good to most of us, but Michael spoke against the plan. He was more concerned about the cabby. If we got out at that point, the driver would be stuck in traffic without being able to refill his taxi.
He'd be losing money.

After Michael spoke with us, he turned his attention to our foreign driver. Michael shared about the conference we were going to, and then he shared the good news of Jesus Christ.

I don't know if the man was affected by the message, but I do know Michael's concern provided a base of credibility for sharing the gospel that the rest of us overlooked.
 

Application

The Christian Walk Can Be A Walk In Wisdom.
 
 
 

2.     A Walk In Winsomeness. v 6

A.    Winsomeness In . . Speech. v 6 a
        "Let your speech always be with grace,. . . "

    1.    Jerry Vines Comments at SBC in St. Louis.
    2.    Contrast SBC and CBF Convention.

B.    Winsomeness In . . Seasoning. v 6 b
        ". . . seasoned with salt, . . . "

    1.    What does Salt Do?
        a.    preserves meat, stops corruption.
        b.    stimulate the appetite.
        c.    is powerful in small amounts.
        d.    is powerful because it's different.
        e.    postpones death.
        f.    never changes corruption never changes sin
        e.    is effective when it interacts must interact
        g.    makes one thirsty makes one thirsty

    2.    How do you get this kind of Speech.

Ps 19:14 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. NKJV

Prov 8:8 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. NKJV

Heb 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. NKJV

C.    Winsomeness In . . Solutions. v 6 c
        ". . . that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Prov 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. NKJV

Matt 10:19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; NKJV

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; NKJV

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. NKJV

Illustration
Fathers will, two brothers, judge said older son divide it and younger son gets first choice.
 

The Christian Walk Can Be A Walk In Winsomeness.