Colossians: Alive In Christ Mostra

Most believers spend large amounts of time with people who don’t believe in Christ, and so these verses about how we’re to live amongst outsiders are immediately relevant for our day-to-day lives. These verses come right after Paul has been speaking of his mission to declare Christ (4:3) – with the point being that believers are also called to declare Christ. 

Firstly, we’re commanded to ‘Be wise’ (v. 5). We’ve already learnt in Colossians that wisdom is summed up in Christ (2:3), and in 1:9–10 Paul prays that the Colossians might have wisdom to live lives worthy of Christ. Being wise towards outsiders, therefore, involves putting Christ on display as we live for him. By way of contrast, living foolishly would mean to ‘hide’ Christ and live without him. Never underestimate the wisdom that you have to share with the world around you! Furthermore, we should understand the urgency of this. We live in a time when God is waiting patiently for unbelievers to repent, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Therefore, as Paul says at the end of verse 5, we should make good use of this opportunity or time to put Christ on display in our lives. 

Secondly, we’re to think, in particular, about our words. ‘Conversation’ here (v. 6) is exactly the same term translated as ‘message’ (or ‘word’, ESV) in verse 3. There is, therefore, most likely a connection between the ‘word’ Paul is wanting to declare, and the ‘word’ that is to come out of our mouths while we are amongst unbelievers. This ‘word’ that we share is to be full of grace and distinctiveness (‘seasoned with salt’). Our speech is, as with the rest of life, to be filled with the new life of Christ in us. Our words are to be shaped by the gospel word so that we reflect Christ in small and big ways. People will have questions and objections, but our words, when shaped by the gospel word, will give answers. 

This is the day that Christ has given you to live amongst outsiders. How will you make him known? 

Reflection

1. How can outsiders see the wisdom of your life today? What will draw them to Christ through you?

2. What do you spend your time talking about? How much is it filled with the good things of Christ?