Colossians 4:5 - Homilies By T. Croskery

The behaviour of Christians in the world.

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Consider—

I. THE PERSONS WHO ARE TO BE INFLUENCED BY OUR WALK , "Them that are without." Christians are those who are within ( 1 Corinthians 5:12 ). Unbelievers arc "without"—outside the Church, without God, without Christ, without hope in the world. They are those whom "God judgeth" ( 1 Corinthians 5:13 ). Believers ought to have regard to such persons, not only in their prayers, but in the wisdom of their personal walk.

II. THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE BELIEVER 'S WALK BEFORE THE WORLD . "Walk in wisdom,.., redeeming the time."

1 . It is a wise walk. " Be ye wise as serpents" ( Matthew 10:16 ). Zeal is not enough. Love is not enough. Walk circumspectly, so as to give no offence or put occasions of reproach in the way of sinners. This is done by believers

2 . Such a walk is influential toward unbelievers.

3 . Believers ought to seek constant opportunities of obeying this command. "Redeeming the time." External opportunities are to be sought for, and never to be neglected. Ministers must preach while the door is open; people must pray at every opportunity ( Ephesians 6:18 ; Luke 21:36 ). They must walk in the light before the night comes. The times may not always be favourable.—T.C.