Make Jesus Visible, Make Jesus Audible

MAKE JESUS VISIBLE, MAKE JESUS AUDIBLE

Introduction

Have you ever noticed how much first impressions matter? Imagine you walk into a new room or meet someone at work for the first time. Before you even get to explain who you are, people are already forming opinions based on how you act, how you speak, how you’ve dressed, even the smallest details. Our lives, whether we realise it or not, are always sending a message. The question is, what message are people receiving about Christ through us?

The way you live and the way you speak often say more about your faith than the songs you sing in church or the verses you post online. Sometimes, your actions and words may be the only “Bible” someone around you ever reads or the only “gospel” they ever hear.

The truth is, living out our faith before those who don’t believe can be challenging. How do you respond to someone who mocks Christianity? How do you use social media in a way that reflects Christ? How do you balance kindness with boldness when friends ask hard questions? [State purpose]

Background to the text

This morning, we are considering Colossians 4:5–6: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Announce/Remind of the Text)

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Colossae while he was in prison, likely in Rome. The Colossian believers were facing pressures from false teachers who mixed Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy and mystical practices. In the midst of this confusion, Paul reminded them that Christ is supreme and sufficient. In his closing words, he gives practical instructions for how they should live out their faith, especially before non-believers. (Historical Background)

Colossians 4:2–6 is Paul’s final set of exhortations. He first calls the church to pray faithfully (vv. 2–4), and then he turns to their witness before outsiders (vv. 5–6). Our verses belong to this second part, where Paul shifts the focus from his mission to the everyday mission of all believers. (Textual Background)

The book of Colossians is an epistle, a letter written to teach and instruct. Verses 5–6 contain two imperative instructions: one about conduct (“walk in wisdom”) and one about conversation (“let your speech be gracious”). These commands are practical applications of the gospel-centered life Paul has been teaching throughout the letter. (Literary Background)

Our text can be divided into three parts:

1. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, demonstrating Christ in action (v.5).

2. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, demonstrating Christ in words (v.6).

3. So that you may know how to answer each person, demonstrating Christ in readiness and engagement (v.6).

So, here’s the heart of our text: Paul is teaching believers to live wisely before outsiders and to speak graciously, so that every interaction points people to Jesus.

A. DEMONSTRATE CHRIST IN ACTION

1. Be intentional in conduct: How we walk before outsiders demonstrates our faith. Our daily conduct before outsiders either commends Christ or contradicts Him.

That is why Paul exhorts, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders” (v.5).

The word “walk” refers to lifestyle. It’s an ongoing, visible way of life. “Outsiders” refers to those not yet in the faith. Our walk is their window into the gospel.

Wisdom here isn’t just being smart; it’s living God’s way. Walking wisely means living in such a way that our behaviour attracts people to Christ rather than pushing them away.

You know how a billboard on the road catches your eye and gives you a message in just a few seconds? In the same way, people around us ‘read’ our lives in moments. What they see in us can either point them to Christ or away from Him

What message does your lifestyle send? Do your neighbours, colleagues, or relatives see consistency between what you believe and how you live?

2. Make the best use of time: Use opportunities wisely to influence others positively (v.5). Wise living means seizing opportunities to bear witness for Christ.

That’s why Paul adds, “making the best use of the time” (v.5).

The phrase literally means “redeeming the time”, buying back moments that might otherwise be wasted. Paul emphasises urgency and intentionality.

Opportunities to live out or speak about Christ can slip away if we are careless. Every day presents divine appointments, at school, work, shops, or even online, that may never return.

Imagine missing a train by 30 seconds. You can’t get that time back. In the same way, missed opportunities to witness often cannot be reclaimed.

How can you better use your daily interactions for kingdom impact?

B. DEMONSTRATE CHRIST IN WORDS

1. Always gracious: Words should be kind, gentle and considerate in every conversation. Our speech must consistently reflect Christ’s grace.