As we come to the last part of Colossians, the apostle Paul gives us some final direction on what a "Jesus Only" life looks like. It's characterized by wisdom.  This is the 8th and last sermon in my Colossians series. It was preached at Town & Country Christian Church in Bartlesville, Ok on Nov. 24, 2019.

Intro:

 [VIDEO]

Holiday stress.

Good timing as we finish Colossians today.

Paul’s practical advice on a “Jesus-only” lifestyle in terms of how we deal with the world around us.

Pray Wisely

It’s a great time of year for folks to make some decisions about their spirituality.

Colossians 4:2–4 NLT

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Alert mind - Pay attention both to what’s going on around you and also what you’re saying to God.

Thankful heart - Not just here at Thanksgiving but in continuous action.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT

6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Here’s your action item:

Pray like Paul said, being alert for folks you know who need an opportunity to hear the gospel.

Act Wisely

Colossians 4:5 NLT

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

Live (walk) wisely - our conduct is informed by wisdom.

Ephesians 4:23 NLT

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

reinforces Paul’s direction from ch. 1:

Colossians 1:10 NLT

10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Make the most of every opportunity - “buy back the time, redeem it”

How do we use our time?

Speak Wisely

Colossians 4:6 NLT

6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Gracious and attractive - lit. “seasoned with salt.”

In their context it meant “witty, smart.”

1 Peter 3:15 NLT

15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.

Conclusion:

Going into the holidays:

Be alert for chances to pray for people around you.

Monitor your “walk.” 

Use the right kind of “salty” talk.