Scripture

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

Observation

Masters must be fair to their slaves, remembering that they also have a master in heaven.

We must devote ourselves to prayer with an attentive mind and a thankful heart. Paul also seeks prayer for opportunities to speak about Christ.

We are to live wisely in the world, making the most of every opportunity. Our conversation should be gracious so that we can influence others for Christ.

Application

To live wisely among unbelievers means that we live in God’s ways all the time. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom .

When we live according to God’s ways, then our lives are prosperous in the sense that we are fulfilled and successful at life.

When people see Christians who enjoy their lives, no matter how ordinary they are, then they take notice. A life lived joyfully and with purpose is a sign of hope for our unsaved friends and neighbours.

We should make the most of every opportunity. This means that when we have an opportunity to speak for Jesus that is natural, we should take it. It does not mean that every conversation is hijacked for preaching purposes.

We show that we care and the opportunities emerge naturally to point people to Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to live wisely in all that I do. Please let me be a faithful witness for you. Amen

Scripture

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Observation

We must let the message of Christ fill every part of our lives. We should sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Everything we say and do should be done as representatives of Christ.

Wives must submit to their husbands. Husbands must love their wives. Children should obey their parents, and slaves obey their masters.

Application

Our whole life should be lived as representatives of Christ. I need to live with that awareness in my mind and heart that people see me as a picture of what a Christian is, and therefore of what Jesus is.

Some people referred Christians as the “Fifth Gospel.” Since most people never read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, then my life is the only gospel that they will ever see .

Part of this is cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving. If I walk through the day with the joy that comes from a thankful heart, then those around me will recognise that my faith is real and that Christ is real.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to live up to this high calling of being a representative of Christ in all that I say and do. Amen.

Scripture

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and be like him.

Observation

We must put to death the sinful nature that works within us. We must have nothing to do with sexual impurity, greed, anger, lies and so on.

We must put on the new nature and let God renew us. God chose us to be His holy people, so we must clothe ourselves with the attitudes that are from Him. We must let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts

Application

God raises us to life in Christ. But then this gift of grace has to be activated in our lives. We have to put on the new nature.

God doesn’t force us to love our Christian brothers and sisters. That would not be love at all. He does give us love for others, and he encourages us to walk in that love.

He does not make us totally perfect. But he does give us the grace to turn away from sin and to overcome temptation. The choice then is up to us to live righteously or according to the ways of our old nature.

Every time we choose the new nature, a roar of praise is heard in heaven. And every time we choose God’s way, it becomes easier the next time we are tempted.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for the knowledge that you are at work in me. Please help me to put on the new nature, to draw closer to you, and to be more like you. Amen