The Power of Speech – Part Three

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. – Colossians 4:2-6.

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. – Colossians 4:7-9.

Never underestimate the power of speech. Whether the communication is oral or written, there is great power in words.

Witnessing to the Lost is the third of the four most important ministries of speech that Paul wrote in this letter of which we will now discuss:

Witnessing to the Lost

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

“Those who are outside” is referring to those who are outside the family of God. Jesus made a distinction between His disciples and those who were outside (Mark 4:11). Paul also made this same distinction (1 Corinthians 5:12–13). Those of us who are born again are the “spiritual insiders” because we belong to God’s family and share His life.

However, as Christians, we must never have a sanctified superiority complex. We must remember we have done nothing to deserve this honor, it was all done by Christ and we were chosen by God our Father. However, we do have a responsibility to witness to the lost around us and to seek to bring them into God’s family. To begin with, we have the responsibility to “walk in wisdom,” to walk wisely. The word “walk” refers, of course, to our conduct in day to day life. The unsaved outsiders watch us Christians whether we notice it or not and they can be very critical of us. There must be nothing in our lives that would jeopardize our testimony.