Beginning in chapter 3—Paul has been talking about relationships. Specifically how our relationships have changed as a result of our coming to know Christ as Savior and Lord. Since “we have died and our life is now hidden with Christ in God” (3:3) this new relationship changes the way we handle all of our relationships. For example—prior to giving my life to Christ…I never sought out fellowship with people of faith. Christians were not my kind of people. Now—I’m naturally drawn to believers because we share a common faith.

As believers, Paul has instructed us on how to live responsibly in relation to Christ, with our spouse, children, and slaves/servants or perhaps for us today in the workplace. This morning, he offers direction concerning outsiders (v5) or non-believers out in the public square.

The Bible teaches that our responsibility towards non-believers is at least two-fold. 1) We are to live in such a way that wins their respect (1 Thessalonians 4:12) and have a good reputation among them (1 Tim 3:7), so that, 2) we can share the gospel with them (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).

In order for us to meet our responsibility towards outsiders, Paul mentions how we can prepare ourselves for life in the public square and also how we are to participate.

1. Preparing for life in the public square begins with prayer.

Verse 2 says “Devote yourselves to prayer.” The idea here in the original language is to be courageously persistent. In other words “pray always” (Eph 6:18), “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and “pray faithfully” (Romans 12:12). Life in the public square can be dangerous and we need to be spiritually prepared for it.

A. Pray for ourselves

Being watchful and thankful. We’re reminded that Jesus told His disciples to “watch and pray” in Mark 14 in order to not fall into temptation. Being watchful helps us be spiritually alert to what’s happening around us…helps us pray specifically, intentionally. Also, being thankful keeps us from praying selfishly (James 4:3). Let’s not forget to pray for ourselves.

B. Pray for others

He says in verse 3 to ‘pray for us’ which most likely includes everyone he mentions in verse 7 and following. We need to pray for others and especially those who lead out in ministry. (staff, teachers, deacons, etc.)

C. Pray for opportunities

Opportunities to proclaim the gospel…”faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The mystery of Christ is the good news revealed in New Testament about God’s plan and people need to hear that message.

D. Pray for oratory skills

The idea here in the Greek language is a through and complete testimony. We need to clearly communicate “the whole counsel of God’s will’ (Acts 20:27) but first and foremost, that everyone ‘must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (20:21).

We’re told in 1 Peter 3:15 to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give…the reason for the hope you have.” This verse is talking about those people we’ll meet in the public square. Can you clearly articulate your hope in Christ?

Can you tell someone how God lead you to realize that the actions of your life prevent you from having fellowship with Him? And—the result of your actions meant eternal separation from God. But—He also helped you recognize there is hope for anyone who is willing to receive the forgiveness made available through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son.

You might be thinking, “I not sure I can” or “I really hope that no one ever asks me about my faith.” Both Peter and Paul are saying the same thing…be prepared to talk with the outsiders/non-believers that you meet in the public square. Begin the preparation process with prayer. Pray for yourself, for others, for opportunities, and for the ability to communicate clearly…as we should.

2. The way we participate in the public square is important.

Letting our light shine before men in public according to Jesus is marked by ‘good deeds’ (Mat 5:16). Peter says we “have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans or non-believers do” (1 Peter 4:3). Actions matter.

Paul mentions several things here in verses 5-6 that we need to be mindful of as we go out into the public square.

A. We need to act wisely.

Since we’re an ambassador of reconciliation for Christ…the way we present ourselves to others is important. It impacts their view of Christ.

B. We need to act with expediency.

Life is short and people are entering eternity every day without Christ. Christ has commissioned us to be active in sharing the gospel.

C. We need to speak consistently.

Consistent speech should be in line with our profession of faith. Certainly not filthy…but rather full of grace and pure (Eph 4:29).

D. We need to respond correctly.

We live in a world that has been blinded to the truth of the gospel by the god of this age (2 Cor 4:4) therefore, it’s important that we “set forth the truth plainly” (4:3) in order to help people clearly see their need for Christ.

Church—have you noticed that Jesus usually doesn’t save people and send them right to heaven? He saves people to serve. Servants meet the needs of others. That involves interaction with people and knowing how to properly relate to people requires preparation before participation. The best way to prepare for service according to Paul is prayer.

We need to pray about how we can better serve our Lord, our spouse, our children, our employer, and all of those outsiders we’ll meet in the public square. Do you remember that prayer was how Paul started this letter in the first place (1:3). Praying that we will live worthy lives and be pleasing to God in everything we do.

I suspect that many of us need to spend more time in prayer. Time developing a richer more intimate relationship with our Lord…Jesus Christ. The good news this morning is…God loves to hear from His people. Let’s begin now to start drawing closer to God in prayer and see if the result will be revealed in the way we’re better prepared to live in the public square.