Walk in Wisdom

By: Scott Morton

Colossians 4:5-6

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

As the Apostle Paul continues to give some final instructions to the assembly in Colossae, we see how he is speaking about the walk, or lifestyle, the believer is supposed to be demonstrating in this dispensation. We see there is a statement about a wisdom which is to be displayed toward the individuals who are without, meaning those who are not members of the Body of Christ. Because this is a word which some individuals do struggle to identify what is meant, we need to take a moment and see what Paul means by saying this. The following comes from Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

Wisdom

1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. I differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus.

Wisdom gained by experience, is of inestimable value.

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom; that they will yield every thing to reason, and refuse every thing to force.

2. In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences.

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7.

3. Quickness of intellect; readiness of apprehension; dexterity in execution; as the wisdom of Bezaleel and Aholiab. Exodus 31.

4. Natural instinct and sagacity. Job 39.

5. In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. This is the wisdom which is from above. Psalm 90. Job 28.

6. Profitable words or doctrine. Psalm 37.

The wisdom of this world, mere human erudition; or the carnal policy of men, their craft and artifices in promoting their temporal interests; called also fleshly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2. 2 Corinthians 1.

The wisdom of words, artificial or affected eloquence; or learning displayed in teaching. 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.

From the definitions which are listed here, we can see the meaning of wisdom revolves around the issue of the application of the knowledge which has been obtained. There are competing wisdoms, as the Word of God will speak of the wisdom of man, which has considerable flaws, and the wisdom of God, which reflects the perfect nature of who He is. The wisdom of God is where we are supposed to be functioning in and this is where Paul is telling us we are to be walking in, or living our life. This is what he prayed for in the beginning of this epistle:

Colossians 1:9-10

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

The first thing which would be stated in a prayer for someone is the most important thing which is being asked for. We see Paul praying for the individuals in the assembly here and the first thing is for them to be filled with the knowledge of His will. He wanted them to know the information for this dispensation and there was a very specific purpose behind this. Paul wanted them to have the knowledge so they would be able to walk worthy and be pleasing to God. The wisdom was going to allow them to be able to live their life according to the doctrine, which is now where Paul is concluding with them as well.

Since we are supposed to have the wisdom of God, we need to know where this is to come from. We know the Apostle Paul is the one who has given us the doctrine for us today in this dispensation. Many individuals try to apply everything from the Word of God to their life and would attempt to go back to the book of Proverbs, as this is written by Solomon, who was the wisest individual to live. This has been done even by some who understand right division and have tried to apply many of the things from this book. The introduction to the book of Proverbs shows the purpose Solomon was writing this book:

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; [2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; [3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; [4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. [5] A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: [6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Solomon starts by identifying himself as the king of Israel, showing the identity and who this is really being written to. He speaks of the purpose that he is writing this and concludes with the issue of the fear of the Lord. This gives us the idea of what is meant by this book which is used by many to try to give insight into how to live our life today. While there are some principles which do carry over to this dispensation, it is important to realize this is being written for Israel and does not directly apply to us. One of the ways we know this is by the mention of the issue of the fear of the Lord. We are told by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 1:7 we have not been given the spirit of fear. Members of the Body of Christ do not have the issues of the fear of the Lord like Israel, as they feared facing the wrath of God if they did things wrong. We are not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10) and therefore do not have the same type of relationship with God which Israel had.

Paul speaks about the wisdom we are to be displaying and speaks of it related to how we are to be living our lives:

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

This is why we keep seeing statements of the way to live our lives, especially as we are dealing with those who are without (outside of the Body of Christ). Individuals who have not accepted the gospel look at believers in a different manner and are waiting for us to fail to live up to the standard they are putting on us. This is why there is an issue of wisdom in dealing with individuals, as they need to see the doctrine truly living in us and not what others have done.

This can especially be true when we see people doing wrong things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, which will often be pointed out. Paul tells us we are to display honesty towards those that are without (1 Thessalonians 4:12) and we should be doing good unto all men (Galatians 6:10). If we are doing this, we can then display the wisdom which is intended.

When we speak about wisdom, we always need to keep in mind there is the wisdom of God and the things which are labeled as wisdom which is opposed to the things of God. Paul clearly identified these things and gives us warnings about what we should be doing. This is why he describes the issues of wisdom in the following passage:

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. [10] But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. [15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. [16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

We see from this passage how the Apostle Paul informs us of the process of growing in wisdom. This process involves our intake of the Word of God rightly divided, as this is what the Spirit is going to able to compare inside of us (comparing spiritual things with spiritual). As members of the Body of Christ we need to be putting the information in so there can be the growth which is needed and the information which needs to be put in is the Word of God.

This process works in a manner to where we will gain insight into what the Word of God says as we continue to study. It can be likened to the old cartoons where someone would get this brilliant idea and a light bulb would appear over their head as they come up with it. As we study the Word of God, the Spirit is able to take the information we are gaining and start comparing these things for us. When we finally gain insight into a passage it is the Spirit who has done this for us.

The problem many people have is they are not taking in the Word of God and instead try to take in things of man's wisdom and think this is going to help them. I remember years ago at the beginning of the internet when many things were contained in the old news groups. I have found a Bible study group and was starting to participate in it. After a couple of weeks I was asked by several people to leave, as they said if I wanted to quote Bible passages I could find somewhere else to go. They had progressed beyond this and were studying other things to be able to help in their understanding of the Bible. Those other things were the philosophies of man they were attempting to use to understand the Word of God. It is sad to think this is how too many people think they should be studying the Word of God, if they even actually study.

Paul speaks about the information being given to him as being the Word of God:

Romans 16:25-26

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

As we have mentioned many times through the study of the book of Colossians, individuals reject the things being taught by the Apostle Paul and feel this is not supposed to be contained in the Bible. They reject the differences between the two programs (Prophecy and Mystery), which leads to confusion on their part. This confusion then causes them to have to rely on the wisdom of men in order to settle things in their mind, but this ultimately creates more confusion for them.

The Apostle Paul gives many warnings about avoiding the things which would pull someone away from the wisdom of God. He even names some of these things so we would be able to be clear about what we need to be doing:

Avoid the traditions of man which would pull people away from the Word of God

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Watch out for the seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, which pull individuals away from the truth of God's Word rightly divided

1 Timothy 4:1-3

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Avoid the stories of man

1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Avoid performance based systems of salvation

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

These things that Paul brings up are not just restricted to the time he was writing. There are so many things today which attempt to pull people away from the Word of God and we need to be watching for these things and making sure they do not have an influence on our lives. This is the only way we will be able to continue to walk in the wisdom which has been given to us. As we walk in the wisdom given to us, we will be able to have a positive influence on those who are outside of the Body of Christ, giving them something to see of how the Word actually works.

The Apostle Paul then starts to speak about the issue of redeeming the time. This is a concept that would appear to be foreign to individuals today. Based on this, the following comes from Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

Redeem

1. To purchase back; to ransom; to liberate or rescue from captivity or bondage, or from any obligation or liability to suffer or to be forfeited, by paying an equivalent; as, to redeem prisoners or captured goods; to redeem a pledge.

2. To repurchase what has been sold; to regain possession of a thing alienated, by repaying the value of it to the possessor.

If a man [shall] sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold.

Lev 25.

3. To rescue; to recover; to deliver from.

Th' Almighty from the grave hath me redeem'd.

Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. Psalm 25. Deuteronomy 7.

The mass of earth not yet redeemed from chaos.

4. To compensate; to make amends for.

It is a chance which does redeem all sorrows.

By lesser ills the greater to redeem.

5. To free by making atonement.

Thou hast one daughter who redeems nature from the general curse.

6. To pay the penalty of.

Which of you will be mortal to redeem man's mortal crime?

7. To save.

He could not have redeemed a portion of his time for contemplating the powers of nature.

8. To perform what has been promised; to make good by performance. He has redeemed his pledge or promise.

9. In law, to recall an estate, or to obtain the right to re-enter upon a mortgaged estate by paying to the mortgagee his principal, interest, and expenses or costs.

10. In theology, to rescue and deliver from the bondage of sin and the penalties of God's violated law, by obedience and suffering in the place of the sinner, or by doing and suffering that which is accepted in lieu of the sinner's obedience.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. Gal 3. Titus 2.

11. In commerce, to purchase or pay the value in specie, of any promissory note, bill or other evidence of debt, given by the state, by a company or corporation, or by an individual. The credit of a state, a banking company or individuals, is good when they can redeem all their stock, notes or bills, at par.

To redeem time, is to use more diligence in the improvement of it; to be diligent and active in duty and preparation. Eph 5.

It is clear from the definitions given here that the issue of redeeming the time would be shown by a purchasing back of the issue of time. The issue of the time we have is often being taken captive by, or is under the influence of so many things which are taking us away from what God would have us to do during this dispensation. This is why the Apostle Paul has to encourage us to be doing the things necessary to redeem the time. In fact, he even makes a reference to how he is viewing this time:

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

This is not a reference to the Day of the Lord, as this does not have anything to do with the members of the Body of Christ. Paul is saying the days we are living in today are evil. It does not take much to figure out how accurate this statement is. If we look around at what is going on in our neighborhoods, watch the news, watch television in general, or even carry on a conversation with someone who is not a member of the Body of Christ, we can see how true this statement is. We can see how the things of this world have an impact on individuals and keep them away from the light/truth which is contained in the Word of God.

This is the warning which is being given to us today. There is a real danger for the Body of Christ, as the world system wants us to be pulled away from what God would have us to do. This is why the Apostle Paul gives the warning he does in the last epistle he wrote:

2 Timothy 3:1-9

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] out natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

The way most individuals take this passage is they say this is speaking about the world as a whole and this will be a description of the world at the time of the catching out of the saints. The problem is that this is how the world system always has been. When we look at the individuals who are opposed to the things of God this is the only way to describe them. The usual way of explaining this is things are getting worse and worse, so when it gets bad enough then it is the last days. Another way is to say that the whole time from when Paul wrote this to now is the last days of this dispensation. Both of these are really just attempts to explain this away.

Paul is saying there is going to be a perilous time coming and these things are going to be true when this occurs. The problem is going to be the Body of Christ (us) are going to look this way. When it is approaching the last days, the Body is going to walk away from the truth of God's Word and will look like the things of this world. We will no longer be functioning as the lights in this world that we are intended to be.

The Apostle Paul knew this was coming. He knew this by being around individuals and seeing the individuals falling away from the sound doctrine. These are the things Paul was writing about in 2 Timothy, as he states about how all in Asia are turned away (2 Timothy 1:15) and speaks about how the time is coming when individuals are not going to endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3) as examples of this. Paul was writing a warning knowing this was coming and gives Timothy instructions on what to do so the time could be redeemed and he could be functioning in the manner intended for us.

The things which are written by the Apostle Paul are always instructions on what we need to do to function properly. If we are redeeming the time, we are going to be facing the things thrown at us by the world, which is controlled by the prince of the power of the air. In order to do this, we are going to need to be prepared, which means we need to have the armor of God:

Ephesians 6:13-17

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

This armor of God is taking the things of the doctrine which has been given to us and making sure we are applying it to our lives. The daily study we do builds the doctrine up inside of us, allowing the things of the armor to be there and then we are less likely to give into the things of this world which would pull us away from functioning as ambassadors for Christ. The time is getting short and we need to be prepared to be able to stand against the things which would impact our responsibility.

As the Apostle Paul continues to write unto the assembly in Colossae he gives another practical instruction, this time about what it is they are speaking. They are to make sure their speech is always seasoned with grace. This is one of those things sometimes we don't think about. We don't realize we need to be watching what we say at all times. The tendency is to make sure we are saying the right things most of the time, or at certain times. If there are certain circumstances where our speech is not lined up with the doctrine, most would feel this is okay. They would feel those circumstances would allow this to be fine. However, we need to understand the impact what we say has on other individuals, especially someone who has not believed the gospel.

Proverbs 15:1

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Solomon gives an example of this writing to Israel in the book of Proverbs. There is a way to answer questions or say something to an individual which is not going to stir up problems with them. This is where the person speaking has to utilize the wisdom they have gained from the Word of God to be able to demonstrate this in their life.

Too often we say things which are designed to get a reaction out of people. While most of the time we do not realize this is going to happen, there are times when this is being done on purpose. This is one of the dangers of social media, where things can be posted and it is insulting to individuals and is put there for a laugh. While it will often get a laugh from those who might agree with you, it creates a division with those who would be offended with what is being said. The true problem is that a post of this nature is sandwiched between two posts where the gospel is being shared. If someone is offended by what was being said, they are not going to receive the gospel from the other posts.

This is why we see how the Apostle Paul instructs us about how we communicate with other individuals:

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Here we see the Apostle Paul instructing us on the Word dwelling in us richly. This is what we are going to be using to teach other individuals, which is why it is important for the Word to be built up in us. What is built up inside of us is what is going to come out of us as we communicating with others (Matthew 12:34). This is why we need to be watching what we say to other people so we can demonstrate the grace which is supposed to be shown.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Paul tells us no corrupt communication should be coming out of us. This is a fairly alarming statement based on what tends to happen. The word corrupt means to be depraved or corrupted with wickedness. How much of our communication falls into this category? The unfortunate thing is that quite a bit of it does, often without us even realizing this is the case. This is where we need to be watching what we say, even when we think it is with people who share how we feel. Our intentions should be to display grace towards those we are interacting with and not doing things which would intentionally be hurting others. This is why the Bible speaks in the manner that it does about the tongue:

Romans 3:13-14

Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:

James 3:5-8

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: [8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

These two passages show how this is a problem which cuts across the dispensations and is a problem with fallen man. Words are dangerous to individuals and we are to be careful in what we say. This is why the instructions we have seen given by the Apostle Paul in the context of the book of Colossians is that our speech is to be alway with grace and to be seasoned with salt.

The issue of salt is to function as a preservative. This means what we say is to be done in a way where we are helping to protect individuals from the things of the world system. This is why the Apostle Paul had in Ephesians 4:29 how our speech was to be functioning in a manner where it is edifying. Paul repeats this thought when speaking with the assembly in Thessalonica:

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

The instructions to this assembly speak of how there is to be comfort and edification being provided to each other. The building up process (edification) comes from what we say. The things spoken can either build someone up or tear them down. We have to choose which direction we are going to go with what we say on a daily basis. Hopefully we choose the path of building individuals up as the Apostle Paul instructs us to do.

We are also to be comforting one another. This is the issue of exhortation, which is another responsibility of the local assembly. There are times when all of us need comfort when dealing with situations. The source of comfort should be the Word of God and fellow members of the Body of Christ. Because individuals feel they cannot get the things needed from these sources at times, they end up turning to things of the world, which will often pull them farther from the things of God. This shows the importance of watching how it is we are dealing with each other.

There is a clear responsibility of the local assembly. There is a pattern laid out in Acts 14:21-23 of what Paul was doing as he was going around to the cities establishing local assemblies. We see this starts with Evangelism, and then progresses to Edification, Exhortation, and lastly Eldership. While we do not directly get our doctrine from the book of Acts in this dispensation, we do see some things which need to be understood and this is one of them. The local assembly should be doing these things and the way we speak and deal with each other is going to influence how this works.

2 Timothy 4:1-4

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. [3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

In the last epistle Paul wrote we see a number of warnings about remaining faithful to the message of this dispensation. Chapter 3 contains a passage which speaks of how the local assembly is going to look as we get closer to the catching away. In order to prevent this from happening we see the Apostle Paul here speaking about what we need to do, which is why this is labeled as a charge. The charge starts with the issue of preaching the Word, as this is where the things we have been looking at come from. This is why as the epistle is closing Paul writes:

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

This can only be seen through the preaching of the Word of God. Since this is what produces faith in the life of an individual, the focus needs to be on the things of what the Word of God says and then allowing this to work in our lives. This is why the Apostle Paul had held up the believers in Thessalonica as an example:

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

These individuals took what was said by the Apostle Paul and understood these things were the Word of God. Knowing this was going to work in them and have the positive influence on them (practical sanctification) they allowed the Word to work and Paul could see this. He holds them up for others to be able to see this is how we should live our lives. We are to be living our lives as examples for others, but also need to be on the lookout for others who are living their lives according to the doctrine. This is where what the Apostle Paul wrote to the assembly in Philippi comes in, as he says to mark them so you know who you should be following.

As Paul concludes this discussion we see him bring up how we should know how we ought to answer everyone. This is an important concept, as this is something which is reflected in how individuals should learn:

Luke 2:41-52

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. [43] And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. [44] But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. [45] And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. [46] And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. [49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? [50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

We see from what Luke writes an important aspect of the learning process. We see the Lord Jesus Christ is both asking and answering questions they have, to the point where they are astonished at the understanding He has. He demonstrates this through what He communicates, which is what we are supposed to be able to do. This is why Paul states we are to be able to answer every man.

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Peter gives a similar instruction in his epistles to those who will be going through the 70^th week of Daniel. Those who understand the truth of what God is saying in any dispensation need to be ready to answer the questions individuals have and to be able to do so in a manner which demonstrates the truth of the Word of God and the love which God has for mankind. This is where being ready and able to answer the questions comes in. If we are not prepared to be able to do so, we will not be able to follow what Paul is asking of individuals here in our text.

Before we look at where our answers are supposed to be coming from, there is a warning given by the Apostle Paul related to the questions which will be asked by some individuals:

2 Timothy 2:23

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Twice Paul is giving a warning about avoiding foolish questions as he is writing his final epistles to the Body of Christ. This seems to go against the things of this world, as you will hear people say at times 'There are no stupid questions', but the Apostle Paul seems to be indicating there are questions which fall into this category. The questions he is making a reference to here are those which are filled with folly or are vain. These are the questions which are designed to be just making fun of what the Bible says or have nothing of value. An example of this is the question "Can God make a rock so heavy He couldn't lift it?" There is nothing which can come from discussing a question like this that would be profitable in a discussion of the things of the Word of God. These are the types of questions we should be avoiding if we are functioning properly as members of the Body of Christ.

The source of wisdom to be able to answer questions is the Word of God itself. This is why we see all of the statements about what has been given to us:

2 Timothy 1:13-14

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. [14] That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

These final verses show the authority of the Word of God and how this is to be the focus. If we have this built up inside of us, we will be able to provide the answers individuals need in order for them to function properly.