This section of scripture is Paul's instructions about how we are to live together. He first gives us instructions about relationships within the family. Then he talks about the relationship between slave and master and master of slave. Then he moves on to talk about our relationship to what he calls "outsiders".

In all of this, Paul is giving us instructions for a Christian way of being and doing -- especially a Christian way of relating to others. Instead of simply "trusting the Lord" -- or using that as a cop-out, Paul provides us some very specific suggestions. Let's look at these suggestions. I'm not going in the order Paul makes his suggestions because I want to save the first for last.

I.

Let's begin with this -- verse 5 -- "Conduct yourself wisely toward outsiders". This is very…