Serve The Lord

Colossians 3:22–25 (ESV)

22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Colossians 4:1 (ESV)

1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Thus far in this chapter, Paul has addressed expectations for the family. Today, Paul addresses another group, SLAVES.

Slaves no doubt were a part of the culture of the ancient Greco-Roman society. Slavery then was not like that of that of American history.

The NT attitude toward slavery indicates that the status of the slave was more like that of a servant and that the institution of slavery generally was declining.

Our Society does not have slavery as part of the social construct, today. We do however have employers, jobs and occupations.

Yes, even on our jobs we are required to be Christians.

Give God Honor (v.22)

“22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”

Paul admonishes the Colossians to honor God with their service to those who have authority. He says do it with integrity. “not by way of eyeservice” This phrase may refer to performing tasks only superficially and doing only what can be seen—“going through the motions” of service. It may also refer to doing something only to catch the master’s eye, that is, to please those in authority. Or it may refer to working only when one is being watched.

Paul says they must work with the understanding that God is watching at all times. Everything they do must be done with that in mind. Honor God.

Paul continues by saying, work as though one is working for the Lord.

Paul says because God will reward you.

Even at work you are serving the Lord.

God is honored when we present ourselves as His children in the work place.

v.25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Paul warns that those who do evil on their jobs still face consequences. There is no freebie because you don’t like your boss or do not like your job. We must honor God in our workplace.

Application: This includes volunteerism. This includes your service in the church. Give your best work. Have the right attitude. Be honest.

Respect Others (4:1)

“1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”

Paul reminds those who are in authority to respect and treat those who work for them with respect.

a. Be Just

- Treat all your employees right. Give them all the same attention and respect.

plainly he is saying treat people the way you want to be treated. with: integrity, respect, humility, and gentleness. Treat people as though you would treat Jesus, (Matthew 25:40)

b. Be Mindful

Paul teaches that they must be mindful that God is also the authority in their lives. God is not unrighteous. God is not mean. God is not cruel.

Does God expect excellence? Yes He does! God requires it and He exemplifies it through His love and His care.

Application: Paul is not calling you and me to be a push over when we are leaders. We are to demonstrate the love of God in our roles. We must make the standards clear but also exemplify them.

We are to serve God as though we know He is watching and know He is present.