Colossians 3:17-4:1

Colossians 3:17 ESV

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives and Husbands (3:18-19)

Colossians 3:18–19 ESV

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

As is fitting in the Lord

Husbands, love your wives - this was not obvious at the time of Paul’s writing

Love as Christ’s love for the church (Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”)

This is the opposite of harshness

See 1 Peter 3:7 “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Children and Parents (3:20-21)

Colossians 3:20–21 ESV

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

This pleases the Lord

Fathers, don’t discourage your children through provocation

Unrealistic desires and expectations, selfishness, fear of reputation

Our Heavenly Father never provokes us!

Bondservants and Masters (3:22-4:1)

Colossians 3:22–4:1 (ESV)

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. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Slavery was and is a product of this fallen world

Slavery at the time of Paul’s writing was not the same as chattel slavery practiced in North America earlier in our history

Addresses and will ensure justice

v. 24 - will receive the inheritance

v. 25 - the wrongdoer will be repaid

God’s authority is the pattern for earthly authority (4:1). Masters must know that they have a Master in heaven.

Application

Christ cares about the home - rightly ordered relationships.

Our Christian living begins at home - private obedience precedes public obedience.

Relationships are hard - they take work and cultivation.

God gives grace and so should we.

The Holy Spirit is required - we cannot do this in our own strength.

All the above, prayerfully!