Christ Above Work: Colossians 3:22-4:1

Intro

Introductory Story

There is a story, that in the early 1960s John F. Kennedy visited NASA during the height of the Apollo program.

NASA’s mission to put a man on the moon was in full swing. Scientists, engineers, administrators and astronauts were all united by a shared belief that they could achieve the seemingly impossible.

As the story goes, when JFK was about to leave, he encountered a janitor at NASA’s headquarters and asked, “What do you do here?”

And the janitor didn’t respond by saying “Oh, I’m just a grunt. I’m not important at all.”

Instead, the janitor said, “I’m helping to put a man on the moon.”

This janitor understood that there was an end game of which he was an important piece. While he would never go to the moon himself, while he was no scientist or engineer building rockets, he was the caretaker of the space in which this would happen. He was the one who kept the garbage cans empty, the floors clear of spills, the restrooms clean.

He had a humble job that could lead many to embarrassment, but instead he remembered what he was working towards.

He was helping to put a man on the moon.

He kept his vision on the things that were literally above and it made all the difference in how he worked.

We are close to finishing our series on Colossians

The Problem of Slavery

Now we spent some time last week looking into the household codes of the culture surrounding the Colossian church and how they were almost exclusively focused on the men and what they are supposed to do in ruling their household. The husband, father, and master was the exclusive ruler of the household.

But the household code that Paul gives turns the attention from the man of the house and addresses wives, children, and bondservants.

In this time and culture slavery was a reality of life, but it primarily did not happen in such a way that we are most familiar with, the chattel slavery of our past where slaves were simply objects.

The form of slavery that Paul addresses is often translated as “bondservants.” In this slavery, it was not a “one time buy and you own them for life.” It was more like the paying of a loan.

If you wanted a loan to build a house? Either you or one of your children would enter into a service contract with a wealthy family. Did you owe a debt to society for a crime you committed? You worked it off as a household servant.

These kinds of servants are the ones who were supposed to wash the feet of the disciples. These were the ones who brought the water to Jesus so that he could turn water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana.

These servants were everywhere in the ancient world (and in many places in the world today).

So it’s important to understand that Colossians was not written in a vacuum.

The Fascinating Cultural Aspect of Colossians

When Paul says in 3:11 that there is no longer “slave or free” in Christ,

and then here in the end of the chapter he specifically addresses those who are slaves and those who are free,

we have the unique gift of knowing that, though Paul is addressing it in a broader sense,

there is actually a specific case in the Colossian church that Paul is speaking to.

We know this because of another letter of Paul’s, Philemon. In this letter, Paul addresses a wealthy leader in the Colossian church named Philemon who hosted the Colossian church in his home.

As was expected of wealthy men in his culture, he had bondservants, slaves, who were members of his household.

One of those slaves, named Onesimus, had run away before paying back his whole debt.

If you have read ahead in Colossians, you might recognize that name “Onesimus” because Paul lists him in 4:9 as one of his brothers, fellow workers, and one of the deliverers of the letters of Colossians and Philemon.

It’s a bit confusing because of the order of the New Testament, but Colossians and Philemon should really be read together because they were written, sent, and recieved together.

So, this week, go and read the letter of Philemon, it’s only 25 verses long, to see how Paul immediately encourages an influential leader to live out the instruction found throughout the letter to the Colossians.

It’s eye-opening and starts to show how the freedom of Christ shines brightly even in a culture that has slavery.

But it is to those who are bondservants, who are contracted as servants (like Onesimus), and masters (like Philemon) that Paul now turns to address.

And while we do not have bondservice in our modern American culture, any of us who have had a job know what it is like to work in order to earn money and pay off debts.

And what Paul has to say to workers in this passage applies to all work.

Don’t forget just a few verses ago Paul said:

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 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.

So, to all who labor, whether you’re an employee, a student, a caretaker, or anything else, Paul gives an important, repeated instruction that should draw our eyes upward in a similar manner to the janitor from NASA:

WORK FOR THE LORD

Body

I. Employees/Students/Caretakers/Everyone: Work For the Lord

You do not work primarily for your boss. You do not work primarily to provide for your family. You do not work primarily for your own comfort and retirement.

Your primary purpose for work is to glorify the LORD.

We so often view work as a negative thing, something that we seek to avoid as much as possible, but we need to recognize that.

A Theology of Work

1. Work is a Part of God’s Creation Design

Work is Good: Work was instituted by God before the Fall. In Genesis 1:26–28, God commands Adam and Eve to fill the earth and subdue it, exercising dominion as His image-bearers. In Genesis 2:15, Adam is placed in the garden “to work it and keep it.”

Reflection of God’s Work: God is the ultimate worker (Genesis 2:2), and humans reflect His image by engaging in creative, meaningful labor. Work is a way of imitating God’s creative and sustaining activity in the world.

Purpose of Work: Work serves to cultivate creation, meet human needs, and contribute to the flourishing of society. It’s a way to love and serve others (Matthew 22:39).

2. The Effects of the Fall on Work

Work is Cursed: After the Fall, work became frustrating and burdensome (Genesis 3:17–19). Labor is now marked by toil, inefficiency, and conflict, and human sin often corrupts work with greed, idolatry, and exploitation.

Sinful Attitudes Toward Work:

Idolatry: Making work an ultimate source of identity, value, or meaning (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Laziness: Neglecting the responsibility to work, which dishonors God (Proverbs 6:10–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Broken Relationships: The Fall also distorts relationships within work environments, leading to injustice, inequality, and conflict.

3. Redemption of Work Through Christ

Work as Service to the Lord: In Christ, work is redeemed and given eternal significance. Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Work becomes an act of worship and service to God, no matter the task.

Vocation and Calling: Every vocation that is lawful and not breaking the law of God is a calling from God. Whether a plumber, teacher, grocery stocker, parent, student, or caretaker all work done for God’s glory is valuable and meaningful (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Mission in the Workplace: Christians are called to be witnesses in their workplaces by modeling integrity, justice, and service. Work is also an avenue to care for the poor and marginalized, reflecting God’s compassion (Micah 6:8).

4. Work and the Kingdom of God

Work in Building the Kingdom: Work is a way to advance God’s kingdom by promoting justice, beauty, and truth. While the ultimate consummation of the kingdom is God’s work, Christians contribute to its values through their labor.

Hope for Renewal: In the new creation, work will be restored to its original purpose and joy (Revelation 21:24–26). The labor of believers, when done for Christ, has eternal value (1 Corinthians 15:58).

5. Practical Implications of a Theology of Work

Dignity in All Work: Every lawful task, whether prestigious or humble, has dignity because it reflects God’s purpose for humanity. The Reformers emphasized the "priesthood of all believers," elevating all vocations as sacred.

Work as Service to Others: Work is not just about personal fulfillment or gain but about loving and serving others. It’s a way of fulfilling the Great Commandment to love your neighbor (Matthew 22:39).

Rest and Work: A proper theology of work includes a theology of rest. God instituted the Sabbath to remind us that our worth is not tied to productivity and that ultimate rest is found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9–10).

Instructions to those who Work

A. Work Sincerely (Colossians 3:22)

Text: “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.”

Exposition: Paul instructs slaves to serve their earthly masters not just outwardly or only when being watched but with genuine sincerity. Their ultimate motivation is not human approval, but reverence for the Lord. This means serving wholeheartedly, reflecting their relationship with Christ in their work ethic.

Reformed Emphasis: This speaks to God’s sovereignty over all areas of life. Believers are called to honor God in all things, even in seemingly mundane or difficult tasks. No work is secular in God’s eyes when it’s done for His glory.

Application: In our work or service, we should avoid hypocrisy or laziness, recognizing that we ultimately serve God, not human supervisors. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in ministry, our sincerity and integrity should reflect our fear and love for the Lord.

B. Work Heartily (Colossians 3:23-24)

Text: “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.”

Exposition: Paul expands the motivation to all work, encouraging believers to work wholeheartedly, as if serving Christ Himself. Paul reframes work from mere human service to divine service, elevating even the most humble tasks as an offering to the Lord. In Christ, slaves are heirs with a promised inheritance, a remarkable encouragement in light of their earthly status.

Reformed Emphasis: This highlights the doctrine of Christian vocation. Every task, whether mundane or glorious, is sacred when done for God’s glory. This “priesthood of all believers” emphasizes that God calls us to serve Him in every aspect of life, dignifying all lawful work as ministry.

Application: Recognize that our work—paid or unpaid—is done for God’s honor and His kingdom. We should aim for excellence and diligence, knowing we serve a heavenly King. Reflecting on our “eternal inheritance” encourages faithfulness and diligence in present responsibilities.

C. Work Remembering (Colossians 3:25)

Text: “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.”

Exposition: Paul warns that God’s judgment is impartial. Whether a slave or free person, master or servant, all stand accountable to God for their actions. This provides comfort to those who suffer injustice, as ultimate justice will come from the Lord.

Reformed Emphasis: This verse emphasizes God’s justice and His commitment to uphold righteousness. In God’s economy, no one is above or below His law. Whether powerful or powerless, all people are held to the same standard, and His judgment is impartial.

Application: We should avoid taking advantage of positions of authority or influence, as God sees and will judge fairly. If we’ve been wronged, we trust God to ultimately bring justice, and we’re freed from the need to retaliate or seek revenge.

II. Bosses, remember that you are not the Final Boss (Colossians 4:1)

Text (4:1):

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

Exposition:

Paul instructs those in authority to act with justice and fairness, recognizing their own submission to Christ as their heavenly Master.

This reframes authority as stewardship rather than domination, calling masters to remember that they, too, are under divine authority.

Reformed Emphasis:

All authority is delegated by God

and must be exercised with humility and justice.

Earthly leaders answer to God for how they wield power

They must do so with responsibility, compassion, and service.

Application:

If we are in any position of authority (e.g., employers, parents, ministry leaders), we should exercise our role with kindness, fairness, and accountability to Christ.

We lead not as “lords” but as servants, showing Christ’s love and justice in all dealings.

Conclusion:

In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul addresses the complexities of work and authority within the Christian life.

Though written in a time when slavery was a part of society, these principles transcend culture and apply to all believers, calling us to work diligently and lead justly in every role.

Whether in positions of service or authority, believers are called to live as servants of Christ, motivated by reverence for the Lord and a vision of eternity.

Remember that in all things, we serve Christ. He is above even our work. We can trust His justice and aim to reflect His character in every area of our lives, working as unto the Lord, confident in His promises, and embodying His love and justice.