Christ and the Home- Col. 3:18-21

In many instances, it helps to know the background of an issue or a topic before proceeding into the weeds or the how-tos or the specifics. It provides insights into how things work they way they do and why they work that way.

For example, therapists usually ask a lot of questions about an individual’s past before working through counseling. They typically ask for as much background information prior to their first meeting, and then will ask a whole host of questions of the counselee. Why do they do this?

Because it helps them understand that person. They are unique, with a whole set of experiences, both positive and negative, influences from outside and within, that have brought them to this particular point in life. Usually there is a problem or series of problems they need help with, but these were not arrived (typically) without preceding experiences. It helps the therapist know the why.

With that in mind, before we dive into Paul’s instructions for the home, I think it’s important to cover briefly God’s created order in humanity.

Before the Fall, God created humanity in His image (Gen. 1:26) and He created male and female for specific roles. The man was to be a leader in his home and fulfill God’s commands (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15-17). The wife was to be supportive and follow her husband (Gen. 2:18-23).

This wonderful bliss would be wrecked, not destroyed, and since the events in Genesis chapter 3 the family has been under assault. From the outside, the family is under attack by the devil and the world. We will note some of these modern attacks as we work through these roles. And from within, the family is under attack from our own sinful natures.

There is a lot working against us. But we do not see a defeatist attitude in the language of Paul. No, it is one of a conqueror, one that gives exhortation from a position of superiority. That superiority is the risen Christ, the Conquering Lamb of God who, through the Spirit, equips His saints to live faithful life for His glory and our good.

We will unpack four roles in this portion. It is a family, and each member has a special role to play given to them by God.

I. The Role of the Wife- 3:18

II. The Role of the Husband- 3:19

III. The Role of Children- 3:20

IV. The Role of Parents- 3:21