Colossians Chapter 3 (4)

Family Relations

VERSE 18 Wives subject/submit to their Husbands

This command was not limited to Paul’s day, as is obvious from two reasons given elsewhere in scripture:

The order of creation (man was created first, then woman 1 Tim 2:13

The order within the God-head (Christ submits to the Father) 1 Cor 11:3

There are moral limits to this submission “as fitting in the Lord”

*Just as obedience to government is commanded (Rom 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13)

BUT only insofar as government takes its place under God (Ex Ch 1; Dan Ch 3 and Ch 6) even so a wife’s submission to her husband is only “in the Lord”

She is NOT obligated to follow her husband’s leadership if it conflicts with specific scriptural commands.

Verse 19 Husbands Love your wives and do not embitter against them

Love them as Christ loved the church. Eph 5:28-29

So husbands are to exercise loving leadership, NOT dictatorial dominion. Assuming absolute authority will only embitter one’s wife, not endear her.

So in a maturing marriage the husband exercises compassionate care and his wife responds in willing submission to this loving leadership.

Verse 20 Children Obey your parents in everything

Disobedience to parents is designated in the Old Testament as rebellion against God and was severely punished. Ex 21:17; Lev 20:9

Jesus set an example for children by obeying Joseph and His Mother Mary. Luke 2:51 Obedience to parents pleases the Lord

Verse 21 Fathers Don’t exasperate your children

Fathers will discourage their kids by continual agitation and unreasonable demands. This will only make them become discouraged. Eph 6:4

Verse 22-25 Employees, Slaves

Are to obey their earthly masters, WITH sincerity of the heart!

Not just when the masters are watching or a motive to win their favor.

To work with reverence for the Lord.

The final PAYDAY: Christ will judge without favoritism (Rom 2:9; Eph 6:9) that is, in FULL JUSTICE, repaying wrongdoers and rewarding those who serve Him

These standards are given in love from God for order and remove Chaos!