Colossians - Episode 7
(Colossians 3:18-4:1)
All of what we think about today comes within the context of last week’s message – the practice of our Christian Faith as described in the 1st 17 verses of the chapter.
- Wives - He begins with wives and gives a brief 10-word admonition. Submit – ‘come under’ the leadership of your husband – this is your role, not your identity. Gal 3:28-29 – equal – joint-heirs – no distinction regarding your identity in Christ, but in marriage there is an important role of submission to the leadership/headship of a husband, because, as Paul showed us in Ephesians 5 – marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church – What is Christ’s role in the Church? Is that up for a vote, discussion? Is that based on how we feel about it? No, Christ is the Head. who are we – the Bride! Are we submitted to Him? Do we lose our individual identity? Eph 5: 22-24; 31-32
- Husbands – your role in the relationship is as Lover/Leader – modeled after Christ as the Lover and Leader of His Church. You have the harder job! Be like Jesus; Love like Jesus; Lead like Jesus…This is God’s design for marriage because it is his spiritual design for how we all live the Christian life in Him. Again, just 10 words - Col 3:19 Love; don’t be harsh. Conditional love; impatience, hurry up; fix it; stop it…
- Children – 10 words – Obey – everything – pleases – Guardrails…
- Fathers – 9 words – Do not provoke – Encourage! Catch them doing something right and celebrate it! Nurture them and foster their success – Don’t fake it, foster it! Be their #1 cheerleader.
- Bondservants – Doulos – It is the word Paul used most often to refer to his relationship with Christ. – Longest description of how to handle the Master/Servant relationship.
- a. V. 22 - Sincere, fearing the Lord
- b. Work hard, for the Lord
- c. He rewards His own
6. Masters – be just and fair - remember you are accountable to your master!
