Colossians 3:18–25 - 18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. 22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
Colossians 4:1 - 1 Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul instructs wives to submit to their husbands' leadership (v. 18), husbands to love their wives sincerely without bitterness (v. 19), children to obey both parents in everything which pleases God (v. 20), and fathers to not embitter their children or they may become discouraged (v. 21). He then challenges Christian slaves to obey earthly masters in everything, working sincerely as serving Christ rather than men (vv. 22-24). Whoever does wrong will face consequences from the Lord who shows no favoritism between slave and master (v. 25). Finally, Paul reminds masters to provide their slaves what is right and fair, knowing they too have a Master in heaven (4:1).
How can I apply Colossians 3:18-4:1 to my life?
Paul offers practical guidance for Christ-centered relationships inside families and between masters and servants. He challenges followers of Jesus in the Colossian church to live out their faith within closest circles of connection and authority. At first glance, some instructions may seem outdated or irrelevant. But when we probe deeper, timeless spiritual principles emerge with personal applications today. God cares about how we treat one another in all contexts, especially within our most primary spheres of influence. Our bond with Jesus should permeate and transform the ways we relate to those under our roof or oversight. If not, we fail to honor Christ. As we explore this passage, may the Holy Spirit give us wisdom to build families and lead people with the servant-hearted, selfless compassion of our Savior. May outsiders be drawn to Him through our interactions. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Honor God in Your Marriage and Family Relationships (vv. 18-21): Paul gives the Colossians a godly framework for Christ-centered family relationships - how wives, husbands, children and fathers can honor Jesus through their treatment of one another. Wives should voluntarily submit to their husbands' leadership out of reverence for the Lord. Husbands must love their wives with selfless, sacrificial affection, like Christ loves the church. Children need to obey both parents, as this pleases God. Meanwhile, fathers should take care not to frustrate or anger their kids, so they grow up encouraged. Basically, Paul connects sound family dynamics with reverence for Christ. If families claiming faith in Jesus exhibit abuse, indifference, or conflict, it discredits God. Examine your own family in light of these verses. Don't gloss over unhealthy relational patterns. Ask the Spirit to show you specific areas that need work so you can honor Christ together. Make adjustments through open communication and mutual care. Uplift other families too. When the redeemed demonstrate Christlike family relationships despite their flaws and differences, it makes Jesus believable and attractive to others (1 Peter 3:1-7, Ephesians 5:21-6:4, 1 Timothy 5:1-2).
Food for thought: What specific changes do I need to make this week to better honor Christ in my family? How can my family come alongside and encourage other families in our church?
2. Work Wholeheartedly Knowing You Serve the Lord (3:22-25): In these verses, Paul challenges Christian slaves to serve and obey their earthly masters wholeheartedly, as if working directly for Jesus Christ. Even if their masters prove unjust or harsh, Christian slaves should trust God's justice and walk in integrity. Their true reward lies with the Lord they serve above all. Though slavery is illegal and unethical, the principle still applies in employee-employer dynamics. As a follower of Christ, you represent Jesus in our workplace conduct and attitude. You should serve colleagues, bosses, and customers with wholehearted excellence, not cutting corners, spreading negativity, or limping to the finish line each day. Consider that God sees all and that when you work with godly motivation and integrity despite difficulties, it points people to Christ. Specifically, you should do your work cheerfully and thoroughly; you should speak of colleagues and leaders with respect; you should see even menial workplace tasks as sacred duties when done as unto the Lord. Think carefully on these ideas and ask the Spirit to check your heart. Be willing to make any attitude or behavior adjustments so you serve Jesus through your daily work. Pray for and actively encourage other believers too. Our gritty, faithful work ethic can compel coworkers toward salvation in Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8, 1 Timothy 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Food for thought: Do I represent Christ well through my work ethic and attitude? What specifically needs to change? How can I encourage other believers at my workplace to keep serving Jesus wholeheartedly?
3. Treat Those Under Your Authority with Justice and Fairness as Accountable Before God (v. 4:1): In this verse, Paul instructs those in positions as masters over others to lead with justice, fairness and accountability to God. Though Paul addresses slave masters, know that the Bible does not condone forced slavery which violates human rights (Exodus 21:16; 1 Timothy 1:8–10). Still the principle applies. All authority is God-given. No leaders are above God's scrutiny. Today, many hold authority - employers, parents, teachers, coaches, commanders, and church leaders. It's tempting to rule over others in self-serving ways, demanding respect while ignoring needs. But this worldly leadership fails to value people as God does. It prioritizes personal status and agenda over human dignity. As Christ-followers endowed with authority, we must lead differently. We are to remember that every person bears God's imprint and deserves honor, empathy, patience, and care because Jesus died to redeem each precious soul. Ask God to check your leadership, making it more sacrificial and life-giving. Lead under the Spirit's guidance rather than ego. Invite constructive criticism. Be quick to confess mistakes and apologize for offenses caused under your oversight. Treat others with utmost value and care as beloved image-bearers. When you steward authority in a selfless, caring fashion you make Jesus believable through your example. This Christlike leadership requires supernatural grace but can powerfully demonstrate Jesus' care to others under your care or influence. Our caring leadership can demonstrate Jesus’ care to others (Proverbs 16:12, Matthew 20:25:28, Philippians 2:3-8).
Food for thought: Does my leadership honor God and value the wellbeing of those I lead? What specific leadership adjustments must I make to lead people with Christlike, selfless care?
This passage challenges us to make Christ the centerpiece of family dynamics and leadership roles. Our treatment of others reveals much about our spiritual maturity. Do we exhibit selfless, sacrificial love that puts others first regardless of their response? Do we lead with humility, care, and accountability before God? Or do we demand respect while ignoring needs? Examine your life. Where have you fallen short? Confess sins privately and make necessary changes through the Spirit’s enablement. Uphold other believers through encouragement and practical helps. When our deeds align with sound doctrine, it validates our faith, pointing people to the Savior. May outsiders be drawn into eternal relationship with Him through your lives.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me wisdom, diligence and perseverance to honor You in all my family relationships and roles of influence. Show me the ways in which I may be acting selfishly, abusing authority, or failing to love others selflessly. Give me wisdom and humility to recognize my shortcomings, along with courage to confess privately, and make necessary changes. Help me uplift other believers struggling in these areas. Use my life to point people to salvation in Christ alone through my speech and actions. I pray that You would help me to live out these godly principles in everyday contexts, validating my faith. Please empower me to relate to others with the servant heart of Jesus no matter how difficult the situation or people may be.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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