Colossians 3:16-19
v.16—Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
--The message of Christ is to dwell among us—a permanent resident, not just passing through. How can we have the message of Christ dwell among us?
--Teach and admonish—care enough for others to help them learn and correct their behavior.
--We do this with wisdom through worship: Have you thought of worship as conveying wisdom?
--Psalms—worship from Scripture
--Hymns—celebrate God’s character and works
--Spiritual songs—fresh, Spirit prompted praise.
--Again, be thankful!
--How do you worship during the week?
v.17—And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
--Every aspect of our lives is to be lived out in the name of Christ. How do we speak and do in the name of Christ in our every day lives?
--Again be thankful!
v.18—Wives submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord.
--This phrase is part of the household codes found in the New Testament, which outline the roles and responsibilities within a Christian household. The concept of submission here is often understood as a voluntary and respectful yielding to the leadership of the husband, reflecting the order established in creation (Genesis 2:18-24). In the cultural context of the first century, the Greco-Roman world was patriarchal, and the idea of submission was a common social norm. However, the Christian perspective introduced a mutual respect and love that was revolutionary for its time, as seen in Ephesians 5:21-33, where husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church. This mutual submission is rooted in the example of Christ, who submitted to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:5-8). Also, “as is fitting in the Lord” emphasizes that the submission is not absolute but is to be understood within the framework of Christian discipleship. It is "fitting" or appropriate because it aligns with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the submission is part of one's service to Christ, suggesting that it should be done in a manner that honors God and reflects His character. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that all relationships and actions should be conducted in a way that glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31). The phrase also implies that any form of submission that contradicts God's commands or leads to sin is not fitting. This understanding is consistent with the call for believers to live in a manner worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:10). (Berean Study Bible Commentary)
--https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/colossians-3/ --take a look at this link for more in depth thoughts about submission.
--What does this submission look like in our world today?
v.19—Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
--Here is the check and balance to submission. Husbands are not to be tyrants but to love their wives. The Greek word for love here is agape. Defined as:
--Sacrificial, giving, absorbing, self-denial for the sake of another
--Loves without changing
--Self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting repayment
--Love that can be given to the unlovable or unappealing
--Love that loves even when rejected
--Love that loves because it wants to, not to receive
--What Paul is saying is “Husband, continually practice self-denial for the sake of your wife”
--How would this kind of love change a marriage relationship?
--How would this look in a home in today’s world?