Colossians 3:20 – 4:1
Rules for Christian Households:
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?
v.20—Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
--Other than in the book of Proverbs where many instructions are given to “my son” or “you children”, there are only 6 commands given directly to children in the Bible so this is an important one for children to pay attention to and for parents to teach their children.
--Obey is a stronger term than “listen to” or “respect” and is pleasing to the Lord.
--As in other parts of our lives, God gives us examples of our relationship to Him in the relationships we have with each other. We can see the benefits that come to our children through their obedience of their loving parents who have their best interests in mind and there are benefits to obeying our loving Father who has our best interest in mind.
--What other aspects of our relationship with God can we see in our family relationships?
v.21—Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
--Other translations of embitter (Greek erithizete) are aggravate, provoke, antagonize, exasperate.
--This suggests a call to fathers to exercise their authority with love and patience. A father’s treatment of children has great impact on the child’s outlook on life. There is no guarantee that treating a child with love and patience will result in them making good choices and turning out well but Scripture tells us here that doing the opposite will lead to discouragement which can lead to resentment, rebellion, lack of motivation, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. None of these things are helpful in a child making a decision to follow the Lord.
--What are ways a father can provoke a child?
v.22—Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on ou and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
--This command is given to people who lived in a society where slavery was a common institution and slaves were considered to be part of the household.
--The principle here is that we are to obey those in authority over us and to have integrity doing it. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
--Using the same principle, we are to obey with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. God values motives and the intentions of the heart.
--How can we apply this principle in our lives even though we are not slaves?
v.23-24—Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
--The Greek word for “with all your heart” is psyches and means “with your whole being” and brings in the idea of breath or spirit. Not just an outward going through the motions but an inward diligence and commitment. How can this approach to work give purpose to what we do?
--And we are to do this work as though we are working for the Lord. What does working for the Lord look like?
--We can bring an eternal perspective to our work. We are working for an eternal reward, not a temporary paycheck. How can this perspective change your approach to work?
v.25—Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
-- Every individual is accountable for their actions. This accountability should motivate Christians to pursue holiness and integrity in all aspects of life.
--God is completely impartial. He views things objectively. Wrong is wrong no matter who you are. It is good to be reminded not only of our hope of reward but that there are real consequences to doing wrong.
4:1—Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
--Masters on earth also are accountable. No one acts with impugnity. In our culture this would apply to anyone with authority. The biblical principles of loving our neighbors and being treated as we would like to be treated should be primary in the minds of Christians in authority. What are some practical ways this can be applied in our world today?