Sunday 04:27:14

Jesus Christ is supreme. In him is fullness and we have been given fullness in him. Some of the most significant aspects of his fullness are the effects of his death and resurrection in the lives of believers. Because Christ died for us, our old, sinful nature died with him. Because Christ was resurrected, we have new life in him - new resurrection life. We read that we are to put to death sin like sexual immorality and greed and get rid of anger and lies like they are old, filthy clothes. Paul commanded us to replace those old rags with new clothes. Bear with each other, forgive each other, and, above all, Love each other We are supposed to cover ourselves in this new life with these things within the body of believers. But what about where you let your hair down? And where you work. Home and work are, for better or worse, where we really act like ourselves. These virtues of Christianity are hardest to show the people we live with every day. But Paul drives these commands right into our family and work lives, where we cannot hide for long and we cannot put on a front. Men, You ever tried to be someone you're not in front of your wife? She will call you out on it every time. While you're at home or work, minding your own business, here comes Paul to say, "you've got to live this out with your family. Because with your family and work is where it matters most." Colossians 3:18-4:1 Husbands and Wives v. 18 - "wives submit to your husbands" Means that wives are to voluntarily yield to their husband's authority. It can be thought of as giving preference to or defer to her husband. This refers to a loyal love that says, "I will love you by following you" "As is fitting in The Lord" means that this is fitting to those who belong to The Lord. v. 19 - "Husbands, love (agape) your wives" Refers to God's love. Show your wife a devoted love - the opposite of short-term. It's an unconditional love - the opposite of a self-centered love that demands it's one way. It's a love that demonstrates a concern for the well-being of the one loved. "Do not be harsh with them" is literally, "do not embitter them." It means that we are not to treat our wives in a way that makes them angry or irritated. Don't be harsh, don't be cross with her. This refers to a tender love that says, "I will love you with an unconditional love." Wives, love your husbands with a loyal love. Husbands, love your wives with an unconditional love. Parents and Children v. 20 - "children obey your parents" "Obey" implies a readiness to hear. It has the sense of obeying orders. It starts with listening and follows through with action "in everything" means that you don't judge what to obey or what not to obey. This is not a buffet of obedience. Children are called to be obedient. "This pleases The Lord." This is God's desire, His will for you. God desires obedience and it starts with obedience to parents. v. 21 - "Fathers, do not embitter your children" Paul speaks to the father as head of the household, has special responsibility in training children. But can mean fathers as "parents". The verb translated as "embitter" means to stir up emotion, excitement. Here, the negative sense means, "don't provoke them." Don't constantly criticize, don't nag, don't be fault-finding, don't constantly harass, don't over-correct them. Don't rouse them to resentment. Don't be so exacting, so demanding that your child feels like they can never do anything right. Or they will lose heart. Children grow with showering of encouragement and occasional correction. Slaves and Masters vv. 22-25 - half the people in the Roman Empire were slaves. They are discussed here because they were part of the household. In fact, Paul is going to say here, that before God there is no difference between slave and master; they are equals before God. How does this apply to us today - in jobs. We work voluntarily, we get compensated for our time at work - how much more does this apply to us than to people who didn't have any rights? Do your boss's work with a sincere heart, not grudgingly. Paul then elevates even the most menial work. Do your work to the best of your attitude and ability, as though you are doing it for The Lord. "You will receive an inheritance from The Lord" There is dignity in all work. There is no divide in your live between what is sacred and what is secular. Everything is for The Lord. You can bring honor to Jesus Christ by the way you work - diligently and sincerely. 4:1 - "masters, provide what is just and fair" Those in authority are accountable to God. Masters have a master to answer to. So powerful is the new life in Christ, that He shines through in every relationship and every arena of life.