I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today my focus is Colossians 3:18-4:1, where Paul pivots to commands for Christian households, including wives, husbands, children, bondservants, and masters. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: All commands in the text today are rooted in the Lord, including v18, v20 (pleases the Lord), v22 (fearing the Lord), v23 (for the Lord), v24 (serving the Lord Christ). and 4:1 (Master in Heaven). All Biblical commands from are the divine words of God as recorded by Paul. All the roles we assume in our earthly life are given to us by God for His purpose and glory - vv23-24 makes this clear. V25: We are reminded that God will hold all accountable for what they have done - good and bad.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv18-23 and v:1 give us commands for wives, husbands, children, fathers, employees and employers. In all of these roles we serving and working on behalf of the Lord (vv23-24). V24: We have an eternal inheritance as our reward - for more on this inheritance see this podcast. V25: We should fear God lest we not please Him and suffer punishment - fear should act as a preservative.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): As a father, I must not provoke my children, and as an employee not be a "people pleaser" - serving for appearances only. All believers should claim their eternal inheritance. Follow the example of Paul who tirelessly served the Lord as did many throughout scripture and redemptive history. Work heartily for the Lord.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for giving me Your Word to understand how I am to serve You in my various roles as husband, father, employee, employer, etc. Thank You also for my eternal inheritance. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
