LESSON PLAN 13 - Col. 3:1-18-4:6 [ESV] - RESPONSIBILITIES
INTRODUCTION: This will be our final lesson in Colossians, and next week we'll begin a new study in the Book of Romans. Last week, in Col. 3:1-17, Paul taught us five essential steps needed to achieve Holy Living: (1) The first step of "being raised with Christ" demands that we change the way we think, and control which way our mind will go and won't go; (2) The second step of "seeking the things above" is putting to death all thoughts and desires that relate to sins of lust, which include sexual sins and greed; (3) The third step of "putting on a new self" entails an overhaul of personal character, such as: (a) Complete elimination of all sinful attitudes and speech towards others and (b) the commitment to be totally honest; (4) The four step is our responsibility to "renew" the "new self" every day of our lives, like getting up each day and putting clean clothes: and (5) The fifth step of "putting on" a new character requires us to take action to show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to others. These are proactive-things we need to think about, plan, and do.
This week, in Col. 3:18-4:6, we'll hear Paul talk more about Holy Living as he moves to relationships in the home and in the workplace. This should really be the starting place, where the rubber meets the road in real life.
Read Col. 3:18-19 - RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FAMILY
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
v. 18: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." In the context of equal rights, the word "submit" has become one of the most despised words among many women today. However, the Greek word used here (hupotassó) doesn't denote inequality but means to place yourself in order under someone for organizational purposes. Everyone must submit to other people in a variety of situations, and it's a totally voluntary action. Notice that the command is addressed to wives: It's not the husband's role to demand submission. The reason for this plan of organization is that it's "fitting in the Lord," that is, an arrangement of family authority ordained by God. A woman who submits to her husband does so voluntarily out of respect for God and for the well-being of her family.
v. 19a: "Husbands, love your wives" - This is the counterpart to v. 18. The word used for "love" (Gk. agapaó [ag-ap-ah'-o]) is a type of unconditional love which is to be directed to certain people, in this instance, wives, which goes beyond mere feelings to include a sense of honor, value, respect, gentleness, protection, and appreciation as
characteristics of this love. I would call it thoughtful love.
v. 19b: "and do not be harsh with them" - The word used for "harsh" (Gk. pikrainó [pik-rah'-ee-no], lit. to make bitter), which is stated in the passive voice. A literal translation would be husbands do not be embittered toward your wives. In other words, if certain aspect of a wife's behavior or attitudes annoys her husband (i.e., gets on his nerves), he must put it aside and not allow it to turn into deep-seated resentment that negatively impacts his love for her (e.g., fall "out" of love with her). This is consistent with the idea that love is a decision, not a feeling.
v. 20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord" - The word used here for "obey" (Gk. hupakouó [hoop-ak-oo'-o]) literally means to listen and follow instructions. In this context, obedience is mandatory, in that children lack the capacity to make decisions that are based on their best interests and survival. A secondary reason for this ordering in the home is that it teaches children to have respect for all authority. The underlying reason for this plan of organization is that it "pleases the Lord," in other words, ordained by God, and for good, practical reasons, yes?
v. 21: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" - The word used here for "provoke" (Gk. erethizó [er-eth-id'-zo]) literally means to stir up, irritate, and incite. In the parallel Eph. 6:4 passage, Pauls says, "do not exasperate your children." In plain language, Paul is telling fathers that if they keep hammering away and constantly nagging their children, they will become discouraged, and a discouraged child is an unhappy and often sullen child. There are two things that are especially irritating and discouraging to children: (1) Ignoring Them - a father who has no time for a child will soon create a deep-seated resentment in him or her. The child may not know how to articulate or explain this problem, but knows that he or she feels worthless and unimportant. (2) Indulging Them - a father who gives a child everything he or she wants (instead of spending time with them), will soon have a child who is restless and dissatisfied. What children really long for is attention, guidance, and direction in their lives, not superficial indulgence.
Read 3:22-4:1 - RELATIONSHIPS IN THE WORKPLACE
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing
that you also have a Master in heaven.
NOTE: The term "bondservants" refers to slaves. Six weeks ago, in our lesson in Philemon, we talked about the issue of slavery in the early church. In those times, it was a very engrained social and economic institution throughout the Roman Empire, accounting for over 40% of the population in major cities. Members in the early churches consisted of large number of slaves and slave owners. Although we no longer have slaves and masters in our time, the general principles, with some modifications, are equally applicable to employees and managers or business owners today.
v. 22: "Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" - In the modern workplace this could be rephrased "everything that relates to expected job performance," so that meeting expectations is average, and exceeding expectations is above-average. "Eye-service" refers to those who work harder when the boss is watching and "people pleasers" are those who are always trying ingratiate themselves with the boss for selfish reasons. Both are insincere and dishonest. Paul doesn't use the word, but working with "sincerity of heart" is a great example of personal integrity.
v. 23: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" - This is the key premise to all the work we do, whether for ourselves or for others who employ us (masters): that we "work heartily...for the Lord." The word "heartily" (Gk. psuché [psoo-khay']) also translates to our soul and really refers to our most inward self and being. The sense of the verse is that our earthly masters may be the ones who pay our salary, but our real master is the Lord Christ in heaven-that we are working for Him first and foremost. This should be our mind-set towards all the work we do. And the type of job we perform is immaterial, whether it's digging ditches or running a Fortune 500 company.
v. 24: "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" - So, what's really behind our incentive to work heartily? It is the ultimate reward, our inheritance in heaven. This verse focuses primarily on slaves in those days, who could neither earn nor receive any kind of inheritance related to their work. And in past times, this was also true of many manual laborers, who worked all their lives and ended up with little or nothing they could call their own. This was one of the reasons for the Social Security Act of 1935. Paul is telling this disadvantaged group that God's inheritance, our eternal dwelling place with Him, will vastly overshadow any trials and hardships we have been forced to endure in
this life.
v. 25: "For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. - The first part of this is directed primarily to slaves who suffer at the hands of unfair, harsh, or abusive masters. Paul is reminding them that their obligation to obey and work hard doesn't mean that God justifies these masters in their unfair treatment of their slaves or workers-because God sees no moral distinction between the slave or the master, and harsh masters will be judged for their actions. The second part of this pertains to slaves or workers whose work is careless and indifferent because they work for harsh masters-they, too, will be judged for the poor quality of their work. So, if you find yourself working for a foul-tempered or obnoxious boss, do a good job anyway because God is impartial and will judge you, too. [e.g., Boot Camp company commander].
v. 4:1: "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven" - The first verse of this chapter concludes Paul's instructions to slaves and masters. The clear message of this verse is that masters (which can be extended to modern day business owners and managers) are commanded and obligated to treat their slaves, servants, or employees with fundamental justice and fairness. This isn't only the right thing to do morally, but more importantly, is a spiritual responsibility that we owe to God.
Read col. 4:2-6 - FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHURCH
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison- 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
v. 2: "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" - The word Paul uses for "steadfast" (Gk. proskartereó [pros-kar-ter-eh'-o]) means to think about something constantly. This takes deliberation, dedication, and planning every day. A great part of our Christian work is accomplished on our knees. And Paul adds two elements to the content of our prayers: "watchful" describes being alert and on guard. We Christians live in dangerous times in which the forces of evil are attacking us on multiple fronts. We can't allow it to take away our joy and discourage our efforts to build God's kingdom on earth. And we should continually give God "thanksgiving"
for everything no matter what kind of trials or tribulations we're facing right now.
v. 3: "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison-" Yes, it's okay to pray for ourselves and our loved ones and we should, but intercession for others should be the major focus of our prayers. Part of our prayer should ask God to open doors so that we and others all around this world can proclaim the mystery of Christ, the gospel message.
v. 4: "that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak" - Like Paul, we need to ask God to help us in the way we share our witness for Christ with others in the many traffic lanes of life. Simply asking people if you can pray for them can open many doors to their hearts.
v. 5: "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time" - As Christians, we must always be conscious of the image we are projecting to "outsiders"-is it good or bad? Non-Christians are watching us, listening to what we say. Very simply, our image should always be Christ-like, reflecting all the fruits of the Spirit, above all love. Christ-like behavior will draw people to us.
v. 6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" - "Gracious" people are kind, courteous, pleasant, and easy to be with and they choose their words to others carefully. A conversation "seasoned with salt" is interesting and appealing. It tells people about a better way to live in this often confusing world. If you tell people that God is interested in their problems and wants to help them find a solution, a way to a better life, you might be surprised how many are willing to listen. God opens those doors.
APPLICATION-Paul's Advice on Christian Living:
1. Paul asks wives to submit to their husbands voluntarily. God has appointed husbands to be the leader of the human family unit. A woman who submits to her husband does so voluntarily out of respect for God and for the well-being of her family.
2. A husband's duty to love his wife is based on a committed decision, not a feeling. God expects a Husband to love his wife in a manner that expresses honor, value, respect, gentleness, protection, and appreciation. It is a thinking and doing type of love rather than just feelings.
3. Children should obey their parents because it's for their own well-being. The key elements of the child's obedience are (a) listening and (b) following instructions. This not only preserves order in the home, but teaches children to have respect for all
authority.
4. Fathers who constantly berate and nag their children will cause them to become discouraged. The worst two things a father can do to his children is to (a) ignore them, which give children feelings of worthlessness or (b) indulge them, which gives them feeling of dissatisfaction. What children really long for is attention, guidance, and direction in their lives.
5. In the workplace, we should work "heartily" because it pleases God. Our earthly employers may be the ones who pay our salary, but our real master is the Lord Christ in heaven. We work hard in order to please Him first.
6. God mandates that business owners and managers treat their employees justly and fairly. This isn't only the right thing to do morally but more importantly, is a spiritual responsibility owed to God.
7. Our prayer life should be steadfast, watchful, and thankful. Steadfast means to think constantly, watchful means to be alert and on guard, and thanksgiving is what we owe God for everything.
8. Christians should always be conscious of the image we project to "outsiders." Very simply, our image should always be Christ-like, because that behavior is likely to draw people to us, not away.
9. Christian speech should be gracious, seasoned with salt. Gracious speech is kind, courteous, pleasant, and easy to be around. Speech seasoned with salt-God's truth-is interesting and appealing. The two together can open doors so we can tell people about a better way to live in this confusing world.
PRAYER: Dear God in heaven, we thank You this morning for this good church and the fellowship we enjoy as members. We thank you also for giving us the opportunity to gather together and study and learn from the truth of Your word. Lord, please help us to take the apostle Paul's words about living the Christian life to heart-to apply them to the way we think and live our lives day-in and day-out. Apply them to the way we treat our families, the way we treat people in the workplace, and how we perform our jobs, and even to the way we treat strangers in all the various walks of life. And we need to pray steadfastly for all of these things every day. Please, God, grant us the strength to do these things. In Jesus name, I ask. AMEN.
