Background:
• Chapter 2 reminds Christians of an enemy seeking their destruction. But we have an Ally who is more powerful than the
enemy. Christ is worth standing and fighting for.
• Chapter three we can call “the chapter where the rubber meets the road”. It is one thing to preach, sing, and testify that
Christ is number 1 in our lives, but the proof will be seen in how we live our everyday lives. Ill: “I will swim the deep oceans,
cross the driest deserts…
• In Colossians 3:18-4:1, Paul will be addressing three key relationships found in the homes of the members of the church of
Colosse. (Husband & Wife); (Parent & Child); Slave & Master). Today, many of these relationships are the same, with some
becoming a little more complex; but the application of Scripture is just as true and applicable today, no matter the family
makeup.
• Note: Paul is not prescribing a “secret formula” for how can have a successful relationship, or is he giving a list of obligations
and rules; but rather he is showing how the previous 2 ½ chapters (Christ’s example) connects perfectly in a believer’s
relationship at home. Paul knows if he has strong families he will have a strong church.
Proposition: If Christ is preeminent in our lives, the proof is in the way we treat our family.
III. Christ is All You Need to Live For.
D. The Value of Loving Relationships. (3:18-4:1)
1. The Marriage Relationship. (3:18-19)
a. To the wife:
• “submit to your husband” - submit is another military term that means arrange under rank. Says nothing
about worth or value or even equality, but rather of order. The Trinity is equal in value, but there is a order/rank.
• “as is fitting to the Lord.” - This verse could be applied in two ways; First meaning that fitting speaks of how
God designed the marriage relationship to work. Second, a wife is to submit as long as what her husband is
wanting falls under the category of “fitting unto the Lord.” Forced submission to a dominating/abusive husband is
not fitting to the Lord.
b. To the husband:
• “Love your wife” As we know this love is not the word for sexual love, but for God’s self-sacrificing love
(agape). Eph. 5:25
i. Love for wife is seen clearly in 1 Peter 3:7: Spend time; Study her, Appreciate her, protect her, partner
with her, prayer with her
• “Do not be bitter toward them” - I believe this statement is connected with 3:8 &13. Man, if you keep
resenting and holding in that anger, you will just poison your marriage. Forgive her, no matter what.
c. Application: Ill: Personal example of something my wife did and I started to dwell on it and became more upset. I
did not show it to her, but inside I was boiling. And this verse showed me I better quench that fire, or it will only
poison me and my relationship with wife. I can only fix me!
• Christ is our true example of submission & love!
2. The Parental Relationship. (3:20-21)
a. To the children:
• “obey your parents in all things” – means listen, take to heart, and act! A sign of a degrading society is when
children refuse to listen to parents. (Proverbs 30: 11-14) Ill: Parent saying to child, “What did you learn in SS
today? His reply, “Obedience….again.”
• “for this pleases the Lord” – God is pleased when children honor their parents. Many children/young people
struggle with knowing God’s will for their lives. Obeying parents is the right place to start.
b. To the parents: (Parent is a better word than fathers; Heb. 11:23, same word)
• “do not provoke your children” Do not stir up, do not discourage, no not pick a fight, or push to the edge. Ill:
This is heard in the voice of adults when they say “I could never live up to my parents standards/goals” It was
John Newton who said, “I know that my father loved me, but he did not seem to wish me to see it.” 1 Thess.
2:11 “encourage your children”
• Ways parents provoke their children: Over protection (no liberty); showing favoritism; unreachable goals;
holding back affection; lack of discipline; constant criticism; neglect; excessive discipline. (John MacArthur)
i. Discouraged children are fair prey for Satan & the world.
c. Application: Christ is our example of obedience & encouragement.
3. The Working Relationship. (3:22-4:1)
a. To the slaves: (60 + million slaves at this time; Paul knew that the Gospel of Jesus Christ could do more to
transform culture than political activism.)
• As Christians slaves, don’t work just when the boss is watching; exceed master’s expectations.
• As Christian slaves, work with all your heart, as to the Lord.
• As Christian slaves, there is One who will give you your reward.
b. To the masters: (can apply to employee and employer)
• Always be fair and just!
• Remember, treat your slaves as Christ treats you.
• Ill: It was Onesimus (4:9) bringing this letter to the church where his master Philemon was a member.
c. Application: Christ is our example of Rewarder and Judge
Conclusion: Ill: The American home is fast becoming the most dangerous place outside of riots and wars. Homes filled with women being abused by their husbands (6-15 million each year). Domestic violence affect 30%+ couples. 2 million couples have used a gun, knife, or other lethal weapon on their spouse during marriage. 20% of police officers who are killed, are killed during a domestic dispute. 10’s of millions of kids abused each year; and that does not even include all the wives who don’t even care whether their husband comes home or not.
• The Apostle Paul begins by saying to Christians to “seek those things which are above where Christ is sitting at the right hand of
the Father. Set your mind on things above…(3:1-2) Who is higher than Christ’s example?
• All the promises of a strong family rest in the fact that everyone is doing their part as unto the Lord, from the top
(father/master/wife) on down (child/slave).
• Review your part in your relationships, are your actions reflecting a life led by Christ?
