The believers in Colosse and Laodicea were under spiritual attack by false teachers, mainly Gnostics who preached a different gospel than Christ’s. Declaring God and his creation as both imperfect, they relied on philosophy instead of faith.
Paul already described the character of a believer, now he focuses on the Christian home and God’s expectation for this sacred place.
“18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”
Certainly not meant to belittle her, Paul’s command here calls on wives to “hupotassō” or put themselves under the authority of their husbands. This is to be done voluntarily and intelligently by the Christian wife, as a living sacrifice to God almighty. Husbands will do well not to provoke our creator and foolishly try to take advantage of this biblical command.
“19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.”
While authority and bitterness may seem similar, they are miles apart to God. One is based on His love while the other is driven by anger. Just as Christ forgives their sins, husbands must forgive their wives and show both love and gratitude in our communicating with our wives, both verbally and physically.
The love of Christ should be felt between husbands and wives, always.
“20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.”
Paul’s commands for children is similar to that of Christian wives, they should also intelligently obey their parents and do so in a way pleasing to God, our heavenly father.
“21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
As leaders of each family, fathers should be careful not to discourage or frustrate their children unless they fall off the narrow path that leads to eternal life. As part of a healthy Christian home, children should be lovingly encouraged to grow in the Lord and His word.
“22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.”
Offering themselves as living sacrifices to God, servants and modern day employees should work diligently under the authority of masters (employers) and God Himself. Those in the world should fulfill their mission according to God’s perfect plan, armed with the word and shielded by the breastplate of salvation ready to battle evil on a daily basis.
“23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Here Paul calls on all believers, fathers and husbands, mothers and wives, children and even those under the ruling of an employer to serve God with a joyful heart knowing He is always watching, always aware of every single emotion we feel, each thought we conceive and every breath we take.
Paul tells his readers about the rewards awaiting those who gladly abide by God’s commands and earnestly serve Him joyfully, their hearts filled with Christ like love.
“25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”
The apostle also warns those who defy God and His commands, that the wrath of the heavenly Father is indeed impartial and according to each sin, to each sinner.
Much like Christian character, a believer’s home should be indicative of one’s faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten sin and the savior of mankind. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
