Colossians 3:18–4:18 (NKJV)
18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 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. 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. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. 1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. 7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” 18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
In the first part of the reading, we hear echoes not only of the Fourth Commandment but also what Paul wrote in Ephesians 5 regarding husbands and wives. It is wonderful and godly for wives (brides) to submit to their husbands (bridegrooms) as the head of the Christian home, for this points to Christ the Bridegroom as the Head of His Church, His holy bride. Christ’s sacrifice, His suffering, death, and resurrection in man’s place, demonstrated the ultimate expression of love and commitment, thereby making it easier for us to trust in the Lord for salvation and protection and continue gladly to obey Him. The end result of this is our “inheritance” of ultimately being with the Lord Jesus in heaven for eternity, free from the ravages and effects of our sinful nature and enjoying His perfect presence forever.
In Christ-like fashion a husband is to see and treat his wife as the gift she is to him from God and to sacrifice himself for her, thus making it easier for the wife to respond in love and place herself in godly submission to her husband, trusting him to care for and protect her. The end result of this obedience and service is an “inheritance” of a happy and strong marriage which, Lord willing, also produces godly children and proclaims a strong Christian witness to God’s promises and faithfulness.
Fathers are to guide and teach their children, and children are to obey their parents “in all things” out of reverence for Christ. And those who work for others (bondservants) are to obey their godly masters in the fear of God and do their work not for men but as serving the Lord. Paul teaches us to look for opportunities “to speak the mystery of Christ” gracefully to those outside the faith.
As Paul wrote to Archippus that he should “take heed to the ministry” which he had received, so he urges us, too, to serve the Lord in our various vocations, giving Him glory as we do.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith that we may serve You faithfully through love and service to our neighbors. Amen.
