Instructor: Pastor Page
đź“ť Summary
This lecture offers a thorough analysis of Colossians 3:18-25, a passage often viewed as controversial. The pastor underscores the vital need for historical and biblical context to rightly understand instructions to wives, husbands, children, and servants.
The central message is that Christian theology must be lived out practically, reshaping relationships at home and in the workplace. The lecture reframes submission and love as mutual cooperation and sacrificial care, all measured by God’s standard.
Ultimately, all actions and relationships should be carried out to serve and honor the Lord, not to gain human approval, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person as God’s chosen and loved people.
đź”– Key Points
1. Contextual Understanding of Colossians 3:18-25
- Controversial Nature of the Text
- Colossians 3:18-25 is among the more confronting passages in the New Testament.
- Its wording can feel offensive today, causing some to bristle.
- The Importance of Context
- Context is essential for reading the Bible to grasp its intent and impact.
- Verses 18-25 must be read after Colossians 3:5-17, which teaches putting on a new identity in Christ; the instructions assume this new identity.
- Historical Context: Paterfamilias
- Written in an era dominated by the “paterfamilias,” where the male head of household held absolute authority.
- Women, children, and servants were treated as property; the paterfamilias even had power over a newborn’s life.
- Addressing wives, children, and slaves directly was revolutionary, recognizing their dignity and personhood.
- Understanding “Slaves” in Context
- “Slaves” here refers to bondservants, not chattel slavery as in U.S. history.
- Bondservants voluntarily entered service to repay debt or for provision; KJV translates as “servant.”
- This distinction prevents misreading, though the text was historically misused to oppress.
2. Household Relationships (The Transformed Household)
- Wives: Submission as Fitting in the Lord
- “Wives, submit to your husbands” is challenging for many.
- The qualifier “as is fitting in the Lord” is the standard.
- No submission to ungodly, immoral, or abusive demands; this places responsibility on husbands to lead godly lives.
- Submission is not blind obedience but collaborative partnership—conversation, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
- Husbands: Sacrificial Love
- Husbands must “love your wives and do not be harsh.”
- The love commanded is sacrificial (agape-like), mirroring Christ’s self-giving.
- Counters the cultural tendency for men to equate toughness with lack of kindness.
- Submission and sacrifice together form mutual, cooperative harmony.
- Children: Obedience Pleasing to the Lord
- “Children, obey your parents in everything” because “this pleases the Lord.”
- Assumes a biblical, non-abusive structure with roles and hierarchy that honor the child’s identity in God’s image.
- Importance of Conversation in the Home
- Candid, confessional conversations are essential for resolving issues.
- Success is being able to converse without escalating into arguments.
- Men are encouraged to initiate dialogue—ask questions, be a “commentator” to foster communication.
- Relationships are ongoing work—a lifestyle of mutual care, not a one-off contract.
3. Work and Service
- Serving the Lord, Not Earthly Masters
- Servants are to obey earthly masters with sincerity and reverence for the Lord, not only for eye-service.
- Applies to modern workplaces, even under difficult or harsh managers.
- Focus on the work itself as service to the Lord; God is the true boss and judge.
- Work ethic flows from giving God glory for His gifts.
- Maintaining Identity at Work
- Basing self-worth on a manager’s perception can erode identity.
- Managers are human, with their own challenges and distractions.
- Stay focused on your purpose, the value of your work, and who ultimately deserves the glory.
- Agency and Moving On
- This is not a call to complacency or permanence in bad situations.
- You have agency—keep your eyes open and move to a better role if needed. You’re not stuck unless you choose to be.
4. Core Theological Principles and Takeaways
- Theology Must Be Lived Out
- The “new self” is proven by a transformed household and work life.
- If faith doesn’t change your tone at dinner or behavior at the office, it isn’t truly received biblical theology.
- Motivation for Action: Already Loved
- We serve, love, and obey not to earn favor but because we are already “chosen, holy, and dearly loved.” This is our “why.”
- Dignity in Every Role
- No person is property; each is an “ambassador of the king.”
- Be careful not to treat people as property intellectually or emotionally—don’t devalue their perspectives, interests, or quirks.
- Strength in Humility
- Humility is strength, giving consistency and control over responses.
- God grants agency and authority to be still and find peace through humility.
- What This Theology Is NOT
- Not a license for abuse: Submission never permits tyranny. Authority in Christ’s kingdom protects and nurtures others.
- Not social stagnation: It doesn’t require complacency or forbids seeking better circumstances.
- Not a moral checklist: The “new self” is living and sensitive; actions must flow from genuine care, not box-checking.
- Not about people-pleasing: We work to please the Lord, aiming for His “well done,” not human applause.
đź“š Assignments
- 1. Reflect on whether your theology is being lived out practically at home and at work.
- 2. If you are a husband, initiate conversations with your spouse this week.
- 3. If issues arise at home, pursue a candid, grace-filled conversation aimed at mutual understanding rather than winning.
- 4. Reassess your work motivation: Are you seeking your manager’s approval or serving the Lord through your work?
- 5. Practice humility to govern your responses in difficult moments, remembering the God-given agency to “be still.”
- 6. Examine whether you can be more sensitive in interactions, acting from genuine care rather than obligation.