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. 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.
1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. —Colossians 3:18-4:1

Big Idea: We have Christ-Centered Responsibilities in our family and work life.

We are called to have a

1. A Christ Centered Family (3:18-21)

• a. The responsibility of Wives: Submit to their own husband.
• b. The responsibility of Husbands:
  
  1. Love
  2. Gentleness
  3. Encourage

The recipe for a healthy marriage is

• c. The responsibility of Children: Obey

  1. Greek: “a readiness to listen and to carry out parental instructions”
  2. “Tekna”: youth

  3. Obey God (Acts 5:29)

     But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. —Acts 5:29

  4. “Honor” (Eph 6:1-3)

     Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” —Ephesians 6:1-3

Our understanding of God’s commandment to honor our parents is a

2. A Christ Centered Work (3:22-4:1)

In Christ we are responsible to

• a. The issue and context of slavery
• b. The responsibility of the worker:
  
  1. Obey
  2. Work sincerely
  3. Fear and work for the Lord
• c. The responsibility of Masters:
  
  1. Treat workers justly and fairly
  2. Know your heavenly master

By

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. How can we extend grace to ourselves and others when we fall short of a Christ-centered harmonious home? What are some ways to grow in embracing our responsibilities in these areas?

4. How can the principles outlined for workers in Colossians apply to modern-day employment?

5. What are some ways we can pray for one another as we seek to honor God in our relationships and in our work?