Volume 2 - Number 17
Loudonville Community Church
The week of March 5, 2017
SUBVERSIVE ORTHODOXY:
Revolutionary Relationships
Colossians 3:18-4:1
THIS WEEK’S CORE STATEMENT
Goodness: Goodness that flows outwardly from us because we have received God’s goodness. Disciples choose to do right and
good things in all of their relationships with others.
Mary Anne Evans (1819 - 1880), is better known by her pen name George Eliot. She was an English novelist, poet, journalist,
translator, and one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Evans’ novels have been praised for their realism and
psychological insight. The following poem reminds us of the importance of demonstrating goodness to one another daily.
“Count That Day Lost”
If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard,
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went Then you may count that day well spent.
But if, through all the livelong day,
You've cheered no heart, by yea or nay If, through it all
You've nothing done that you can trace
That brought the sunshine to one face No act most small
That helped some soul and nothing cost Then count that day as worse than lost.
THIS WEEK’S COMPLEMENTARY PASSAGE
I Peter 3:8-13 (ESV)
8
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not
repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may
obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and
his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord
is against those who do evil.” 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
STEP ONE . . .
READING what the passage says
(Read it at least three times)
Colossians 3:18-4:1
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
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For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
STEP TWO . . .
OBSERVING how the passage moves
Return to the passage and mark key words, phrases and movements:
•
Circle all of the words in these passages that speak of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy
Spirit, etc.).
•
Underline the significant verbs/action words in these passages.
•
Highlight Colossians 3:18-21.
•
In Colossians 3:22, underline the phrase: “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.”
•
In Colossians 3:23, underline the phrase: “work heartily, as for the Lord.”
•
In Colossians 3:24, underline the phrase: “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as
your reward.”
•
In Colossians 3:25, underline the phrase: “there is no partiality.”
•
Highlight Colossians 4:1.
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STEP THREE . . .
Ask the five “W” questions and the one “H” question:
1. WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? And, to whom is it speaking?
2. WHAT is the subject of the passage? What does the passage say about the subject?
3. WHEN do or will the events occur? When did something happen to a particular person, people, or nation?
4. WHERE did or will this happen?
5. WHY is something said or mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person?
6. HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?
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STEP FOUR . . .
UNDERSTANDING what the passage means
This commentary is intended to enhance your own study of the text.
Colossians 3:18-4:1 (ESV)
3:18-19 - In this context and its parallels, submission was
between married couples, not men and women in general.
The principle of male headship is stated throughout the
Bible, from Genesis 3 onward. However, male headship is
characterized and commanded to be sacrificial, self-giving,
Christ-like love. Headship in the New Testament is
servanthood. In our day “submission” has negative
connotations. Originally it was a military term that related to
obedience based on the chain of command. In the New
Testament, however, it was often used of Jesus’ attitude
toward His earthly parents and His heavenly Father. Paul
was fond of this term and used it 23 times. Submission goes
against our cultural, western, individual-focused mind-set
because selfishness is so ingrained in us!
3:18 - “Wives, submit to your husbands.” This is a command,
which has parallel passages in Ephesians 5:21-22, Titus 2:5,
and 1 Peter 3:1. Ephesians expresses the universal principle
of submission for all believers in Ephesians 5:21 and uses the
Christian home as a three-fold domestic example of how the
“Spirit-filled” life works in daily life: (1) husbands and wives,
5:22-31; (2) parents and children, 6:1-4 and (3) masters and
slaves, 6:5-9. This discussion seems negative to us today, but
in its day it was strikingly positive. These three groups that
had total cultural control (husbands, parents, and slave
masters) are equally admonished as were those with no civic
power or rights (wives, children, and slaves). What a
difference Christ makes in the lives of His followers!
“As is fitting in the Lord.” Believers should treat others in
loving, submitting ways not because others deserve it, but
because they are Christians. The Holy Spirit allows fallen
mankind to redirect his self-centeredness into othercenteredness, as Jesus did.
3:19 - “Do not be harsh with them.” This phrase is a
command and implies that the husbands must stop an act in
process. In the biblical context of “one flesh” marriages in
which husbands treat their wives in loving ways, they bless
themselves and vise versa. Loving one’s spouse is, in one
sense, loving oneself. In the Christian home our love for our
family members reflects our love for God!
3:20 - “Children, obey your parents.” This command implies
that the action should be continuous. This mandate is related
to the Old Testament passages in Exodus 20:12 and
Deuteronomy 5:16: “Honor your father and mother.” In this
context, “for this pleases the Lord” relates the command to
Christian children. One issue that is difficult to reconcile
between this and our day is “How old are children?” In
Jewish culture a boy became responsible to the Law and was
marriageable at age thirteen, a girl at twelve. In Roman
culture a boy became a man at age fourteen and in Greek
culture at age eighteen.
3:21 - “Fathers, do not provoke your children.” This phrase
is another command which implies that the fathers must
stop an act in process, “stop provoking your children.”
There has always been a generational barrier. Christians
(both parents and children) should handle it differently
because of their ultimate commitment to Christ. Paul’s
discussion of the appropriate relationships in the home was
radically positive in his day. Paul directly addressed the
person with cultural power and authority (husbands,
parents, and slave masters) and admonished them to treat
those under them (wives, children, and domestic servants)
with dignity and Christian love.
3:22 - “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are
your earthly masters.” This is another command that
implies that the action should be continuous, “keep on
obeying.” This is the third example from the Christian
home. In our day this might relate to Christian employers
and employees. In Ephesians, and probably also here in
Colossians, it refers to both saved and lost masters.
Christianity is what we are, not what we do to please
others. Believers are to do all to please the Lord! The
phrase “in everything” does not refer to evil or to sin. This
is a general statement admonishing obedience, not a
license for believers to participate in things which are
excluded by Scripture.
3:23 - Serving the Lord should be our motive for all
Christian activity!
3:24 - In the ancient world slaves had no inheritance
rights. But now, in Christ, they do! God is going to reward
those who love, worship, and serve Him!
3:25 - Divine judgment is dispensed without partiality.
This principle is also expressed clearly in Galatians 6:7.
Even believers will give an account unto God!
4:1 - This verse shows the reciprocal responsibility and
relates contextually to the closing verses of Colossians 3.
This verse concludes Paul’s domestic example of Christ-like
living.
Resource for Commentary: Robert James Utley’s Study Guide
Commentary Series from Logos software.
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STEP FIVE . . .
SUMMARIZING the message
All of us desire to love and be loved by others. Yet most of the conflict experienced in life is interpersonal. Colossians 3:18-4:1
describes the relational aspects of the Gospel in marriage, family and vocational life. A new revolutionary idea is introduced,
namely that Jesus is inserted into all of the Christian’s personal interactions. We are given instructions on living out our new
identity in the context of relationships.
Paul, and by implication God’s Word, have wrongly been criticized for demeaning women. Here we are presented with a
radically uncommon view of marriage and family that elevates women and children to a level of equality. Hebrew and Greek
opinion on marriage regarded women as objects to be used and enjoyed rather than loved and treasured. Both in family and in
society, women were deemed completely subservient to men. The Gospel, however, ushers in a totally new understanding of
human relations. Christians, as spiritual brothers and sisters, no longer are distinguished in worth based on their gender.
In last week’s study, we discovered that the demise of inherent sin comes not by asceticism, mysticism or even legalism but by
putting off carnal characteristics while also putting on Christ-like qualities. As a result, a revolutionary effect takes place in our
relationships. Our marriages are revolutionized. Interactions between husbands and wives are drastically altered. Parent and
child relations are turned upside down. Children willingly choose to obey their parents. The relationship between employer and
employee becomes drastically improved. If we want to reflect Christ in our relationships then we must include four ingredients:
THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST IN ALL RELATIONSHIPS (3:1-3, 18-19)
The Gospel not only changes individuals, it changes homes and workplaces. Everyday relationships are revolutionized
because a Christians’ allegiance is now to Christ. He is Lord of all – even personal relationships.
THE RECIPROCAL OBLIGATION OF HUSBAND AND WIFE (3:18-19)
Marriage is never one sided. Husbands and wives have responsibilities to one another. Notice that, the apostle Paul stresses
responsibility in marriage not rights. Romantic attraction may lead to marriage but loving sacrificial commitment sustains a
marriage.
THE NECESSITY OF OBEDIENCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE HOME (3:20-21)
Children’s first responsibility is to obey. Obedience not in some things but “in everything.” Most often the breakdown of
authority in society begins with an absence of authority in the home. A child’s motive for obedience is simply to please
Christ. Fathers are to facilitate the obedience of their children through encouragement and stable parenting methods. A
Christian home is a place of encouragement where children find refuge and receive strength for life’s battles.
THE PROMINENCE OF HONESTY AND DEDICATION IN THE WORKPLACE (3:22-4:1)
Christ-following employees are extremely dedicated to their employers. They are known for a hard work ethic and are to be
considered the best employees. Motivation ultimately arises out of consecration “for the Lord and not for men.” Employers
treat their subordinates with fairness and honesty “knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
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STEP SIX . . .
EXPLORING the passage through discussion
Please try and read the entire letter before gathering with your Growth Group.
In general, it will take 20-25 minutes to read it at a regular pace.
1.
The domestic instructions presented in this passage are quite distinct from those being practiced at the writing of this
epistle. Wives are remarkably addressed as equals with their husbands. Describe your understanding of the treatment
of women in the ancient world. How was the status of women elevated in the ancient world by their being urged to
“submit” to their husbands?
2.
How do you feel about submission? How is submission a reflection of what Christ has done for you?
3.
The Bible teaches that there is hierarchy in the Godhead – the Son is both equal to and submissive to the Father. How
does acknowledging this truth help us grasp that equality and submissiveness can coexist in the marital relationship of
husband and wife? How does Ephesians 5:21 (“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ”) apply to both
wife and husband?
4.
The command for husbands to “be continually loving your wives, and do not be harsh with them” is just as
revolutionary and radical as the imperative given to wives. How did husbands primarily view their wives in the ancient
world (i.e. possessions or equals)? Based on this view, how did husbands relate to their wives? How would a husband’s
love for his wife improve a good marriage and turn around a bad marriage?
5.
How is Jesus’ relationship to the church the most powerful example for a husband’s love for his wife? What are some of
the qualities of Christ’s love for His bride?
6.
What are some ways fathers can provoke their children? What is the effect on children when this occurs?
7.
In modern times verses 22 through chapter 4 verse 1 apply to the employer/employee relationship. What is meant by
the phrase “not by way of eye-service, as people pleasers?” What implication does the statement “whatever you do, work
heartily, as for the Lord” have on our work ethic?
8.
Describe an experience when you were wrongly treated by an employer. How did you respond to the situation? Would
you have reacted differently if you had known the truths of this passage?
9.
What relationships might God be speaking to you about right now? How have you been resistant to God’s will in these
relationships? In prayer, ask God to grant you the strength and freedom to respond as this passage commands you to.
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STEP SEVEN . . .
APPLYING the passage to my life
Our desire is to not be merely hearers of the Word but doers ~ James 1:22
When you apply God’s Word, you are thinking about what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. Application
involves action. Application makes your reading become a reality in your own life. Make your applications specific (state who,
what & when). You are encouraged to use the S.P.E.C.K. method to apply God’s Word to your life. Remember that each passage
of Scripture may not lend itself to answering all five of these questions.
S - SINS to confess and avoid (Are there sinful actions, attitudes, or thoughts that you need to confess to God
based upon your study of these Scriptures?)
P - PROMISES to claim (List God’s promises for you from these Scriptures.)
E - EXAMPLES to follow (What examples, for right thinking or right actions, can you take for you own life from
these Scriptures?)
C - COMMANDS to obey (List God’s commands for you from these Scriptures and seek to be obedient to them.)
K - KNOWLEDGE of God to apply (God’s character is visible throughout the Scriptures as an example to us.
What attributes and/or attitudes does God display that you can apply to your own life?)
This Week’s Memory Verse
For the sermon series on Colossians, each week we will be memorizing one verse from
Colossians 1:15-20 & 2:6-7.
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The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things
in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been
created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of
the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have
the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself
all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,
Colossians 1:15-20; 2:6
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Sermon Notes:
#asithappened
(one(one-year chronological walk through the Bible)
Sunday, March 5 thru Saturday, March 11
Numbers 23-25, 26-27, 28-30, 31-32, 33-34, 35-36, Deut 1-2
© The Abide in Me Bible study series is written by the pastoral staff of Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 (www.lcchurch.org)