Weekly Minute Messages
June 2022
Message: Each week in the month of June, we will discuss one of the 3 relationships Paul addresses in this week's scriptures.
Title: Perfecting Home and Work Relationships
Introduction: The family is the foundational institution of humanity ordained by God. In accordance with the theme of Colossians-maturity in Christ-Paul exhorted believers to become mature in their family/work relationships. The Colossian family would usually consist of father, mother, children, and servants, much like homes today. Here, Paul addresses three sets of household relationships: (1) husbands and wives, (2) parents and children, and (3) masters and slaves. In each case there is reciprocated obligation to submit in love, to obey and encourage, and to work hard and be fair. Let each of us, examine our family and work relationships. Do you relate to your husband/wife, children, employers or employees, as God intended? Are you working on it? Do you even think about it?
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Weeks Scriptures: Colossians 3:18-4:1 AMP
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18 Wives, be subject to your husbands [out of respect for their position as protector, and their accountability to God], as is proper and fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives [with an affectionate, sympathetic, selfless love that always seeks the best for them] and do not be embittered or resentful toward them [because of the responsibilities of marriage]. 20 Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings]. 21 Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].
22 Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. 23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. 25 For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality [no special treatment based on a person’s position in life].
4 Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
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Class in session:
The First Institution and Order of Family
OT: Genesis 2:7,8,15,18-25; 4:1-2
NT: 1 Corinthians 11:3
God’s Order of Authority (in the Lord)
Paul (in more detail) instructs the Ephesians as he does the Colossians.
NT: Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:1-3, 5-9
Peter instructs believers
1 Peter 3:7
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Wife:
Wife: Submission is a key element in the smooth functioning of any family, business, or government. God ordained submission in biblical marital relationships as a reflection of the submission the church has to Christ. He is the head of the church. In a marriage, biblical submission does not mean inferiority, surrender, withdrawal, or weakness; it simply means that the husband is the head of the home. He can be thought of as the president and you, the vice-president. Equal in creation-image and value but different in roles. Submission does not degrade the one who submits. It is a reckoning with God’s order. Also, a wife’s submission to her husband is only “in the Lord.” She is not obligated to follow his leadership if it conflicts with scriptural commands. Furthermore, she should respect her husband.
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In Ephesians 5:33, Paul says, ” … the wife must respect her husband.” When you respect your husband you reverence (admire him-worship him-astonished by him- stand in awe of him) him, you notice him (give attention to what he does), regard him (concerned about him-affection for him), honor him (in his uprightness-integrity), prefer him (favor him-choose him, desire him), and esteem him (approve of him). It means valuing his opinion, admiring his wisdom and character, appreciating his commitment to you, and considering his needs and values.
Husband: Love his wife as Christ loved the church. There was nothing Christ did not lovingly do for the church. He gave His life for believers (the church). Husbands are to exercise loving leadership, not dictatorial dominion. Assuming absolute authority will embitter a wife, not endear her. Wives, like tender and sensitive flowers, may wilt under authoritarian dominance, but blossom with tender loving care. Husbands should exercise compassionate care and his wife will respond with willing submission to this loving leadership. Give her honor; treat her as if she is a weaker vessel and heirs together of the grace of life, so that nothing will hinder his prayers.
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Children: Children should obey their parents in all things, for this is right. However, when a child becomes an age where they know right from wrong, the all things should not be taken as an absolute. When God’s truth and someone’s demands come into conflict, a child should obey God. Obedience to parents should set the stage for a child obeying God as they become young adults/adults. Furthermore, fathers (and mothers) should not frustrate/discourage/provoke or irritate their children by continuous agitation and unreasonable demands; destroying their self-respect. Praise for well doing rather than constant criticism, will, along with loving discipline, help in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Next week (if the Lord's will) we will discuss Masters/slaves (employers-employees).
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Enjoy learning!