Colossians 3:18–4:1
Christ’s lordship reshapes marriage, parenting, and labor relationships into accountable, worshipful obedience.
18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for 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 receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Christ’s lordship reshapes marriage, parenting, and labor relationships into accountable, worshipful obedience.
To instruct believers in household roles to live under the transforming lordship of Christ, exercising authority and submission with accountability to Him.
Colossians 3:18-4:1 follows the comprehensive command of Colossians 3:17: whatever believers do, whether in word or deed, must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul now applies that Lordship to household relationships: marriage, parenting, children, slavery, work, authority, accountability, and justice.
Raised with Christ: Putting Off the Old Life and Putting On the New
Because believers have been raised with Christ and their life is hidden with him, they must put off the old life, put on the new, and bring every relationship and action under the lordship of Christ.