Rob Benson | Series: Colossians |Scripture: Colossians 3:18– 4:6
ListenChrist’s Way Is Greater, Part VII Col. 3:18-4:6
Introduction
As we wrap up this series in Colossians, my prayer is, that you have been
challenged to rise to this High Calling to Follow Jesus where ever He may lead, no
matter the cost! I pray that you recognize that Christ Is Greater, and that His Way Is
Greater! I pray you not only declare your allegiance to Christ in word, but in deed,
that you practice Christ by putting on your New Clothes: Compassion, Kindness,
Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness and Love!
Its time to throw out the Old Ways, with the Old Clothes! As Paul wraps up this
letter to the Colossian-Christ Followers and leaves them wrestling with the greatest
challenge of all…
Point: Engaging the Way they do the Closest of Relationships, our families.
Paul asks if we are willing to put what we say and we know into action? Are we
really willing to walk the walk that we so easily talk? Are we willing to get humble,
bend our will toward Christ’s?
Readings: Colossians 3:18-4:6
A Challenge To Wives…vv.18
Now this principle, this New Way of Doing Life, causes serious push back!
Illustration: When Allison and I are doing Pre-Marital Counseling.
A God Ordained/Created Order:
1) Submit = Military Idea: Chain of Command (Man=Head), Under the Authority of,
Leadership of, Subordinate of
2) Adam was formed first, then Eve (1 Tim 2:13; Gen. 2:21-22)
3) Leadership within the Godhead, Christ submits to the Father (1 Cor. 11:3; Matt.
26:39)
4) Fitting In The Lord = In A Way that brings: Christ’s Greater New Way vv.12, 13
4) NO sense of Inferiority, naturally or spiritually.
5) NO Obligation to Follow UnGodly Leadership
A Challenge To Husbands…vv.19
1) Love (Present, Active, Imperative) = Keep On Doing Christlike Love; NOT phileo =
Friend Like; NOT Erao = Sexual Desire.
2) Husband Responsible to Love like Christ love the church (Eph. 5:25-29, Gen.
2:24)
3) Active & Unceasing Care
4) NO Harshness = Bitterness Toward (Attitude or Behavior)
A Challenge To Children…vv.20
1) Obey = (GK-Old Verb): To Listen Under, Looking Up To, To Heed;
2) In Everything = Continual, NOT, Occasional (Ex. 20:12 - 5th Commandment w/ a
Promise; Ex. 21:15, 16).
3) Jesus set the Example of Obedience (Luke 2:51)
A Challenge To Fathers…vv.21
1) Embitter = (Present, Imperative, Old Verb) Provoke, Nag Habitually.
2) William Carey, great missionary, writing to his son, “Remember, a gentleman is
the next best thing to a Christian, and the Christian includes the gentleman.”
Illustration: Better To Teach, than Demand Obedience by Reciting the Law.
3) Discouraged = Continued Removal of Courage or Spirit
A Challenge To Slaves…vv22-4:1
1) Obey = (GK-Old Verb): To Listen Under, Looking Up To, To Heed Leadership.
Illustration: My Grand Father (Opa) and Dad set this example and taught me this
way of life by word and deed. (Every job I’ve ever had, I have always had great
evaluations, awards and promotions).
2) “For The Lord,” regardless of treatment.
3) Inheritance Awaits In Heaven.
4) Deeds/Works/Serving will be judged and your reward will be equal to how well
you served others (1 Cor. 3:12-15).
5) Our World Systems = NOT Fair/Equal, like the God’s Kingdom.
Challenge
Question: Do you want to be a part of changing our world?
Question: Do you want to make Christ REAL in our world?
Then…
• Invite Christ to get REAL in YOU!
• Invite Christ to bring His GREATER WAY out of your life and into your families!
Closing Reading: Colossians 4:2-6