Col. 3:18-4:6

Paul presents the same 3 applications to relationships here as he did in Ephesians (5:22-6:9): to couples (vs. 18-19), parents and children (v20-21) and masters and slaves (3:22-4:1).  He then asks for prayer as he did in Eph. 6:19-20.

          In the context of Colossians these reminders are definitely in order.  Are we not often prompted to look away from Christ and His word when we are experiencing stress in various relationships?  Perhaps the deceivers were using those kinds of struggles as a basis for promising wisdom for life if the believers would turn from a focus on Christ to their deep wisdom and knowledge.  We must reject this approach which will cheat us of our reward (2:18).  Regardless of the difficulty we may face, Christ is still the One in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3).  They still needed to let the word of Christ dwell in (them) richly in all wisdom (3:16).

          There are a few thoughts here that are unique to Colossians.

·        In v19 where men are commanded to love their wives Paul adds and do not be bitter toward them.  In marriage the husband’s love replaces the harsh ruling that was the result of the curse (Gen. 3:16).  Thus the admonition against bitterness is appropriate.

·        In v20 the obedience of children is said to be pleasing to the Lord.  Pleasing God is the reason they obey their parents.

·        In v21 fathers are warned that provoking their children (to wrath) will lead to discouragement.  What a timely truth in the home.  How often have children come to believe it is impossible to please their dads and thus they become discouraged spiritually and emotionally?  A father must discipline in love as our Father disciplines us.

·        In v23 slaves (those who work under the authority of another) are to work heartily.  Literally the term is from out of the soul.  The worker is to do his or her work pouring all his energy and affections into it.  What a difference from what is so often the case in the work world where the rule of thumb is to only do work hard enough to keep one’s job.

          In 4:2-6 there is a call for persistent prayer and a wise walk.  The 3 terms in v2 are worth our attention.  Prayer is to be earnest. Effective prayer is work (4:12) and should regularly carry strong emotion.  The Psalms bear this out.  Prayer requires vigilance.  Are our eyes open to the needs of those around us and of the presence of the enemy?  Prayer must be thankful.  There is never a time when we come into God’s presence without much for which to thank Him.  Paul encourages these things and then asks that they pray for him in 2 things he desperately desires in sharing the gospel: an open door and boldness to speak.  Vs. 5-6 are also in the context of reaching out to an unbelieving world.  We must walk wisely, make good use of our opportunities, and be Spirit-led in our words.

          Look again at the passage for those things the Spirit would have you put into practice now.  The knowledge of God’s word is to generate a Christ-like life.