Colossians 3:18—4:6

God’s Saving Word: Love

Introduction

Colossians 3:18—4:6: Today’s reading contains Paul’s advice for Christian living and is reflective of the social structure of his time. He discusses family relationships and the relationship between slaves and their masters. The reading concludes with Paul admonishing the Colossians to be persistent in prayer, and he encourages them to treat non-believers in a way that demonstrates Christian love.

Scripture Reading

Personal Relations in the New Life

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.

²¹ Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. ²⁵ And all wrongdoers will be repaid for the wrong things they do, because God judges everyone by the same standard.

4 Masters, be fair and just in the way you treat your slaves. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.

Instructions

² Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God. ³ At the same time pray also for us, so that God will give us a good opportunity to preach his message about the secret of Christ. For that is why I am now in prison. ⁴ Pray, then, that I may speak, as I should, in such a way as to make it clear.

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. ⁶ Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone.

Today’s Key Verse:  Colossians 4:2

Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.

Reflect

Reread 4:2-6. What does Paul say about prayer? What instructions does he give about how to act toward non-believers? In verses 3:18—4:1, Paul discusses personal relationships in light of the new way of life (as per 3:8-11 from yesterday’s reading). What are your thoughts about what Paul has written in these verses?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are the true Master in heaven whom I serve.  May all I do this day reflect my love and devotion to you. Help me to be persistent in prayer, and draw me close to you. In Jesus’s holy name, I pray. Amen.

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Tomorrow’s Reading

Colossians 4:7-18: The apostle Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians with personal greetings.