Paul addresses the relationships within the household and calls each person to live in a way that is fitting before the Lord. Wives are told to be subject to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord, and husbands are told to love their wives and not become harsh or embittered toward them.
Children are instructed to obey their parents in everything, because this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers are warned not to provoke or exasperate their children, so that the children will not lose heart.
Paul then speaks to slaves, telling them to obey their earthly masters in everything—not merely with outward service to please people, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever they do, they are to work from the heart, as for the Lord and not merely for people.
The reason for this is that they know they will receive the inheritance from the Lord as their reward. Their true service is to the Lord Christ. At the same time, Paul says that the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of that wrong, and there is no partiality with God.
The passage presents everyday relationships and responsibilities as being lived before the Lord. Each person is called to act faithfully, sincerely, lovingly, and justly, knowing that Christ is the true Lord above all.
Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, June 22, 2026
Colossians 3:18-25
