JESUS ABOVE ALL My Life as a Christ-Follower Colossians 3 Take off worldly things - lust, evil desires, anger, filthy language, etc. Put on godly things - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, forgiveness. How do we accomplish that? Colossians 3:1-2 If we have been raised with Christ, we must keep seeking Jesus and we must keep our mind set on things above. Truth: Put on your new self. (Colossians 3:10) Greek term for new - anakainoō (not just different but altogether superior to the old) Truth: God is not a god of chaos or confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Truth: Someone must be the leader. (Romans 12:8) Paul’s Purpose: Godly Relationships Colossians 3:18-4:1 Wives submit yourselves to your husbands as is fitting to the Lord. What does it mean to submit? - An understanding of role not of value. - A willful decision. - You trust God’s plan. - Someone has to lead. God called the husband in the family to lead. “In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." - Harry S. Truman What does it not mean to submit? - It does not mean the wife is inferior in any way. - It does not mean to submit when the husband is violating the Word of God. .. When he contradicts the Word of God. .. When he is abusing his wife verbally or physically. .. When he is treating his wife as a possession and not as a partner. Husbands love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them. - How are husbands to love their wives? o A command to love. o An “agape” type of love - Deep affection - Sacrificial love - Seek the highest good even if it costs you personally. - Without bitterness toward her. o Is your love dependent on her submission? o Why? Because that is how God loves us! - God’s example: John 3:16 - “1 Corinthians 13 Kind of Love” Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. · Jesus provides a great example. · Sixth commandment of the Ten Commandments and the first that carries a promise. -“Honor your father and mother so that it may go well for you, and you will live long on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t be become discouraged. · It is a primary role of the Father to discipline and instruct the children. · The challenge: Do so in a way that your kids never doubt your love. Ephesians 6:1-4 · Some dads abuse their role, and it leads to a child who is broken. · The results: low self-esteem, poor grades, few friends, get into trouble more often. Dads who are engaged in the kids lives: 2X more likely to go to college; 80% less likely to spend time in jail; 75% less likely to experience teen pregnancy. Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Today’s Context: Employer-Employee Relationship o What should describe our work as employees? - Obedience (v.22) - Diligence (v. 22) - Attitude (v. 23) - Eternal perspective (v. 23) - Consequences for not doing our job (v. 24) o What should characterize our role as employers or managers over others? - Just (v. 4:1) - Fair - Treat others as God has treated you. Next Step: - Ask God to show you how to live more like Christ in your roles at home and work.