Tychicus Colossians 4:7

Paul the apostle's final words to the Colossians were encouragements toward prayer, thankfulness, witnessing, walking in wisdom and speaking with salt seasoned grace. In chapter four and verse seven of his letter to the church members, Paul began to mention certain people who were with him and were instrumental in carrying the gospel to others. We read of one name “Tychicus” first:

All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother,

and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

The verse begins, “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you,” Paul began with “All my state” or “all of the conditions I am in” “shall Tychicus” whose name means “fateful” “declare unto you” or “make known unto you”. “Tychicus” was the person entrusted to carry this letter of Colossians to the church, and he was also entrusted with the book of Ephesians. The idea in those days was that each letter written by Paul was to be read by the church and then carried to the other churches to read. It is interesting to note that Paul's phrase in Greek was “gnōrizō Tychikos gnōrizō” which once agains shows the emphasis that Paul put upon his trust in Tychicus.

The verse continues, “who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:” Paul then adds three characteristics of “Tychicus” which were: “who is a beloved brother” or “the beloved brother” which means he was probably known to the Colossians. The phrase “beloved brother” means “esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love fellow believer, united to another by the bond of affection”. Paul also called “Tychicus” “and a faithful minister” or “trusty one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust, one that can be relied on or one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master; a servant, or attendant”. Finally Paul said “Tychicus” was “and a fellowservant in the Lord” which means “one who serves the same master with another; a colleague or associate who acknowledges the same Lord, Jesus, and obeys his commands”. No doubt Paul had full confidence that “Tychicus” would deliver not only his conditions, but also this letter of encouragement and exhortation to the Colossian church.

When we think about “Tychicus”, we should be directed toward the qualities that Paul wrote of him: “Beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellowservant in the Lord”. Would others say these things about us? Would they refer to us as “beloved, faithful and fellow serving” in the faith? As we ponder these things, let us ask the Lord to help us to grow in these areas that the gospel of Jesus Christ might be entrusted to us more and more. Remember, because of these qualities found within “Tychicus” we are studying Paul's words today. “Tychicus” was faithful and delivered the very words of Paul the apostle, and we are the benefactors of his character as we read them.

Next time Paul shares “Tychicus'” duty was to the church members, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Way to Speak Colossians 4:6

As Paul the apostle began to wind down his final words to the Colossian church, he gave them some practical instructions concerning their relationships with those who were outside of the faith, and he told them to redeem their time. In chapter four and verse six, Paul continued his charges by directing his attention toward the church members' speech and ability to answer others. We read:

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,

that you may know how you ought to answer every man.

The verse begins, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,” Paul began with the word “Let” which means “allow, permit or grant” and continued with “your speech” or “the words used or the way you talk” “be always with grace” or “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good-will, loving kindness and favor”. He adds, “seasoned with salt” which upon first glance might seem like a strange thing to say, however it means, “speech that is sprinkle with wisdom as salt is a symbol of lasting concord, because it protects food from putrefaction and preserves it unchanged.” The idea is that wise speech will be filled with preserving words which purify the conversation or event.

The verse goes on to say, “that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” The reason the church members were to allow their speech to “be always with grace, seasoned with salt” was “that you may know” which means “perceive, see or have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to” “how you ought to answer every man” or “fulfill what is necessary, behooving, right and proper” in giving answers to others. The speech of the church members was to be gracious and seasoning so they would be able to answer anyone they encountered.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, let us take the time to think about our own speech. Is it “always with grace”? Is it always, “seasoned with salt”? The opportunities afforded to us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ may be daily, and the manner in which we speak will have an effect upon our witness of how wonderful Jesus is. As we take the time to think and pray about these things, may the Lord help us in our manner of speech, and may He refine our words so we display a powerful witness of His saving grace to others.

Next time Paul shares about a man named “Tychicus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Redeeming the Time Colossians 4:5

After asking the Colossian church members to pray for “a door of utterance” be given to him to share the “mystery” of Jesus Christ, Paul the apostle gave a few more instructions to the church about the way they should conduct themselves. In chapter four and verse five, Paul told them to “walk in wisdom” and to be “redeeming the time” where we read:

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

The verse begins, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,” Paul's first instruction is “Walk” which means “to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities” “in wisdom” or “in broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters”. They were to do so “toward” or “to, with, and with regard to” “them that are without” which literally means “out of doors”. The idea is toward those who are “outside of the apostleship or Christianity”. The Colossians were not to be ignorant toward those who were outside of the faith and gospel which Paul shared with them, however they were to use their knowledge of the “outsiders' ways” to conduct themselves wisely among them.

The verse goes on to say, “redeeming the time.” “Redeeming” means “to buy up, to buy up for one's self, for one's use” “the time” or “to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own”. The idea is to “buy back or purchase” the time that is allotted and not to waste any time given to them.

As we ponder this verse, let us allow ourselves to think upon those “that are without” and the way we conduct ourselves among them. We must remember at one time we were “without”, and perhaps our wise way of living among them will bring them “within”. Paul knew there were false-teachers among the church in Colosse, and it was imperative that the church members “walk” wisely among them. There was to be no waste of time, and they were to “buy up” every opportunity they had to live as Christians in this world. As an example, if we were to take an hour glass and turn it over so as the sand was to fall through one grain at a time, we would get the sense of “redeeming the time”. As each grain falls through for our lives, we get closer and closer to the time when we expire. The sand doesn't stop flowing until all the grains fall through, and the question is, “What are we doing with our time?” May the Lord help us to “walk” wisely toward those “that are without”, and may we use every grain of sand to live in, be in, and promote the gospel of Jesus Christ before our final grain falls through the narrow passage of time.

Next time Paul instructs the Colossians how to speak so they might answer every man, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

As I Ought to Speak Colossians 4:4

After dealing with relationships which were in the Colossian church, Paul the apostle directed the church members toward prayer. They were to “continue in prayer with thanksgiving”, and pray for Paul and the others with him that they would be given a “door of utterance” to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In chapter four and verse four of his letter, Paul gives the church members the manner specifically in which he desires they pray. We read:

That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

The verse begins, “That I may make it manifest,” Paul continued his request for the “door of utterance” of the gospel by adding the Greek phrase “hina phaneroō autos phaneroō” where once again Paul uses a Greek word twice in the same phrase to demonstrate and emphasize his point. In English it translates to“That I may make it manifest” which means “to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, and to reveal whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way”. Paul desired prayer for himself from the church that he would be able to share the gospel in some manner whether it be by words, actions or any other way to share Jesus with others.

The verse continues, “as I ought to speak.” As Paul continued his thought, he shows his sense of obligation to the gospel as he wrote, “as I ought” which means “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” “to speak” or “talk, utter or make a sound” concerning Jesus Christ.

As we consider these words of Paul, we cannot help but think of the tenacity he had for the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was in prison for sharing the gospel, and still his request for the Colossians was they pray that he will be able to share the gospel more. He had such deep conviction for speaking about Jesus that he felt it an obligation to do so. What about us? Do we have this depth of passion to share with others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Are we so fully vested in the gospel that we want everyone to know Jesus as Savior and Lord? Let us remember as we ponder these things that Paul requested prayer for his obligation which indicated he had need for super-natural power to share the gospel, and may the Lord so fill us with His Spirit that “doors of utterance” will be open for us to share about His love and grace with everyone we meet.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians how to be with people who are outside of the church, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Door of Utterance and Bonds Colossians 4:3

After dealing with the idea of unity among the Colossian church members, Paul the apostle directed them toward prayer. They were to “continue in prayer” and do so with “thanksgiving” as they had their conversations with the Lord. In chapter four and verse three of his letter, Paul makes a special request of the church members concerning himself and those with him where we read:

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance,

to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

The verse begins, “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance,” Paul began with the word “Withal” which means “at the same time, at once or together”, and added “pray also for us” which refers to not only Paul but also the team of people who are with him. He doesn't identify who these people are at this point of his letter, but we recall from chapter one that Timothy was with him. His specific request was “that God would open unto us a door of utterance” which means “an opportunity to share a word uttered by a living voice which embodies a conception or idea”.

The verse goes on to say, “to speak the mystery of Christ,” Paul wanted “to speak” or “utter, talk or tell” about “the mystery of Christ” which means “the hidden purpose, counsel or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding of Christ Jesus, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Because there were so many people without understanding who might hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul desired to share with them the “hidden purpose” which God had in mind with Jesus' first coming.

Finally the verse says, “for which I am also in bonds:” As a special emphasis to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul added “for which I am also” which means “because of sharing the mystery of Christ Paul was in the following condition” “in bonds” or “bindings, ties, fastenings, or chains”. As a matter of containment it is said that Paul had two Roman guards attached to him at all times while he was in prison, and Paul noted the reason he was bound was because he shared “the mystery of Christ”.

Even in prison Paul desired to have a way to share with people about his Savior Jesus. As we vicariously put ourselves in the place of Paul, what would our prayer request be if we were in a Roman prison and chained to two Roman guards? Would it be for our release from prison, or to have the opportunity to share “the mystery of Christ” even more? Paul the apostle is a tenacious example for us as he exemplifies the person who is willing and courageous enough to share the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter what the conditions are. As we live in this world, may the Holy Spirit put within us the same desire to share Jesus Christ with whomever the Lord allows us the “door of utterance”.

Next time Paul asks the Colossians for a more specific prayer for himself, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Prayer with Thankfulness Colossians 4:2

After sharing with the Colossian church members concerning their relationships with one another and the importance of unity among them, Paul the apostle turned his attention towards relating with the Heavenly Father. In chapter four and verse two of his letter to the church, Paul wrote concerning prayer and thanksgiving where we read:

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

The verse begins, “Continue in prayer”. Paul begins his encouragement with “Continue” which means “to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one, to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing, constant all the time in a place, to persevere and not to faint, to show one's self courageous for, to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly” “in prayer” or “a place set apart or suited for addressing God”. Paul's idea was for the Colossians to be constantly talking and listening to God at all times and in every place.

The verse goes on to say, “and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” Paul gave further instructions in the area of prayer by stating “and watch” which means “give strict attention to, be cautious and active” “in the same with thankfulness” or “thanksgiving, gratitude and appreciation”. While the Colossians were praying constantly and everywhere, they were to have an attitude of being thankful to the Lord for everything He has provided.

This verse is one in which it is easy to give mental assent and agreement, however it is not easily followed. As we think about these words, let us ask ourselves, “Do we pray constantly and in every place?” “Do we have an attitude of gratefulness towards the Lord Jesus or do we use our prayer time as simply asking Him for more?” Paul's words were inspirational instructions for the Colossians, and they are equally as important for us. May the Lord remind us to “continue in prayer” and be thankful unto Him when we do.

Next time Paul asks the Colossians to pray for himself and the others with him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Paul Writes to Masters Colossians 4:1

In continuing his efforts to keep unity within the church located in Colosse, Paul the apostle addressed several groups concerning their behavior towards one another. Husbands, wives, children and servants were mentioned in chapter three of his letter, and they were instructed that their righteous deeds would destine them to “the reward of inheritance” which Christ would give them when He returns. In chapter four and verse one, Paul continues with his list of people groups by including “masters” or “employers” in his words. We read:

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal;

knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

The verse begins, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal;” Paul began this verse with the word “Masters” which were “the one to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; lord or one in command”. Today we would think of this person being an “employer”. Paul's instruction to the “masters” was to “give” which means “offer, afford, show or supply” “your servants” or “attendants or bondmen” “that which is just and equal” which means “righteous, due, fair or according to divine law”. “Masters” were not to hold back anything that was righteous and fair from their “servants”.

The verse goes on to say, “knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” The comparison given by Paul is “knowing” which means “seeing, perceiving or discerning” “that you also have a master” or “one who owns and is over everything” “in heaven” which is “the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. As “masters” ruled over their “servants”, they were to remember that they were ruled over from heaven as well.

As we meditate upon these words of Paul, we may think there are not as many “masters” and “servants” in our world like these in Colosse, however, there are “employers” and “employees”. As Christians it does not matter what position we are in, because it is important to know that we have a “master” over us in heaven. The Lord Jesus is watching the way we conduct ourselves as employees, and if there is any ingratitude by our employer, we must remember that ultimately we work as unto the Lord. If we are in the position of “employer”, we must not be too high minded and manage our “employees” with unfairness and despite. The Lord is watching over us, and Paul gives us our duties before Him. May we ever be mindful that is for the Lord we work, and as we work before Him, may we do all things pleasing in His eyes.

Next time Paul shares concerning prayer with thanksgiving, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Doing and Receiving for Wrong Colossians 3:24

Paul the apostle was concerned for the church members in Colosse. He desired that they live in peace and harmony with one another, and for this to be possible, they were to relate to one another as though they were relating to the Lord. They were to do everything they did “as unto the Lord, and not unto men”, and they would “receive the reward of inheritance” as they did. In chapter three and verse twenty-four we discover what Paul said would happen to those who do “wrong” among them. We read:

But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done:

and there is no respect of persons.

The verse begins, “But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done:” In contrast to those who would live righteously with one another, Paul uses the disassociation conjunction “But” to show a difference from “he that does wrong” or “acts unjustly or wickedly, sins, acts as a criminal, does hurt, damage or harm”. Paul is certain they “shall receive” or “obtain, carry off or bear” “for the wrong which he has done”.

The verse continues, “ and there is no respect of persons.” As an added qualifier to those who do “wrong”, Paul emphasizes “there is no respect of persons” which means “partiality” from one person to the next. There would be no division or office among the Colossians which would receive preferential treatment. Those who did “wrong” among them would receive for the “wrong” they did regardless of their social status or ranking.

These words of Paul can be ominous when we think them over for a while. How much “wrong” could one person do, and does this mean that everything “wrong” we do, we shall receive some sort of judgment for it? We must remember to keep the context of this letter in mind as we read this verse. Paul is addressing the division that has been caused by the false-teaching Judaizers and the Gnostics who were attempting to bring into the church their pernicious doctrines. These false-teachers divided husbands and wives, children and their parents, servants and their masters, and this “wrong” was the most disconcerting and wicked among them. We must attempt to keep away from wrongdoing, and there is no permission in the Lord's Jesus' grace to sin willfully and without regard to His way. However, when we do “wrong” and confess it to Jesus, He is willing to forgive us and cleanse us from all our sin. First John chapter one and verse nine says,

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Let us heed the warning of Paul to the Colossians, and remember to bring all our “wrongs” to the Lord.

Next time we begin the final chapter in Colossians and Paul shares with “Masters”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Reward of Inheritance Colossians 3:24

As Paul the apostle instructed the Colossian church members concerning their relationships with one another, he told them to do whatsoever they did “as unto the Lord, and not unto men”. This would help them to be in harmony with one another, and in chapter three and verse twenty-four of his letter Paul wrote about“the reward of inheritance” they would receive from the Lord if they did so. We read:

Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance:

for you serve the Lord Christ.

The verse begins, “Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance:” Because the focus of the Colossians would be “as unto the Lord”, they could be “Knowing” or “seeing, perceiving with their eyes, observing, and experiencing” “that of the Lord you shall receive” which means “to gain or recover what is due” “the reward of inheritance” or “the recompense, inheritance, property received (or to be received) by inheritance, or what is given to one as a possession the eternal blessedness of the consummated kingdom of God which is to be expected after the visible return of Christ”. As the church members worked “as unto the Lord”, they had the promise of a reward for doing so.

The verse continues, “for you serve the Lord Christ.” As though there needed to be an additional reference to serving the Lord, Paul reminds the Colossians “for you serve” or “are a slave to, do service for, obey and submit to” “the Lord Christ” who is “Jesus Christ”. Everything the Colossian church members did was as it was unto Jesus, and as they functioned in this manner, they could be certain to receive a reward from Him someday.

As we meditate upon these words of Paul, let us allow the Holy Spirit to help us function with the idea in mind that we do everything as unto the Lord and not unto men. The Lord has a “reward of inheritance” waiting for us, and as we serve, obey and submit to Him, we will not be disappointed. Though we may not receive the responses we desire from people when we serve them, we may know with certainty, as long as we are serving them with the Lord Jesus in mind, our service will not go unnoticed. May the Lord give us the strength and remind us to whom our service should be, and that He stands ready with a reward when we are through.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians what happens to those who do wrong, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Whatsoever as unto the Lord Colossians 3:23

As Paul the apostle desired unity within the church located in Colosse, he wrote to the wives, husbands, children and fathers concerning their behavior towards one another. He also share with the “servants” and the manner in which they should serve their masters. In chapter three and verse twenty-three of his letter to the church members, Paul gave instruction concerning where their focus should be when they did their works. We read:

And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

The verse begins, “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily,” Paul continued his thought concerning the servants with the word “And” which we know means a continuum of instruction, and he broadened his group of attention to include every person within the church as he told them, “whatsoever” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and all things whether collectively or individually” “you do”, “do it heartily” which means “with all your soul, breath, seat of feelings, desires, affections and aversions”. We might say, “Do it with all your heart”.

The verse goes on to say, “as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Notice to whom the things done are to be directed, “as to the Lord” which means “to the Creator, God, the One who owns everything, and is over all”. The work or functions of the Colossian church members were to be done as unto the Lord, “and not unto men” which means “before and for only the sake of men”. In other words, the works that were done, and the obedience which was to be followed, was to be done directly towards the Lord and not towards human beings.

If we seek a more challenging verse in this letter to the church members in Colosse, there are not many to compare. When we realize that every act, every function and every activity should be as unto the Lord rather than men, we will have reached a level of closeness with the Lord that is ultimate. It is imperative as we meditate upon this verse to realize that we work and do things unto the Lord, and it is for Him we obey. Whether the function is related to a wife to her husband, a husband to his wife, a child to his parents, a servant to his master or any other relationship which requires something to be done toward another person, everything should be done as unto the Lord. It is almost like the person to whom the duty is performed is there to receive it, but the Lord is on the other side of them and the person becomes transparent. We work as unto the Lord, and when we realize this truth, we will have less regard to the lack of man's gratefulness and appreciation whenever we do things for them. It is the Lord who is our focus, and He will always be blessed by our “hearty” deeds.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians how the Lord will reward them when they do as unto Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Paul Writes to Servants - Colossians 3:22

As Paul the apostle continued to address the need for unity and cohesion within the church at Colosse, he began to work with specific people groups within the church. He wrote to wives, husbands, children and fathers, and in chapter three and verse twenty-two of his letter to them, Paul turned his attention on the servants who were among them. We read:

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

The verse begins, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh;” Paul began with the word “Servants” which is the Greek word “dulous” and means “a slave, bondman, man of servile condition”. We might better know them as “employees”, and his directive to them is to “obey” or “listen to, hearken to, or submit to” “in all things” which means “each, every, any and all things whether individually or collectively” “your masters” which refers to “one to whom a person or thing belongs, the possessor or disposer of something, or one who has respect, honor and the power of deciding”. They were to “obey” them “according to the flesh” which means “down from, throughout, according to and toward the natural things of the body”. The idea was for “servants” to be in subjection to their masters in all the things which employ their bodies for their care.

The verse continues, “ not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:” Paul added a specific way “servants” are not to be when he wrote, “not with eye-service” or “with service performed only under the master's eyes or which renders sluggish in his absence”. He goes on to add “as men-pleasers” which are people who “study to please men or count the favor of men”. Paul went on to give the way these servant should be when he wrote “but in singleness of heart” or “simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty, the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy”. These are those who are “not self-seeking and have an openness of heart manifesting itself in generosity”, and “servants” were to obey their masters in this manner with the understanding that they were “fearing God” or “reverencing and respecting God” when they did so.

As we think upon these words of Paul, let us consider behavior in the work place. Paul's idea was for the church members of Colosse to dwell in unity, and as he addressed the “servants” and their role toward their “masters” certainly this could have been an area of contention. As “servants” or “employees” the key to understanding this verse is remember who our true “master” or “boss” is. When we work as unto the Lord and not just for our bosses, we will not be slighting Him in His absence or making ourselves look good only in His presence. We will understand that we are always in the Lord's presence, and there should never be a time when we do not give or provide our best. May the Lord help us know and understand that when we work we do so as unto God and not only unto men.

Next time Paul tells the Colossians they should do everything as unto the Lord, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Paul Writes to Fathers Colossians 3:21

Paul the apostle knew it was imperative for the Colossian church member to have unity within the church. Relationships often impede cohesion, so Paul wrote to them concerning the relationships between wives and their husbands, husbands and wives, and parents to children. In chapter three and verse twenty-one of his letter, Paul addressed the fathers and their behavior toward their children where we read:

Fathers, provoke not your children (to anger), lest they be discouraged.

The verse begins, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,” Without doubt we know to whom Paul is writing this verse - “Fathers”. Those men to whom the Heavenly Father gave the privilege of being “Fathers” no doubt tuned in when this verse was read to them. Paul's charge to them is interesting, “provoke not” which means “do not stir up, excite or stimulate” “your children” or “offspring”. The words “(to anger)” are in parenthesis which means they were added by the interpreters , but the idea is to “exasperate or provoke” children to the point of being angry.

The verse continues, “lest they be discouraged.” Paul gave a specific reason for fathers not to “provoke” their children, “lest” or “unless” “they be discouraged” which means “disheartened, dispirited or broken in spirit”. In other words, fathers who provoke their children to the point of anger will often destroy the spirit within those children, and this leads to great disunity and disharmony within the home.

Perhaps as we meditate upon these words of Paul, we find ourselves in one of several or more positions. We may be fathers, or we may be thinking of our fathers. It might be that we are thinking about someone else's father or a child who was disheartened by their father. Wherever the Lord Jesus leads us in our thoughts concerning this verse, let us be yielded to the Holy Spirit and His direction. We all have certainly been children of fathers, and it might be that someone fit into that role during our upbringing, but we know the importance of not provoking children in such a manner that we destroy their spirits. Let us be reminded of Psalm 127:1

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

They're His kids, and we should take great concern in the manner in which we raise them.

Next time Paul writes to servants, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

 

Paul Writes to Children - Colossians 3:20

Paul desired harmony and unity among the church members in Colosse. Judaizers and Gnostics who were false teachers among them were causing disunity because of their heresies, and Paul told the Colossian church the importance of charity, peace, thankfulness, and manifesting their faith through their word and deeds. He began addressing specific groups of people within the church which began with wives and husbands, and in chapter three and verse twenty of his letter, he wrote to the children who were among them. We read:

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

The verse begins, “Children, obey your parents in all things:” Once again Paul has targeted a specific group in which to give instruction - “Children”. These were the offspring of those within the church body in Colosse, and they were to “obey your parents” which means “to listen to, hearken to and submit to” their “fathers and mothers”. Notice too they were to “obey” “in all things” which means “individually and collectively” everything their parents requested and demanded of them.

The verse goes on to say, “for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” There is a qualifier to the “Children's” obedience which was “for this is well pleasing” or “acceptable” “unto the Lord” who is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's as though when children obeyed their parents, it made God smile, and He was “well-pleased” with them.

Obedience from any faction seems difficult at times, and as we meditate upon this verse we may remember times when we obeyed our parents and other times when we did not. There is unity and harmony when children are obedient to their parents, and when the parents are Christians like these church members of Colosse, there should be no unreasonable or ungodly demands put upon their children. Rebellion from a child bring chaos and disharmony, and it is not “well-pleasing” unto the Lord when it occurs. Perhaps as we think on Paul's words we will remember what it is to be a child, and perhaps what it means to govern over a child in a parental role. May the Lord help us to be “well-pleasing” in whichever role we find ourselves.

Next time Paul addresses fathers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.