Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-22 1

Pleasing the Lord in Our Relationships

Colossians 3:20-22

by Bob DeWaayGospel of Grace Fellowship

September 6, 2015

Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-22 2

Children Must Obey Their Parents

“Obey” is a strong word and different from the term “be submissive” for wives

“Children” are those growing up, subjected to parents

Children are addressed as responsible persons in the congregation

“Pleasing” denotes conduct acceptable to God

Colossians 3:20 (NET)Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-22 3

Fathers Must Not Be Harsh and Unreasonable

“Not provoke” is imperative in the Greek Provoke implies “stir up bitterness” Children are persons who bear God’s image Children could lose heart if the father is

impossible to please

Colossians 3:21 (NET)Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.

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Slaves Must Obey Their Earthly Masters

They are to obey “masters” but fear “The Master” Christian slaves were to serve with singleness of

heart

Colossians 3:22 (NET)Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching—like those who are strictly people-pleasers—but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

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Implications and Applications

The New Testament gives Christian principles but no compendium of case law

Christians are to honor earthly relationships in a Christ-like manner

Christians with authority over others must never abuse that authority

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There Is No NT Talmud

Jesus applies Isaiah 29:13 Human traditions continually grow and expand

over time The Christian principles of Scripture are timeless

Mark 7:7, 8 (NASB)“But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.

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Being Christ-Like in Our Relationships

Pleasing God in all things is a key principle Those who look to man for their well-being

become bitter God will not fail us; Deut. 31:8; Heb 13:6

Colossians 1:10 (NASB)so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

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Do Not Abuse Authority

“Bring them up” is literally “nourish” in the imperative

It is easy to be mean and nasty, but it is not how to be a godly father

To instruct in the Lord we must be submitted to the Lordship of Christ

Ephesians 6:4 (NASB)Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

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Do Not Abuse Authority in the Church

Elders must feed the sheep and not abuse them All are under Christ and the authority of Scripture Elders are to be examples, not oppressors (Eze. 34:4)

1Peter 5:2, 3 (NASB)shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

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Come to Jesus the Good Shepherd

Jesus laid down His life so that we might be saved We are safe when we trust in Christ alone and

serve Him

John 10:9 - 11 (NASB)I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.