A New Relationship with God and Outsiders – Colossians chapter 3 verse 22 to chapter 4 verse 6
A new relationship with God
A new relationship with God should flow out into all our relationships. So here we learn…
Slaves and masters, employers and employees
22 Slaves, you must always obey your earthly masters. Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart. 23 Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. 24 In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you. 25 But Christ has no favorites! He will punish evil people, just as they deserve.
4 Slave owners, be fair and honest with your slaves. Don’t forget that you have a Master in heaven.
Colossians 3:22-4:1
In the ancient world slaves who trusted in Christ were to be obedient to their earthly Masters. In the 21st Century, workers who trust in Christ are to be honest, doing a good day’s work.
In the ancient world masters who trusted in Christ were to treat their slaves well, knowing that they too have a greater Master, Jesus. So today employers are to treat their employees well and pay them what is fair.
The greatest Relationship
2 Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. 3 Be sure to pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain the mystery about Christ, even though I am in jail for doing this. 4 Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible.
Colossians 4:2-3
The greatest relationship. To God, we talk to Him in prayer, and especially with thanks for what He provides (which is everything).
And to outsiders
5 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
And to those who are not part of the community of faith. Be wise in how you live, be ready to share what you know, be courteous and gracious in how you speak, with a pinch of saltiness.
We are all to be willing slaves of Christ, the perfectly good Lord.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
