Paul Talks about Relationships
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Colossians 3:18-25. Paul talks about different relationships. He reminds us how we should act in these relationships. He tells wives they are to submit to their husbands. What does Paul mean by that statement?
The idea of submission doesn’t have anything to do with someone being smarter, better, or more talented than the other. It has to do with a God-appointed order of authority.
God doesn’t expect us to submit to an abusive husband. Paul told husbands to love their wives and not be angry towards them. If husbands love their wives like this they wouldn’t have any trouble with the wife submitting to them. Let’s look at this Scripture from Ephesians where Paul was talked about how husbands are to love their wives:
Ephesians 5:25-29:
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Paul talked to the children, telling them to obey their parents in everything, because it was pleasing to the Lord. He also talked about this in Ephesians 6:2 saying, “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise.)” Paul warned fathers not to provoke their children to anger so they don’t get discouraged.
Paul instructed the servants to obey their masters in the flesh. Even though we no longer have masters and servants, this means we submit to the people who have authority over us. He says we’re to obey the people we work for, not just when they are watching. We shouldn’t just try to please our employer, but work as unto the Lord.
Paul reminds believers whatever we do; we should do it as unto the Lord. We’re not to work just to please men. We need to work to please God. We know that our rewards come from the Lord, since we serve Him. Paul reminds us that whoever does wrong will reap for the wrong he has done and God is no respecter of persons. In other words, He treats us all equally.
Daily Bible Reading:
Colossians 3:18-25
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Things to think about:
- What do we learn from this Scripture about the husband-wife relationship?
- What do we learn from this Scripture about our relationships with our employers?
- How are your relationships pleasing to God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture that tells us how we should interact with one another. Help us to follow these guidelines. Help us to do what we do as if we were doing it for You. We know that You will reward us for the good we do and will punish us for the wrong we do, since You are our Heavenly Father. We love You, Lord. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
– Colossians 3:18-19
Featured Book:
The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse
by Deborah H. Bateman.
The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. This book is a study of the book of Colossians from the Old Testament of the Bible. The Book of Colossians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters. In this letter Paul acknowledges the people of Colosse for their faith in Jesus Christ, their love of the saints, and their hope in heaven.
Paul encourages the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord, to put their hope in the gospel, and to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. Paul also discusses with the people of Colosse how to have relationships that are pleasing to God. Paul reminds them of the great sacrifice that the Lord Jesus Christ made for them on the cross and encourages them to redeem the time.
The Book of Colossians: Paul’s Letter to Colosse contains eight Daily Bible Reading lessons, which can be used as a personal or group Bible study. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, several questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer to go along with the lesson. Our desire is that this book will help you to have a better understanding of Paul’s letter to the Colossians and how you can apply his message to your life today.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
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Deborah
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