Intro: In this text we study the direct and simple exhortations from Paul about what impact the Gospel should have on our home and work lives. For the Christian, there should be no compartmentalization of life. Rather, whatever we do, whether at home or work or play should be reflect Jesus.

Text: Colossians 3:18–4:1

I. OUR HOME LIFE SHOULD BE A DISPLAY OF THE GOSPEL

1.1—Marriage is to be a reflection of Jesus’ relationship with the church.

• Ephesians 5:18-33; 1 Corinthians 11:3
• In particular, the relationship between a husband and wife should reflect and image the relationship between Christ and the Church.
• Just as Jesus is the head of the church, so a man is the head of his wife.

1.2—What do we mean by biblical male headship?

• First, it will help us to dispel misperceptions:                                   

                  1—Husbands are never commanded to rule their wives, but to love them.

                  2—Headship is never portrayed in Scripture as a means for self-satisfaction.

                  3—Headship is not the power of a superior over an inferior: Male headship is God’s biblical design for order, security and blessing in which women are not lowered or made to be subordinates, but instead are served, cherished, respected, protected, and encouraged to become all that God intends.

• Some thoughts about what it is to love your wife as Christ loved the church:

                  1—Love first. This means we don’t wait for our wives to start doingsomething better and then respond. We pave the way for changeby loving them first.

                  2—Love sacrificially. Men, do not sacrifice your family at the altar ofcorporate success or financial gain or self-absorption. Who is the onewho has to give in all the time?

                  3—Love permanently. Jesus does not leave his bride. 

1.3—How should a wife submit to her husband—especially when he is not currently leading well?

• Suggestions for how to encourage your husband’s leadership. 

                  1—Compensate without controlling. When you compensate (and you willhave to) try to do so without antagonizing or grabbing too muchcontrol. This is difficult, but, as you lead inhis lack, rememberthat this is not ideal and that it is ultimately better for the gap betweenyou two not to continue to widen, but for you to slow down and do yourbest to help him catch up.

                  2—Ask him how you can pray for him.

                  3—Ask for his prayers—gently.

                  4—Ask for his input and leadership.

1.4—What does it mean for children to obey their parents in everything?

• This is an attitude and posture—not a blanket statement.
• Obviously, if your parent is encouraging you to break a biblical command you should not obey.
• But what is in view here is preferences and atmosphere of a parent’s leadership in the home.
• Exodus 20:12

                  1–For children that still live at home: It is better to defer to your parents inmatters of preference (even if they are wrong!) than to disobey them.Ultimately, this is better for you. 

                  2—For adult children dealing with difficult parents: Do your best to honorthem, display Christ to them in a loving way.

1.5—Dads, what does it mean to not provoke your children?

• Be consistent—the same guy at home that you are in public
• Read the Bible to them (in addition to teaching them how to throw a curve ball or fix a car)
• Pray for them—and pray the Gospel—not self-absorbed self-esteem prayers. Children are sinners, and they need to repent and believe in Jesus.

“There is more mercy in Christ than there is sin in us” –Richard Sibbes

II. OUR WORK LIFE SHOULD BE A DISPLAY OF THE GOSPEL

2.1—Why doesn’t Paul speak against slavery?

• Certainly slavery is deeply sin and violates God’s law. But the reason Paul doesn’t address it here is because societal change is not his primary concern. Rather, his concern is heart change in the lives of the individuals and community to whom he is writing.
• We need to understand that the Bible is not primarily concerned with changing politics but rather bringing dead rebellious hearts of sinners back to life and teaching them what it means to follow Jesus.
• Paul does address it between two brothers—Philemon and Onesimus.

2.2—Seeing Work as Mission—How do you do that?

• See your job (whatever it is) as a gift.                  
• Realize you are in a Culture that is fallen
• You are there to reflect Jesus, not promote yourself.

III. OUR WHOLE LIVES–WHATEVER WE DO–SHOULD BE A DISPLAY OF THE GOSPEL 

3.1–Compartmentalization Kills

• For the Christian there is no “secular” and “spiritual.” All of life is spiritual. Everything we do is to be worship and response!
• 1 Corinthians 10:31—“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

CONCLUSION: THE GOSPEL AND GRACE

YOU CAN’T DO THIS—AND THAT IS GOOD NEWS!

1. We run the danger of pursing moral conformity rather than Jesus.

2. The Good News of the Gospel: Repent and Believe and Live!

• Dead hearts
• We hear the Gospel—it commands us to repent and believe: Turn and Trust.
• Dilemma: We cannot do this because we are spiritually dead due to our sin.
• Good News!—the Gospel Call creates what it commands.

3. If you are already a Christian—the grace that saved you is the same grace that empowers us to live lives that become increasingly like Jesus. He has imputed his righteousness to us and given us His Spirit so that we might live overcoming lives in this world.