From our recent studies in Colossians 3, you will remember that the Apostle Paul has been giving us a look at how the new life that we have been granted in our Lord Jesus Christ is to be on display. And we have also learned that the Gospel that has saved us is also the Gospel that begins to drastically change everything about us! Specifically, we see these Spirit-empowered changes in our relationships with one another, beginning with those within the fellowship of the Church (vv. 12-17).

And then, in Colossians 3:20, Paul turns to speak of our relationships within the home, or household. And we recall that in the ancient world of Paul, there were three components of the home. We have already considered that of the “wives” and “husbands” (vv. 18-19). And then there were “children” and “parents” (vv. 20-21), what we will investigate this coming Lord’s Day. And finally, there were “bondservants” and “masters” (vv. 22-4:1). The larger point being made here is that Christ’s Lordship must find practical and demonstrable expression, particularly in the home.

This coming Lord’s Day morning our focus will be upon the relationship between parents and their children. In 3:20-21, the Apostle will set out the duties of the “children” and those of the parents, with special emphasis upon the “fathers.” On Sunday, we will look very closely at what Paul says concerning the children. And then next time, we will return to this passage to consider what the Apostle says to the “fathers.”

Again, it will be helpful to study this passage alongside Ephesians 6:1-4 as you prepare for worship.