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Duties of Saints, pt4. SERVE

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Living the Christian Life:

In Colossians 3:1-4:6, Paul encourages Christians to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ. He challenges us to seek things above, focusing on heavenly things while living responsibly here on earth. The principles laid out by Paul guide our daily actions as individuals and members of one another.

These verses remind us that living as Christians involves things we can do, you and I, to embody these teachings.

1) Submit. Submission is a key theme in the Christian life, and it touches various aspects of our relationships and responsibilities. Here are several areas where Paul tells us to SUBMIT To:

a) Spouses (Colossians 3:18-19; Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

The first place where submission begins is in the home. Wives to submit to their husbands, while husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh with them. This mutual submission creates a loving and harmonious household, reflecting Christ’s relationship with the church (Ephesians 5:22-33). If we’re married, you and I are to build marriages that mirror this sacred love and respect.

b) Unity with One Another (Ephesians 5:21; 4:1-6)

Submission doesn’t stop in the home—it extends to the church. There is mutual submission among believers out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Unity requires humility, patience, and bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). In a world where division often reigns, you and I can stand out as peacemakers, fostering unity and love in our relationships.

c) Children (Ephesians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:20; Matthew 15:4; Mark 7:10)

Children are instructed to obey their parents, honoring them as God has commanded (Ephesians 6:1-2; Colossians 3:20). Parents, on the other hand, should not provoke their children but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. As parents, grandparents, or caregivers, you and I have a responsibility to raise the next generation with wisdom, love, and guidance according to God’s word.

d) Masters (Ephesians 6:5; 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9; Colossians 3:22; 1 Peter 2:18)

In the workplace, Christians are to submit to their employers, working wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord (Colossians 3:22). This principle applies whether you are an employee or in a position of leadership. You and I are to treat those we work with or for with integrity and respect, always reflecting Christ in our actions.

e) In the Church (1 Peter 5:5; Hebrews 13:7, 17)

Within the church, submission to spiritual leaders is essential for maintaining order and spiritual growth. We are to respect and follow those who watch over our souls, submitting to their leadership as they guide us in our walk with Christ (Hebrews 13:7, 17). You and I can contribute to the health of the church by being humble, teachable, and respectful.

f) Territory (Romans 13:1-7)

Submission also extends to governing authorities. Paul reminds us that all authority is established by God, and as Christians, we are to be law-abiding citizens (Romans 13:1-7). Whether we agree with every decision or not, you and I are to respect authority, as long as it doesn’t conflict with God’s commands, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

2) Earn for Our Needs (Ephesians 4:28; 6:5; Colossians 3:22)

Work is a gift from God, and earning an honest living is part of our responsibilities as saints. Paul encourages believers to work hard, not just for themselves but so they can help those in need (Ephesians 4:28). You and I are to be diligent and faithful in our work, providing for our families and contributing to the well-being of others.

3) Relieve the Afflicted (1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 4:9)

Hospitality and care for the afflicted are essential aspects of Christian love. Peter exhorts us to show hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). Whether through financial support, emotional encouragement, or practical assistance, you and I can bring comfort to those who are suffering, offering a tangible expression of Christ’s love.

4) Visit the Widows and Orphans in Their Need (James 1:27)

True religion, according to James, is marked by care for the most vulnerable: widows and orphans. Visiting and helping them in their distress is a way to practice our faith in action (James 1:27). You and I can look for opportunities to serve those who are often overlooked, offering them hope and support in their times of need.

5) Edify the Saints (1 Timothy 1:4; Ephesians 4:12, 16, 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Romans 14:19, 15:2)

Finally, Christians are to build one another up. Whether through words of encouragement, teaching, or acts of service, our goal is to strengthen the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). You and I can help fellow believers grow in their faith and love for God.

Conclusion

In summary, Paul’s teaching in Colossians 3:1–4:6 provides a clear path for how you and I can live as Christians. By submitting in various relationships, working diligently, caring for the afflicted, and edifying the church, we embody the character of Christ and reflect His love to the world. These are practical actions we can take every day to live out our faith and bring glory to God.

Agape,

spencer

This is part 4 of a series of lessons on the Duties of Saints, pt1

Here is part 2 on the Duties of Saints.

Lessons from 1Peter 5; SUBMIT

The Preacher 1 Comment

1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Younger SUBMIT. [1Peter 5:5; cf 2:13-3:6; Heb 13:7,17; Eph 20; 1Thess 5:12]

Surrender (obey) [Heb 13:17]

Understanding [Heb 13:7]

Blissfully (with joy) [Heb 13:17]

Monetize them. [1Tim 5:17]

Identify w/ their work [Heb 13:7; Col 4:18]

Trust them. [Heb 13:17]

Spencer is an evangelist for the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ in Borger Texas.

Lessons from 1Peter: SUBMIT

The Preacher 1 Comment

SUBMIT

1 Peter 2:13-25

SPOUSES. 1Pet 3:1-7; 1Cor 7:1-5; Eph 5:22-33

USA. Gov. 1Pet 2:13; Rom 13:1-7;

BRETHREN that labor in the Lord. 1Pet 5:5

MASTERS. 1Peter 2:18; Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22

IN THE CHURCH. Heb 13:17; 1Pet 5:5

TRUE EXAMPLE. SUFFERING like Christ.   1Pet 2:21-25

4 duties toward Government

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YOU’RE EITHER HAPPY with the result or not. Now what? What if your candidate wasn’t picked? What are you, as a Christian, supposed to do? To figure that out we must do what we always do. We ask, “What does the Bible Say?”

4 things every Christians must do for Government

The Word of God teaches us how to function with the civil authorities, especially those with whom we disagree. Whether we like who won or not, there are 4 things the Scriptures teach us about our duty to them.

1) SUBMIT –  God expects His people to submit to the civil authorities. Paul wrote, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” [Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1Peter 2:13-16].

It’s more than just because God said so. He explains why we are to submit. The civil authorities are “God’s minister to you for good” [Romans 13:3-4]. When we resist, we bring judgement upon ourselves. We have no fear of government even if they, unjustly, cast us into prison for our faith [Acts 5:18; Revelation 2:10]. The civil agents, when acting as God intended, are not a terror to good works [1Timothy 2:1-2; Romans 13:3].

2) RESIST – There are limitations to the above rule. When the Apostles were commanded “not to teach in this name” Peter stood up and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men” [Acts 5:29]. We are citizens of a Superior Kingdom and follow a Superior King, Christ Jesus. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” [1Peter 2:9]. “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” [Colossians 1:13].

We can call out the authorities when they act unjustly. This is what Paul did when he was arrested & beaten in Phillipi. Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out” [Acts 16:22-24, 35-40]. We submit when they act justly & resist when they don’t. In either case, without sin; “Be angry, and do not sin” [Ephesians 4:26a]. Submission is not authorization for abuse [1Peter 2:16].

3) GIVE HONOR & PAY TAXES – Though few ever enjoy paying taxes, God has authorized government to collect them. Jesus taught this through His own example during His time here on earth. “They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” [Matthew 22:21; cr. Matthew 17:24]

God explained why, they bear the sword of justice, “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” [Romans 13:6 -7]. Tax evasion is against both the law of the land and the Law of Christ, but tax avoidance is legal under both.

4) PRAY FOR THEM – “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” [1Timothy 2:1-4].

We should be thankful for living in a place that allows us to choose our government. We should be thankful for the peacemakers (police / military) who place themselves in harms way to maintain order. God has given us these authorities so that we can live in a free country and enjoy peace. This peace allows for us all to have a quite life and to worship God.

This peace serves another purpose. Paul continued, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” The peace brought to us through the civil authorities allows free course to the gospel. This can and must be done when there is no peace, but I’m grateful that, for now, we can teach the Gospel without fear.

CONCLUSION: Regardless the winner, we remain citizens of a heavenly kingdom and God still reigns. In this we can take comfort and have joy. No government, president or king should ever stop us from glorifying God nor stop us from spreading the good news.

“This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.”  (KJV) [Daniel 4:17]