Colossians 3:18-4:1; Psalm 94

Colossians 3:18-4:1
This section gives us common sense advice on family and work relationships.

• Wives are to willingly follow their husband's leadership in the Lord.
• Husbands are to love their wives and never be harsh toward them.
• Children are to be obedient to their parents.
• Parents are not to be unreasonable so as to discourage their children.

The next section requires a little explanation. Paul is not dealing with the issue of slavery as such. Rather, he is talking to people who may have found themselves as part of the slavery system which was widespread in the Roman empire. In our day, we can make application to the employer/employee relationship.

• Employees should work hard all the time, not just when the boss or supervisor is looking.
• As an employee, you are to serve as if you are serving the Lord because in reality that is what you're doing!
• Employers are to be fair because they also have a Master--in heaven!

Psalm 94
Every time we turn on the news, we see and hear about unspeakable evil that takes place--people who practice violence and cruelty that we can't even understand! It helps us to remember that God is not deaf, and He is not blind, v. 9. God sees and knows all this whether the evil comes from an individual, a group, or a nation. He even knows their evil thoughts, and He will judge them.

We must remember that God promises us that He will not abandon us v. 14, He will always love us v. 18, and He will give us comfort, hope and cheer v. 19.

"God will turn the sins of evil people back on them. He will destroy them for their sins" v. 23

"But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide." v. 22

And so...sometimes we just have to turn the news off and open our Bibles and remember that God is in control; nothing happens without His knowledge and consent; He will judge the wicked; and He will care for His own children!