Over the last 2 weeks, we have been discussing that (because we already are a “new person” in Jesus Christ); we should rid ourselves of our old sinful habits and “clothe ourselves” with Christ-like virtues.

When we choose to do anything “in the name of Jesus,” we are pretty much saying: “Jesus… I give this activity or relationship over to your Lordship and I want to act as your representative within it.”

2 Corinthians 5: “ 19 … [God] has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…”

In Colossians 3:18 – 4:1, Paul explores how to live in Jesus’ name within the most sacred part of life that we are given: within our family life & household! Ephesians 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Colossians 3: “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

Colossians 3: “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers [or Parents], do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

Ephesians 6: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 ‘ Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Colossians 3:22 – 4:1 addresses a common “household issue” in the Roman world: slavery. Paul instructs slaves to serve with integrity, as if they were serving Jesus and he warns Christian masters to treat their slaves/servants fairly.

Colossians 3: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”

Colossians 4: “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” ** Revelation 3:8 **

Colossians 4: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Are you fully living in Jesus’ name? 1.) In all your close family relations? 2.) In your close & casual friendships? 3.) At school or at work? 4.) In your neighborhood & community? 5.) In times of leisure & in times of crisis?

As we sing our Closing Song today, all couples & families, are invited to come to the altar and pray who are seeking:  Forgiveness or Reconciliation  Unity in the Home  A Fresh Start