1. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-221 Colossians 3:20-22 by Bob DeWaay Gospel of Grace Fellowship September 6, 2015

2. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-222  “Obey” is a strong word and different from the term “be submissive” for wives  “Children” are those growing up, subjected to parents  Children are addressed as responsible persons in the congregation  “Pleasing” denotes conduct acceptable to God Colossians 3:20 (NET) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.

3. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-223  “Not provoke” is imperative in the Greek  Provoke implies “stir up bitterness”  Children are persons who bear God’s image  Children could lose heart if the father is impossible to please Colossians 3:21 (NET) Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.

4. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-224  They are to obey “masters” but fear “The Master”  Christian slaves were to serve with singleness of heart Colossians 3:22 (NET) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching—like those who are strictly people-pleasers—but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord.

5. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-225  The New Testament gives Christian principles but no compendium of case law  Christians are to honor earthly relationships in a Christ-like manner  Christians with authority over others must never abuse that authority

6. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-226  Jesus applies Isaiah 29:13  Human traditions continually grow and expand over time  The Christian principles of Scripture are timeless Mark 7:7, 8 (NASB) “But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.

7. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-227  Pleasing God in all things is a key principle  Those who look to man for their well-being become bitter  God will not fail us; Deut. 31:8; Heb 13:6 Colossians 1:10 (NASB) so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

8. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-228  “Bring them up” is literally “nourish” in the imperative  It is easy to be mean and nasty, but it is not how to be a godly father  To instruct in the Lord we must be submitted to the Lordship of Christ Ephesians 6:4 (NASB) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

9. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-229  Elders must feed the sheep and not abuse them  All are under Christ and the authority of Scripture  Elders are to be examples, not oppressors (Eze. 34:4) 1Peter 5:2, 3 (NASB) shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

10. Pleasing the Lord: Colossians 3:20-2210  Jesus laid down His life so that we might be saved  We are safe when we trust in Christ alone and serve Him John 10:9 - 11 (NASB) I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.