Colossians 3:18-25 (MSG)

18 Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.

19 Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don’t take advantage of them.

20 Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.

21 Parents, don’t come down too hard on your children or you’ll crush their spirits.

22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

​Colossians 3:18-25 (MSG)

General Context Questions

• Who wrote this? Who is or which groups of people are involved?
• Was this written before, during, or after Jesus’ lifetime?
• Is this a narrative, a parable, a praise, a suggestion, a command, an instruction, or something else?
• Is there anything that stands out to you?
• Did anything confuse you? Were there words or phrases that didn’t make sense?

Specific Questions

• What behaviors do you associate with a wife that submits to her husband? Do you know any women who you feel fit this description?
• Husbands, when was the last time you did something based on the love you have for your wife? What did you do?
• How do you balance discipline and instruction with avoiding coming down too hard on children?
• Do you have any "earthly masters"? What sort of effort do you put into the tasks they give you? Do you feel like you put in the kind of effort described in this passage?
• What does it mean to "come into your inheritance"?