Rooted: Colossians - Week 8
The Gospel at Home and Work
Colossians 3:18–4:1
1. Gospel-Rooted Love in Marriage
Colossians 3:18–19
- When Christ is Lord over the marriage, both spouses thrive in love, respect, and grace.
2. Gospel-Guided Parenting
Colossians 3:20–21
- Gospel-shaped parenting leads with patience, discipline, encouragement, and a heart that points children to Christ, not just to rules.
3. Christlike Integrity at Work
Colossians 3:22–4:1
- Our work becomes worship when we serve with excellence and integrity, motivated by who we serve — not just what we do.
4. Authority with Compassion
Colossians 4:1
- Leaders who follow Jesus will lead with fairness, humility, and care for the people they oversee.
Small Group Questions
1. Where have you seen the gospel make a real difference in your closest relationships — marriage, family, or work?
2. Which part of Paul’s teaching in this passage is most challenging for you to live out right now? Why?
3. What does it practically look like to “work as unto the Lord” in your current job or daily responsibilities?
4. How can gospel-rooted love reshape the way you handle conflict in marriage or parenting?
5. Is there a relationship or responsibility in your life that needs to be surrendered to Christ’s Lordship? What might that surrender look like?
3 Day Devotional
Day 1: Christ at Home
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Colossians 3:18-21
Reflection: The gospel doesn’t just change what we believe — it changes how we love. In these verses, Paul brings the lordship of Christ into our most personal relationships. In a culture that often prizes individual rights above all, Paul calls us to mutual love, respect, and humility. For husbands, that means sacrificial love. For wives, willing respect. For parents, gentle instruction. For children, obedience is rooted in trust. These are not rules to restrict — they are rhythms that reflect Christ.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, reshape the way I love and lead in my home. Show me where I’ve relied on control or pride instead of grace and truth. Help me reflect You in my closest relationships.
Day 2: Christ at Work
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:22-4:1
Reflection: Work often feels ordinary, but Paul reminds us it can be sacred. Whether you lead a company, care for a home, study for a degree, or punch a clock — your work becomes worship when done for Christ. Integrity, excellence, and humility are no longer optional when Jesus is your true boss. Even when no one’s watching, He is. Even when you feel unseen, He sees.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me approach my work — big or small — with a heart that honors You. Let my effort, attitude, and integrity be shaped by Your gospel.
Day 3: Realignment Through the Gospel
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...” - Colossians 3:17
Reflection: Paul is clear: everything — relationships, parenting, jobs, even conversations — should flow from the name and nature of Jesus. But what if things feel out of alignment? What if your home or work life feels messy or misaligned with Christ? That’s when we run to grace. The gospel not only sets the standard — it gives the power to change. Jesus forgives, restores, and realigns what’s broken.
Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You that I don’t have to fix my life on my own. I surrender my home, my work, and my relationships to You again. Reshape me from the inside out.