Jesus, Lord of My Home.

Colossians 3:18-21

Introduction

• Colossians 3:18-21

• Colossians 3:1

How does Jesus become Lord of My Home?

1. Children Obey

• Colossians 3:20

• Romans 1:28-30

• Exodus 20:12

• Acts 5:29

2. Parents Grow Up

• Colossians 3:21

• Hebrews 11:23

• Proverbs 22:15

• Ephesians 6:4

Application

• Family testimony time

• Talk about Jesus is teaching you

  • 1  Peter 3:15

Big Idea:

A Christ-centered home is one where children learn to follow Christ through obedience, and fathers use their influence and authority to encourage their children toward spiritual maturity rather than discouraging them.

1. Warm-Up

When you were growing up, what did a parent or significant adult do that made you want to listen to them—not because you were afraid of them, but because you trusted or respected them?

Transition:

Paul is going to give children a command to obey, but he immediately gives parents a command about how they use their authority. Both commands are ultimately connected to following Jesus.

2. Read the Text Colossians 3:18–21.

Then read or summarize Colossians 3:12–17.

What did Paul tell believers to put on?

3. Children: Obedience That Pleases the Lord

Read Colossians 3:20:

Why do you think Paul connects a child's obedience to the Lord rather than simply saying, "Obey your parents because they're your parents"?

What difference does it make when a child learns, "I obey because I belong to Jesus," rather than simply, "I obey because Dad said so"?

Insight:

The goal is to see that Christian obedience isn't ultimately about pleasing Mom and Dad. It is about learning to live under the Lordship of Christ.

Important Clarification:

Paul's command doesn't mean parents are always right or that children must obey sinful or abusive commands. Rather, Paul is describing the normal pattern of a healthy Christian household. Parents exercise legitimate authority. Children respond with appropriate obedience. Both live under Christ's authority.

How can parents teach obedience while also teaching their children to think biblically, ask questions, and understand why God's ways are good?

4. Parents: Don't Discourage Your Children

Now read Colossians 3:21.

What are some ways a Mom and Dad can unintentionally exasperate or discourage his children?

5. The Positive Side of Paul's Command

Read Colossians 3:12-17

Paul wrote, "Do not exasperate your children." What would the positive alternative be?

If parents are not supposed to lead through exasperation, what should characterize their authority and leadership?

Which of those qualities would most change the atmosphere of a home if parents intentionally practiced it? Why?

Insight:

Paul didn’t merely tell parents what NOT to do. He's showing us the kind of people parents should become so that their influence helps their children grow.

6. Bringing It Together

Read Colossians 1:28:

What was Paul’s motivation as he ministered in the name of the Lord to people?

Insight:

How might home life change if Christian parents became more concerned about helping their children become mature followers of Christ over simply obeying them?

7. Application

For parents: Am I more concerned with getting my children to behave—or helping them become mature followers of Christ?

For parents: What is one thing I could change this week that would make my child feel more encouraged, loved, and motivated to follow Christ?

For everyone: What did your family teach you about God through the way authority was exercised in your home?

Closing Thought:

Paul's vision for the Christian home isn’t just to have obedient kids. He wanted parents to build a Christ-centered home. Children learn to obey because they belong to Christ and want to please Him. Parents should lead and exercise their authority in a way that doesn't crush their children's spirits but encourages them toward maturity in Christ. The goal isn't merely compliance. The goal is formation. The ultimate model is Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

"Father, thank You for giving us Your Word and for showing us how the gospel should shape our homes. Help our children learn obedience that pleases You. Help fathers lead with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Keep us from using our authority in ways that discourage our children. Instead, help us use our influence to point them toward Jesus and help them become mature followers of Christ. In Jesus' name, amen."