Peparing for the Judgement Colossians 3: 17-25 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Christians often overlook the coming judgment of Christians. If you are saved, you have a guaranteed place in heaven, but we will be judged for our service. We have to give an account of everything we do on earth. 2 Cor 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
How can you assure yourself that you will do well in the judgment? The guidelines are in Col 3:17-25. Col 3:24: “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Jesus Christ.” At this judgment, Jesus will judge:
Your motive – 1 Cor 10:31 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” John 14:13: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Your motive is best determined by who gets the glory when doing your activities. If you can thank God for your ability and give him the glory in any particular action, you will be rewarded for it.
Your attitude (v.17) – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Wives’ submission to their husbands (v.18) – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” Christ submitted himself to the Father, and the Church has to submit to Christ.
Husbands’ love for their wives (v.19) – “Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church, Eph 5:25.
Children’s obedience to their parents (v.20) – “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Christian parents are generally trying to raise children correctly. Unless they want you to do something wrong, you are to obey them in all things.
Fathers’ instruction (v.21) – “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Fathers need to train and discipline and lead by example. Encourage your children.
Employees’ service to their employers (v.22) “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God” We need to be diligent and work hard, not just when our bosses are looking.
Your effort (v.23) – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
If you do everything according to these guidelines, you will receive a good reward. If anything you do is failing these, you will lose rewards.