The Gospel Works—Even There
We all love the idea of new beginnings—fresh starts, clean slates, second chances. But as Paul reminds us in Colossians, stepping into the new life in Christ means more than just a change in status—it demands a transformation in how we live, especially in how we relate to one another. The Gospel does not stop at salvation; it permeates every corner of our lives, even the most ordinary, complicated, or difficult relationships.
In Colossians 3:18–4:1, Paul brings the Gospel into the home and the workplace. It’s easy to read these verses as a list of outdated rules or cultural baggage, but they are anything but. In fact, these commands directly subverted the Roman household codes of the time. Paul does not affirm power structures; he calls each person—husband, wife, parent, child, slave, master—to mutual accountability under Christ. He mentions “Lord” or “Christ” seven times in these verses to emphasize that our relationships are not governed by culture or convenience but by the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Mutual responsibility is a Christ-like value.
In marriage, Paul speaks first to wives: “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord” (Col. 3:18). Far from endorsing inequality, Paul draws us back to Genesis 2:18, where Eve is described as “a helper suitable for him” (Hebrew: ezer kenegdo). This term, also used of God Himself in the Old Testament, communicates strength and partnership, not inferiority. Biblical submission is not blind obedience or forced silence—it is intelligent, willing, and rooted in trust and love. Christ submitted to the will of the Father, and that did not make Him lesser. Likewise, a wife’s submission reflects the beauty of Christ’s relationship within the Trinity.
Husbands are called to an even deeper sacrifice: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them” (Col. 3:19). Ephesians 5:25 expands on this, calling husbands to love as Christ loved the church—graciously, mercifully, and sacrificially. This is not about control but covenant. When a husband and wife each seek to serve and love the other in Christ, the marriage becomes a testimony to the Gospel. The wife pleases the husband by lovingly serving him, and the husband pleases his wife by lovingly serving her in their God-defined roles.
There is only one Savior.
Paul then addresses the relationship between children and parents. “Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord” (Col. 3:20). This reflects the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12 and speaks to the heart’s disposition toward honor and respect. But Paul also warns parents: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart” (v. 21). Parenting is not about control but about spiritual formation. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 shows us the model—teaching our children diligently and authentically about the Lord.
And what about the parents of prodigals? Jesus’ parable in Luke 15 offers us a picture of a father who waits with open arms. We pray, we model, and we never give up hope, setting the example—because we trust the only Savior who can truly transform hearts.
The Gospel transforms the ordinary.
Finally, Paul addresses slaves and masters—a category that, in modern application, can include employee-employer relationships. These verses have often been misused, but Paul’s point is clear: whether bondservant or boss, our ultimate Master is Christ. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Col. 3:23). That means showing up with integrity, even when no one sees. It means leading not for power or profit, but as someone who will give an account before the Lord.
Ask yourself: Do I work with integrity even when no one sees? Do I lead as someone who will give an account to Christ?
This is where the Gospel gets messy. Relationships are hard. Families are complicated. Workplaces are stressful. But Paul doesn’t tell us to fix everyone else—he tells us to follow Christ. And when we follow Him, the Gospel works—even there.
Following Christ isn’t about perfecting our families or fixing our coworkers. It’s about transformation—ours first.
Romans 12:1–2 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That’s the call—to bring Christ into every corner of our lives. From the dinner table to the office cubicle, from disciplining a child to respecting a spouse, the Gospel must reign.
So, when the world says to win at all costs, Christ says serve. When culture says to dominate, Christ says submit. When the flesh says give up, Christ says follow Me.
Because the Gospel works—yes, even there.