Understanding Christian Household Ethics

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives deep into the rich and challenging teachings of Colossians 3:18–4:1 on Christian household ethics. With Tony absent, Jesse takes the reins to explore the revolutionary and countercultural aspects of Paul's instructions to wives, husbands, children, and slaves. He emphasizes how these teachings, though often misunderstood or misapplied, are deeply rooted in the lordship of Christ and the call for submission, love, and service within the family structure.

Jesse begins by highlighting the groundbreaking nature of Paul's acknowledgment of women, children, and slaves in a societal context where these groups often held little to no value. Paul’s direct address to these groups affirms their inherent worth as image-bearers of God. Jesse also challenges listeners to see how Paul's instructions to men, particularly husbands and fathers, subvert the cultural norms of the time by calling them to love and serve their families sacrificially, rather than exercising dominance.

The discussion extends to the broader implications of Paul's teaching, focusing on how Christ's lordship should permeate every aspect of family life. Jesse draws attention to the transformative power of living out these principles in modern Christian households, urging listeners to embrace submission and service not as burdens, but as acts of worship and reverence for Christ.

Key Points:

1. Paul’s Revolutionary Address to Marginalized Groups: Paul affirms the value of women, children, and slaves by addressing them directly, which was unprecedented in the cultural context of the Roman Empire.
2. The Call for Husbands to Love and Serve: Paul challenges traditional male authority by instructing husbands and fathers to lead with love and avoid harshness, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love.
3. Christ-Centered Family Dynamics: All family relationships are to be oriented around Christ’s lordship, emphasizing submission and service as acts of worship.
4. The Surprising Ethics of Slavery: While acknowledging the existence of slavery in the Roman world, Paul subverts its norms by reminding masters of their accountability to their own Master in heaven.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does Paul’s affirmation of marginalized groups in Colossians challenge societal norms, both in his time and today?
2. In what ways does the call for husbands to love their wives mirror Christ’s love for the Church?
3. How can we ensure that Christ remains at the center of our family relationships and everyday interactions?
4. What does submission look like in a modern Christian household, and how can it reflect reverence for Christ?