1. The SG3 priority, vss.14.
2. The need to isolate the STA and to reprogram the brain/soul with Bible Doctrine, vss.511.
3. The result in various overt manifestations in the life of the believer, vss.1217.
4. The appropriate behavior among the Royal Family as seen in three relationships, vss.18 - 4:1.

VERSE 1 If then you have been raised up with Christ (Eiv [1st] ou=n [inferential] sunhge,rqhte [ao.p.i.2p. sunegei,rw, raise together with, 3X: Eph.2:6; Col.2:12] tw/| Cristw/|( [instr.m.s.n. Cristo,j]), keep seeking the things above, where Christ is (zhtei/te( [p.a.imp. zhte,w] ta. [ac.nt.p. o`] a;nw [adv., above, up] ou- [adv., where] o` Cristo,j [n.m.s.] evstin [p.a.i.3s. eivmi,] seated at the right hand of God (kaqh,menoj\ [p.dep.pt.n.m.s. ka,qhmai, sit] evn dexia/| [l.f.s.adj. dexio,j, right] tou/ qeou/ [g.m.s. qeo,j]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 1

1. Paul exhorts the Royal Family at Colossae to keep on seeking the things restricted to their upward or Ph3 call (see Phil.3:14).
2. Paul tells them to keep on actively pursuing the things associated with Ph3 sanctification.
3. The background for such an appeal is their union with Christ.
4. Union with Christ is stated in terms of current positional truth (CPT).
5. CPT is identification with Christ in His resurrection and session.
6. Via the BHS, we are all positionally so identified (1Cor.12:13).
7. This means we shall share in His destiny.
8. While we have not yet been physically raised with Him, we are certain to be.
9. Since we shall forever be with Him, we should seek the things associated with Him where He is.
10. The fact of CPT and the destiny it portends calls for a new active pursuit, one that is alien to the cosmos.
11. We who are inseparably associated with Christ should seek the things of the unseen realm above all else.
12. Is this not a logical and reasonable conclusion?
13. Your destiny is bound up with Him, so pursue SG3!
14. A day is soon coming when we shall be manifested with Him in heaven.
15. There are certain "things" which, like Christ Himself, are to be found in Ph3 only.
16. They are "above" and not on the lower plane of the cosmos.
17. The gnostics spoke of various astral planes.
18. We are to live with respect to the highest plane.
19. JC is seated in unparalleled glory unseen to mortals, and this is where our special "things" repose (1Tim.6:16).
20. Elsewhere Paul speaks of SG3 as being in heaven (2Tim.4:8; Col.1:5; cp. 1Pet.1:4.).
21. It is where Christ is, "above".
22. To bring it into your possession later, you must make the right decisions now.
23. Good decisions now will pay eternal dividends later.
24. Good decisions demand good information and good information comes from GAP (2Tim.3:16, 17).
25. Every application of doctrine secures for the believer a unit of SG3 (silver, gold, precious stones, 1Cor.3:12, 13).
26. No matter how insignificant (Mt.10:42) or how great (1Pet.1:6,7).
27. All our works are remembered by Him (Heb.6:10) and nothing that is done is in vain (1Cor.15:58).
28. The active pursuit of divine viewpoint is to involve yourself in the highest enterprise there is.
29. Those who pursue the things of the cosmos will see their glory become their shame (Phil.3:19)
30. Jesus is in a position to do the highest and best for the believer who will put BD first (He is at the right hand).
31. Two things you must be willing to do.
1. Attend Bible class consistently (easier of the two).
2. Apply the doctrine learned (the hard part).

VERSE 2 Set your mind on the things above (fronei/te( [p.a.imper.2p. frone,w, think, have in mind] ta. [ac.nt.p. o`] a;nw [adv.]) not on the things that are on earth (mh. ta. [ac.nt.p. o`] evpi. th/j gh/jÅ [g.f.s. gh/]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 2

1. The command in verse 1 deals with the volitional and active pursuit of SG3.
2. The call here is directed towards the soulish preoccupation with the thing desired.
3. This verse is concerned with the mental attitude in daily living.
4. Everything we engage in has ramifications with respect to the things that really matter.
5. Since every action is brought into judgment we should approach all we say, think, and do carefully as in His sight (Eccl.12:14).
6. For we must all appear before the Bema Seat of Christ (Rom.14:10; 2Cor.5:10).
7. All our works will be evaluated by Him (1Cor.3:12-15).
8. Two things are paramount.
1. The filling of the HS.
2. The knowledge of God's will.
9. We must think about BD beyond these walls (Jam.1:22-25).
10. The primary focus must always be on the things related to the above realm.
11. If we do, the things of this realm will take care of themselves (Mt.6:33; cf. vss.31-32).
12. Jesus taught the importance of the SG3 account (Mt.6:19-21).
13. One's preoccupation with the things of the above realm will condition the approach to the things of the temporal order.
14. The growing believer will tend to Faith-Rest the details of life and wait upon God to provide the desires of the heart.
15. Those who pursue the cosmos in a frantic search for happiness forfeit the superior things.
16. It is a fatal mistake to make your goal in life the acquisition of details, experiences, and associations (Mk.8:36).
17. This is the lure of the visible order which deludes and deceives the multitudes (1Jn.2:16).
18. Remember this present order is temporary, to be permanently superseded by the one Christ ushers in (1Jn.2:17).
19. So glorious are the above things, we should be ready to let go of anything that frustrates the intake of BD for even a short time (Jam.4:13; Mk.10:23-31).
20. Example: Moses considered the reward of associating with God’s people greater riches than the throne of Egypt (Heb.11:23-26).

VERSE 3 For you have died (ga.r [explan.] avpeqa,nete [ao.a.i.2p. avpoqnh,skw, die]) and your life is hidden with Christ in God (kai. h` zwh. [n.f.s.] u`mw/n [g.p. su,] ke,kruptai [pf.p.i.3s. kru,ptw, hide, conceal] su.n tw/| Cristw/| [instr.m.s. Cristo,j] evn tw/| qew/|\ [l.m.s.]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 3

1. The old MPR of our pre-salvation (pre-doctrine) days was to fix our eyes on the present order (i.e. the hopes, dreams, pursuits, and aspirations of life in the cosmos) (Eph.2:13).
2. With our initiation into the POG, we became aware of a new order with new and superior aspirations, Phil.3:20, 21.
3. This new commitment does not preempt our legitimate obligations, such as making a living, raising a family, etc.
4. We are not to isolate ourselves from the everyday cosmos; rather we are to avoid the STA excesses and false priorities of the cosmos.
5. We are in it but not of it; we use it but are not to be a slave of it, 1Cor.7:31.
6. At salvation we died to the cosmos of which we were a part.
7. The death in view here is retroactive positional truth.
8. We, via positional sanctification, share in Christ's death, Rom.6.
9. This death or positional separation has canceled any previous obligation to the cosmos (such as legalism).
10. As a wife is released from any marital obligations to a deceased husband, so we are to the old order, Rom.7:4.
11. This means we are no longer bound to the ISTA.
12. At salvation this death occurred (aorist).
13. BD enables us to avoid enslavement to the evil all around us, Jn.8:32.
14. Also this union with Christ is hidden from the world of negative volition.
15. The perfect tense stresses the security of the believer.
16. Secrecy is stressed in the word's meaning.
17. Union with Christ is a revealed mystery, of which negative volition has no understanding.
18. Our appreciation of it fulfills Jn.14:20: "In that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you."
19. The new life we now have is His life, an unending one.
20. Our new life is bound up with Christ in God (we are as secure as God is!).

VERSE 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed (o[tan [conj.] o` Cristo.j [n.m.s.] h` zwh. [n.f.s.] u`mw/n( [g.p. su,] fanerwqh/|( [ao.p.subj.3s. fanero,w]), then you also will be revealed with Him in glory (to,te [adv.] u`mei/j [n.p. su,] kai. [also] fanerwqh,sesqe [f.p.i.2p. fanero,w, reveal] su.n auvtw/| [instr.m.s. auvto,j] evn do,xh|Å [l.f.s. do,xa]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 4

1. Since Christ’s resurrection and ascension, He has stayed in heaven dwelling in unapproachable glory (1Tim.6:16).
2. As of His resurrection, He, as the God-Man, assumed the preexistent glory He always enjoyed as absolute deity (Jn.17:5).
3. This verse has as its background the Rapture.
4. When this happens, He will come out from His place returning to the earth (1Thess.1:10).
5. He will not manifest Himself to the unbelievers then.
6. According to 1Thess.4:13-18, the sequence of events associated with the resurrection of the Church is given.
7. At this time Christ will be revealed to the entire Royal Family for the first time.
8. What was previously hidden to the world will be revealed.
9. We shall see Christ as He is and we will be manifested for what we are positionally.
10. Christ's life is ours; we will share His resurrection life.
11. Next comes the Bema Seat, where we shall see the things we are supposed to be consumed with now (1Cor.3:10-15).
12. After the rewards' presentations, we will travel with Him through stellar space to the Father's house.
13. "In glory" refers, in this verse, to our appearance and presentation before the Father, the angels, and the rest of the family of God.
14. To enter into this glory, each believer will undergo a bodily transformation receiving a resurrection body just like His (Phil.3:20-21; 1Jn.3:2). We will befit our surroundings!
15. Jesus promised His disciples He would return for them and He prayed that they would share in His glory (Jn.14:3; 17:24).
16. His life is ours to the fullest and His glory we will reflect.
17. This verse specifically says we will be seen with Him in the 3rd heaven.
18. Since all these things will occur in this fashion, we should conduct ourselves accordingly.

VERSE 5 Therefore put to death (not, "consider...as dead" as per the NAS version. KJ has "mortify") (ou=n [infer.] Nekrw,sate [ao.a.imper. nekro,w, put to death, 3X: Rom.4:19; Heb.11:12; both are in the pf.p.pt.]) the members of your earthly body (ta. me,lh [ac.nt.p.] me,loj, member, bodily part] ta. [ac.nt.p. o`, acts as a pro., i.e. which are upon] evpi. th/j gh/j( [g.f.s. gh/, earth]) with respect to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire (pornei,an [ac.f.s. pornei,a, sexual immorality, overt act, here] avkaqarsi,an [ac.f.s. avkaqarsi,a, impurity, a more general term for all overt sexual misbehavior] pa,qoj [ac.nt.s., lustful passion; 3X: Rom.1:26; 1Thess.4:5] kakh,n( [ac.f.s.adj. kako,j, evil, bad, wrong] evpiqumi,an [ac.f.s. evpiqumi,a, lust; used in both a good and bad sense]), and greed, which amounts to idolatry (kai. th.n pleonexi,an( [ac.f.s. pleonexi,a, greed, covetousness] h[tij [n.f.s. o[stij, which] evsti.n [p.a.i.3s. eivmi,] eivdwlolatri,a([n.f.s., idolatry]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 5

1. Therefore, in view of our appearing with Him in glory, we should actuate (put into motion) our union with Him by mortifying the members of our earthly bodies.
2. To mortify means to destroy the strength, vitality or functioning of, to subdue or deaden (as in bodily appetites).
3. Unless we take decisive action with respect to the ISTA, we will not inherit the things associated with His coming (1Cor.6:9; Gal.5:21).
4. The imperative stresses determination and decisive action.
5. We cannot eradicate the STA or curtail all sinning (1Jn.1:8,10).
6. What Scripture prescribes is BD.
7. The doctrine of RB places the STA under "house arrest", 1Jn.1:9.
8. This puts the HS in control, temporarily isolating the STA.
9. Further, the believer must resist temptation whether it originates from within or from without.
10. Continued spiritual growth provides increasing strength to overrule the ISTA.
11. As long as you remain in Ph2 you will sin (Jam.3:2; Eccl.7:20), and you will have the inner conflict (Gal.5:17; 1Pet.2:11).
12. Those who contend otherwise are liars, devoid of the truth necessary to bring one to maturity, 1Jn.1:8,10.
13. There is a correct form of doctrine we should subscribe to and part company with those who do not teach it, Rom.6:17; 16:17.
14. The greatest battle you will ever prevail in is the one with your STA (example: Prov.16:32; Jam.3:2).
15. The STA (residing in every cell of the body via genetic engineering) has excellent opportunity to influence the Real You the soul.
16. When the soul accepts a directive from the STA, the body carries out the directive from the Real You.
17. Remember, the STA cannot make you sin apart from the volition of the soul (You can't say, "the devil made me do it").
18. The soul okays the STA's suggestions, Jam.1:13-15.
19. The STA has a mind of its own, and often we do not do the things we would like to, Rom.7:15-21; Gal.5:17.
20. Among the Gentiles, sex lust and the associated sins were quite pervasive, Rom.1:26, 27.
21. Gentile believers were told that the sexual misbehavior of their pre-salvation days had to be reversed, Act.15:29; Rom.13:12,13; 1Cor.6:911; Eph.2:3; 1Pet.1:14.
22. The first four items in this verse deal with sex lust.
23. Item number one is illicit sex and includes all sex outside marriage, including normal and abnormal perversion.
24. Sex outside marriage, regardless of the circumstances, constitutes a violation (this includes common law situations, etc.) (cp. Jn.4).
25. The term "impurity" is more general and involves all forms of sexual misbehavior such as pornography, dirty speech, etc.
26. The term "passion" refers to the lustful and insatiable pursuit of sensual gratification, often at the total disregard of the object.
27. "Evil desire", like passion, involves the MA and is to be contrasted with that which is divinely given and intrinsically good.
28. An otherwise honorable desire becomes evil when the STA sponsors the activity.
29. The last item, "greed", has to do with the desire to have more and more and is sometimes translated "covetousness".
30. It involves the frantic search for happiness for the details of life.
31. The STA is insatiable and is always after something new and better.
32. Putting money and things before God and His will constitutes a form of idolatry.
33. For this reason, the USA is a land of idolaters, of the materialistic and pleasure seeking sort (Jer.50:2, 38; 51:17,47,52).

VERSE 6 For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come (diV a] [ac.nt.p. o[j] h` ovrgh. [n.f.s.] tou/ qeou/ [g.m.s. Qeo,j] e;rcetai [p.dep.i.3s. e;rcomai, come]). Îevpi. tou.j ui`ou.j th/j avpeiqei,ajÐÅ

VERSE 7 and in them you also once walked (kai. [also] evn oi-j [l.nt.p. o[j] u`mei/j [n.p. su,] periepath,sate, [ao.a.i.2p. peripate,w, walk] pote( [enclitic particle, once, at one time]), when you were living in them (o[te [conj.when] evzh/te [imperf.a.i.2p. za,w, live] evn tou,toij\ [l.nt.p. ou-toj]).

SUMMARY: VERSES 6,7

1. As Paul emphasizes elsewhere, these are the things that bring divine judgment (Rom.1:18 ff).
2. God's wrath is continually being manifested from heaven against STA vices (i.e. AIDS epidemic).
3. Since the law of God is written in the consciences of men, all are culpable (Rom.2:14, 15).
4. Wrath is used here of temporal judgments upon individuals, nations, and the whole world; as in the case of the pre-flood world and the tribulation.
5. He reminds them that their lives were marked by these things and not so long ago (cf. 1Cor.6:9 ff; Rom.6:19ff; Ti.3:3; 1Pet.1:4ff).
6. Sexual excess and misbehavior characterized their pre-salvation days.

VERSE 8 But now you also (de. [but] nuni. [adv.,now] u`mei/j [n.p. su,] kai. [also]), put them all aside (ta. [ac.nt.p. o`, "them"] pa,nta( [ac.nt.p. pa/j, "all"] avpo,qesqe [ao.m.imper. avpoti,qhmi, take off, remove {clothes}]: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth (ovrgh,n( [ac.f.s. ovrgh,, anger] qumo,n( [ac.m.s. qumo,j, wrath] kaki,an( [ac.f.s. kaki,a, malice] blasfhmi,an( [ac.f.s. blasfhmi,a, slander] aivscrologi,an [ac.f.s. aivscrologi,a, 1X, abusive language] evk tou/ sto,matoj [abl.nt.s. sto,ma, mouth] u`mw/n\[g.p. su,]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 8

1. The words "But now" refer to the present moment.
2. The words "you also" correspond to the words "you also" of vs.7.
3. They are the very same people who once were engaged in the things that bring wrath.
4. Though they have been believers under doctrine for some years they are told to put aside the things of their past.
5. The list of STA activities is representative of the whole gamut of STA behavior.
6. It is not to be concluded that the list differs from the one above because sex sins are beneath believers.
7. Rather the difference is intended to instruct with respect to other STA activity.
8. The word "all" shows Paul includes all STA activity while featuring only select sins.
9. Select Mental Attitude Sins and Sins of the Tongue are listed.
10. The first three are from the hate complex.
11. Anger (Gk. ovrgn,) is general for all Mental Attitude hate.
12. The Bible teaches there is a non-sinful anger (Eph.4:26).
13. Anger, for no Biblically justifiable reason, is a sin.
14. Anger occurs when one does not get one's way or is inconvenienced.
15. Any time you get mad over some setback or unpleasant thing, you sin.
16. Rather, we should exercise the Faith-Rest technique, and apply Rom.8:28.
17. The term "wrath" emphasizes emotional and violent outbursts.
18. We are told to disassociate from persons given to temper tantrums.
19. The person who is slow to anger displays great understanding (Prov.14:29).
20. The third sin is malice, which suggests a deep seated and often unreasonable dislike of another person.
21. It often carries with it a desire to see one suffer.
22. Whether malice implies a deep and lasting hatred, as in malevolence, or a briefer feeling of resentment, this STA function is reprehensible.
23. Envy is often the root cause of malice (Ti.3:3).
24. Deceit is the cover of this sin (1Pet.2:1).
25. It is a common STA function of the unbeliever’s conduct (Rom.1:29; Ti.3:3).
26. We are told to remove this STA "rag" (Eph.4:31; Col.3:8; 1Pet.2:1).
27. Slander, a sin of the tongue, is also related to the hatred complex.
28. The Greek word here is the same word for blasphemy and so follows the understood meaning behind our English term.
29. Slander involves the utterance of false charges and misrepresentations, which defame and damage another's reputation.
30. In criminal law, it is the equivalent of libel.
31. Its other synonym is "malign".
32. The mature believer all but avoids this sin (Ps.15:3).
33. Slander is a part of the positive believer's undeserved suffering by the cosmos (1Pet.2:12).
34. It is a form of reversionism (Jer.9:4; Prov.20:19).
35. What our response to slander should be (1Cor.4:13).
36. The final item is abusive speech and includes: ridicule, name-calling, obscene language, etc.
37. The mouth is the organ from which these things issue, being sponsored by the STA.

VERSE 9 Do not lie to one another (mh. yeu,desqe [p.m.imper.2p. yeu,domai, lie] eivj avllh,louj( [ac.m.p. avllh,lwn, reciprocal pro., one another]), since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices (avpekdusa,menoi [ao.d.p.n.m.p. avpekdu,omai, discard, disarm, 2X: Col.2:15; 3:9; cp.noun. avpe,kdusij, Col.2:11] to.n palaio.n [ac.m.s.adj. palaio,j, old] a;nqrwpon [ac.m.s.] su.n tai/j pra,xesin [instr.f.p. pra,xij, what one does, deed, action, practice] auvtou/ [g.m.s. auvto,j, "its"]),

SUMMARY: VERSE 9

1. Lying is a verbal sin prohibited under the 9th commandment.
2. Paul states why a believer should stop lying.
3. At salvation the STA, which is the source of all lying, is laid aside for the first time.
4. Lying is one of the practices of the "old self" or the ISTA.
5. At salvation, the power of sin was broken but not canceled.
6. Using RB and resident BD, we can isolate the STA and frustrate its future manifestations by not yielding to it.
7. Lying and dishonesty are activities that God hates (Prov.6:17; 12:22).
8. The righteous believer hates lying as well (Prov.13:5).
9. Teaching false doctrine is a form of lying arising from negative volition and intellectual dishonesty (Isa.9:15; Jer.27:10; 1Jn.1:6; 1Tim.4:2).
10. BD contains no false statements (1Jn.2:21).
11. God, who cannot lie, is the author of the WOG (Ti.1:1).
12. Fear is a principal reason people lie.
13. People lie to impress one another.
14. It is not to be a part of the Royal Family's honor code.

VERSE 10 and have put on the new self (kai. evndusa,menoi [ao.m.pt.n.m.p. evndu,w, clothe, dress; midd. put on, 27X: Mt.6:25; 22:11; 27:31; Mk.1:6; 6:9; 15:20; Lk.8:27; 12:22; 15:22; Act.12:21; all references are in reference to clothing. The following refer to spiritual things: Act.12:21; Rom.13:12,14; 1Cor.15:53,54; Gal.3:27; Eph.4:24; 6:11,14; Col.3:10,11; 1Thess.5:8; also Rev.1:13; 15:6; 19:4 for attire] to.n ne,on [ac.m.s.adj. ne,oj, new]) who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him (to.n avnakainou,menon [p.p.pt.ac.m.s. avnakaino,w, renew, 2X: 2Cor.4:16; Col.3:10] eivj evpi,gnwsin [ac.f.s. evpi,gnwsij, knowledge] katV eivko,na [ac.f.s. eivkw,n, image] tou/ kti,santoj [ao.a.pt.g.m.s. kti,zw, create] auvto,n( |ac.m.s. auvto,j])

SUMMARY: VERSE 10

1. In conjunction with the salvation adjustment, all believers have put on the new self or new man (Gal.3:27).
2. At the very instant of the new birth the old self was laid aside (cp. vs.9).
3. It is like putting off dirty garments and putting on new and clean ones.
4. The verb here has to do with the act of putting on clothes.
5. Parallel expressions include: putting on the whole armor of God and put on Christ (Eph.6:11,14; Rom.13:12,14; 1Thess.5:8; Gal.3:27; Eph.4:24).
6. It must be understood that all believers can and will put back on the old self.
7. The doctrine of the Indwelling of Christ is what is in view here (cf. 1:27).
8. Which is His words in us (Jn.15:5,7).
9. The renewal in view here is the intake of BD.
10. In a parallel verse (the only other use of the verb in the N.T.), Paul says the renewal is an ongoing process (1Cor.4:16).
11. In the life of the positive believer, two parallel processes take place.
12. The aging process is familiar and related to the outer man.
13. While the outer man is inevitably going to decay, the inner man can improve with age.
14. In fact, where this occurs, the believer’s physical deterioration is subject to SG3 reward (see vs.17).
15. Such is not the case for the non-growing believer.
16. The renewal is said to be with respect to genuine knowledge.
17. A knowledge that is according to the image of Christ who is the author of the new you.
18. The new you, which had its birth at the new birth, is to be in a state of development.
19. Otherwise, the believer will never have the strength or wisdom to control the old you the STA.
20. This is the renewal that counts; all pseudo renewals such as revivals, etc., are worthless.
21. The new you must have a constant supply of BD to offset the assertiveness of the STA man.
22. The desire to persist comes from the volition of the Real You the soul.
23. Christ, who is the exact image of the invisible God, is the pattern for the new you.
24. Christ likeness is the result of the renewal.
25. Christ in you is the result of having and applying doctrine.

VERSE 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman (o[pou [conj. where] e;ni [p.a.i.3. e;nestin, there is] ouvk [not] {Ellhn [n.m.s., Greek] kai. VIoudai/oj( [n.m.s., Jew] peritomh. [n.f.s., circumcision] kai. avkrobusti,a( [n.f.s., uncircumcision] ba,rbaroj( [n.m.s., barbarian] Sku,qhj( [n.m.s.] dou/loj( [n.m.s., slave] evleu,qeroj( [n.m.s., free]), but Christ is all, and in all (avlla. [but] Cristo,jÅ [n.m.s.] Îta.Ð pa,nta [n.nt.p. pa/j] kai. evn pa/sin [l.nt.p. pa/j]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 11

1. "Where", translated "in which", refers to the new you.
2. Paul says that there are no barriers keeping certain persons from the indwelling of Christ.
3. While there were barriers that divided men from one another, the mystery of Christ in the believer is not subject to the racial, religious, cultural, and social distinctions.
4. There were racial barriers, like that between Jew and Greek.
5. The reference to circumcision and uncircumcision indicates a religious barrier.
6. There were cultural barriers that divided Scythians and other barbarians from the Roman civilization.
7. Barbarians were anyone who did not speak Greek.
8. Scythians, who lived in southern Russia, were known for their brutality.
9. There were social and political barriers, such as that between slaves and freemen.
10. Outside the church these barriers remained as rigid as ever, but to God and applying believers these barriers had no bearing on one’s possession of the full blessings of grace.
11. The obliteration of the barrier between Jew and Greek in the gospel was especially remarkable.
12. This fact is elaborated on in Eph.3.
13. Race, religion, culture, and social status are the four divisions of mankind that the POG transcends.
14. No manmade barrier can keep you from the maximum attainment under grace.
15. Since the Scythian invasion of the "Fertile Crescent" in the 7th century BC their name was a byword for uncultured civilization (in Attic comedy, Scythian policemen are figures of fun because of their uncouth ways and speech. In the 5th and 4th centuries BC they performed duties in Athens).
16. A slave, legally speaking, was not a person but a piece of property.
17. Yet within the church they were accorded full standing and held office.
18. In spite of the barriers that divide the outside world, we are not to shun or treat fellow believers as second-class citizens.
19. Positional truth unifies us as one body in Christ and we all enjoy the full blessings of grace.
20. In Ph3, all such distinctions will vanish and how good it is when we display our brotherhood here and now.
21. Such is a rebuke to the pride and ignorance of men.
22. There is no spiritual advantage or disadvantage in the classifications of life.
23. The first "all" is neuter and looks at all the advantages that the believer possesses in Christ.
24. The second usage of "all" is masculine and points to the various classes of mankind that are in Christ.
25. Relationship to Christ is all you need.

VERSE 12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved (ou=n( [inferential, "and so"] w`j [compar., as] evklektoi. [n.m.p.adj. evklekto,j, elect, chosen] tou/ qeou/ [g.m.s. qeo,j] a[gioi [n.m.p.adj. a[gioj, holy] kai. hvgaphme,noi( [pf.p.pt.n.m.p. avgapa,w, love, "beloved"]), put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; (VEndu,sasqe [ao.m.imper.2p. evndu,w, dress; midd. put on] spla,gcna [ac.n.p. spla,gcnon, one's innermost feelings; translated "heart", it means entrails; it occurs 11X: Lk.1:78; Act.1:18; 2Cor.6:12; 7:15; Phil.1:8; 2:1; Philm.7,12,20; 1Jn.3:17. Verb: splagcni,zomai, to be moved with pity] oivktirmou/ [g.m.s. oivktirmo,j, compassion, mercy, sympathy, "heart of compassion"] crhsto,thta [ac.f.s. crhsto,thj, kindness, occurs 10X: Rom.2:4; 3:12; 12:11,22; 2Cor.6:6; Gal.5:22; Eph.2:2; Col.3:12; Ti.3:4] tapeinofrosu,nhn [ac.f.s. tapeinofrosu,nh, humility] prau<thta [ac.f.s. prau<thj, occurs 11X: 1Cor.4:21; 2Cor.10:1; Gal.5:23; 6:1 Eph.4:2; Col.3:12; 2Tim.2:25; Ti.3:2; Jam.1:21; 3:13; 1Pet.3:15. Translated gentleness 9X; and consideration and humility, once each] makroqumi,an( [ac.f.s. makroqumi,a, patience. occurs 14X: Rom.2:4; 9:22; 2Cor.6:6; Gal.5:22; Eph.4:2; Col.1:11; 3:12; 1Tim.1:16; 2Tim. 3:10; 4:2; Heb.6:12; Jam.5:10; 1Pet.3:20; 2Pet.3:15]);

SUMMARY: VERSE 12

1. As those who have put on the new man, they are to put on those qualities that are characteristic of him.
2. Those qualities, as we consider them, were perfectly displayed in the life of Christ.
3. In Rom.13:14, Paul sums up these qualities by exhorting believers to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ".
4. Believers are God’s chosen people, based on His foreknowledge (1Pet.1:1,2).
5. We are His chosen people whom He has set apart and on whom He has set His love.
6. Since we are set apart or holy positionally, and the special objects of His love, we should exhibit Christ like qualities.
7. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said that the peacemakers would be known as the sons of God, and that the sons of God ought to be merciful because their heavenly Father is merciful.
8. All these graces were perfectly blended in the character and conduct of Christ.
9. As a person would put on the proper clothes for the occasion, so must we make a conscious effort to dress the soul with the virtues that mark a Christian.
10. "The heart of compassion" has to do with deep feelings of concern for the sufferings and needs of others.
11. The Greek word "heart" denotes the internal organs, considered the seat of compassion.
12. Christ manifested this emotion when observing the plight of others.
13. "Kindness" is grace in action; it is a sweetness of disposition; a desire for the good of others.
14. It is listed as a fruit of the HS (Gal.5:22).
15. God manifests acts of kindness toward sinners (Rom.2:4; Eph.2:7; Ti.3:4).
16. While the first two terms deal with the believer’s treatment of others, the next has to do with his estimation of himself.
17. "Humility" is a state of mind with respect to self; it views self as an object of grace and is the opposite of pride and assertiveness.
18. It is always conscious of the needs and interests of others (Phil.2:3-5).
19. Gentleness or meekness is marked by quiet submission.
20. It is not psychological timidity and weakness, but power under control (an ox within a yoke is meek, yielding to the will of his master).
21. It is the opposite of insubordination.
22. Moses, Christ, and Paul were meek (Num.12:3; Mt.11:29; 1Cor.4:21).
23. "Patience" (literally "wrath that is put away" from makroqumi,a) is the quality that enables the believer to Faith-Rest people.

VERSE 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other (avneco,menoi [p.m.pt.n.m.p. avne,comai, endure, be patient with] avllh,lwn [g.m.p.reciprocal pro., one another] kai. carizo,menoi [p.d.pt.n.m.p. cari,zomai to forgive] e`autoi/j [d.m.p.reflective pro. e`autou/, each other]), whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you (eva,n [3rd] tij [n.m.s.indef.pro.] e;ch| [p.a.s.3s. e;cw, to have] momfh,n\ [ac.f.s. momfh,, complaint] pro,j tina [ac.f.s. ti,j] kaqw.j [compar.] kai. [also] o` ku,rioj [n.m.s.] evcari,sato [aor.d.i.3s. cari,zomai, to forgive] u`mi/n( [d.p. su,] ou[twj [comparative conj.] kai. [also] u`mei/j\ [n.p. su,]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 13

1. "Bearing with one another" means a person tolerates others when they fail.
2. Forbearance has an element of leniency, a willingness to suspend a judgment out of consideration for the weakness of a fellow believer.
3. You have to know when to let things ride and when to confront a believer with his sin.
4. Eph.4:2 is a parallel verse.
5. The PT must be strong in this suit (2Tim.2:24-26).
6. Forbearance is a manifestation of patience from vs.12.
7. Forgiveness is the willingness to not hold against another a wrong suffered.
8. A complaint refers to any wrong that another believer has inflicted on you.
9. The standard of our forgiveness is that of Christ who forgave us all our sins.
10. If He has forgiven us so much, then we can forgive others who sin against us.
11. Eph.4:32 is a parallel verse.
12. Just as no sin is too great for the grace of God, so no wrong incurred is too great for us to forgive and forget.
13. Joseph's failure to forgive his brothers was a sin.

VERSE 14 And beyond all these things put on love, (evpi. pa/sin [d.nt.p. pa/j] de. [and] tou,toij [d.n.p. ou-toj] th.n avga,phn( [ac.f.s. avga,ph]), which is the perfect bond of unity (o[ [ac.f.s. o[j] evstin [p.i.3s. eivmi,] th/j teleio,thtojÅ [g.f.s. teleio,thj, completeness] su,ndesmoj [n.m.s., bond, that which binds together]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 14

1. Love is the filling of the Holy Spirit, which is the automatic consequence of being in fellowship.
2. Love is the chief virtue because it qualifies all the other virtues as divine good.
3. As in 1Cor.13, these things without love are of no profit (v.3).
4. A person out of fellowship can display these qualities, but as with all authorized works they are wood, hay, and stubble.
5. Even unbelievers can do these things.
6. The imagery is that of the belt or girdle which was placed over (evpi,) all the other pieces of clothing.
7. Hence the phrase "beyond all these things".
8. Apart from the FHS these things tend to be phony (STA discoloration).
9. This love (FHS) is "the perfect bond of unity".
10. It is called "the unity of the Spirit" in Eph.4:3.
11. The HS, who is love and who pours out His love in the hearts of believers (Rom.5:5), produces unity in the body.
12. Where there is a high level of the FHS in a local church, there will be a high degree of unity.

VERSE 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (kai. [and] h` eivrh,nh [n.f.s.] tou/ Cristou/ [g.m.s. Cristo,j] brabeue,tw [p.a.imper.3s. brabeu,w, rule, reign, act as an umpire; 1X.] evn tai/j kardi,aij [l.f.p. kardi,a] u`mw/n( [g.p. su,]), to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful (eivj h]n [ac.f.s. o[j] kai. [also] evklh,qhte [a.p.i.2p. kale,w, call] evn e`ni. [l.nt.s.card. eivj, one] sw,mati\ [n.nt.s. sw/ma, body] kai. [and] gi,nesqeÅ[p.d.imper.2p. gi,nomai] euvca,ristoi [n.m.p.adj. euvca,ristoj, thankful, grateful]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 15

1. Peace is one of the fruits of the HS in the believer.
2. Inner peace is a sense of tranquility and calm the believer has when BD is applied.
3. The peace that God gives is to rule in our hearts as we face the pressures and tests of life.
4. Inner peace is the antithesis of fear and anxiety.
5. God has not called us to fear, but to the peace that is perfect and unspeakable.
6. In all situations and circumstances we are to let peace reign in our mental attitude.
7. Things that produce anxiety in us are to be cast upon the Lord (1Pet.5:7; Ps.55:22).
8. When we come under fear we are to turn our thoughts to God and His word (Ps.56:34).
9. Prayer is a vital ingredient to this peace (Phil.4:6).
10. Three qualities of this peace that are expressed are:
1. Its source is Christ (Jn.14:27; 16:33).
2. Its domain of rule is the inner man.
3. Its sphere of activity is the body of Christ.
11. Our Ph1 calling includes a Ph2 of inner peace.
12. Just as there is one calling and one body, there is one peace.
13. The command to be thankful appropriately follows the statement about the blessing of peace.
14. Earlier Paul prayed that thanksgiving might be one of the evidences of BD in their lives (1:12).
15. Those who know and apply the truth are marked by thankfulness.
16. We should be thankful for all things (1Thess.5:18).
17. Things to be thankful for include: salvation, positive volition fellow believers, opportunities to apply BD, temporal blessings, BD, family both natural and spiritual, etc.

VERSE 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you (o` lo,goj [n.m.s., entire realm of BD, not just the teaching in the four gospels. The word of Christ is the same as the WOG] tou/ Cristou/ [g.m.s. Cristo,j] plousi,wj( [adv.] evnoikei,tw [p.a.imper.3s. evnoike,w indwell] evn u`mi/n [l.p. su,]), with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another (evn pa,sh| [instr.f.s. pa/j] sofi,a| [instr.f.s. sofi,a, wisdom] dida,skontej [p.a.pt.n.m.p. dida,skw, teach] kai. nouqetou/ntej [p.a.pt.n.m.p. nouqete,w, admonish, warn] e`autou,j( [ac.m.p.reflexive pro. e`autou/]) with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God (yalmoi/j [instr.m.p. yalmo,j] u[mnoij [instr.m.p. u[mnoj, hymn] wv|dai/j [instr.f.p. wv|dh,, song of praise] pneumatikai/j [instr.f.p.adj. pneumatiko,j, spiritual] a;|dontej [p.a.pt.n.m.p. a;|dw, sing] evn Îth/|Ð ca,riti [instr.f.s. ca,rij, grace, thanks] evn tai/j kardi,aij [l.f.p. kardi,a] u`mw/n [g.p. su,] tw/| qew/|\ [d.m.s. qeo,j]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 16

1. "The word of Christ" refers to the things which He taught while on earth plus what He revealed through the apostles (Jn.14:26; 16:13).
2. It is the same as the phrase "the word of the Lord" (1Thess.1:8; 4:15; 2Thess.3:1).
3. Its only other occurrence is Rom.10:17.
4. The verb "dwell" indicates BD that is resident in the soul.
5. The adverb "richly" denotes the level of application.
6. Paul commands them to maximize both intake and application.
7. We are told to let BD dwell in us, which means we are to not set up any barriers to the total acceptance to the things taught.
8. One of the applications that we are to make is singing.
9. Songs that accurately reflect our beliefs are the praise we are to render to God.
10. A part of our acceptable service to God is the sacrifice of praise.
11. Christian singing should be both instructional (teaching) and exhortative (admonishing).
12. One of the ways we teach and admonish one another is when we sing in the assembly.
13. In this way we are all teachers, and at the same time we are all hearers.
14. As a result of the right kind of singing, we are all mutually edified.
15. When done properly, the church allows the word of Christ to dwell in the assembly richly.
16. We cannot fulfill this aspect of worship if we abandon personal assembly.
17. The songs we sing must be as pure as the doctrine we hear; the phrase "with all wisdom" reflects the content.
18. The threefold classification of their music.
1. O.T. Psalms that were sung to musical accompaniment.
2. Hymns refer to songs of praise to God for His person and His works.
3. Spiritual songs emphasize the contents as being reflective of the content of Scripture.
19. This classification is not to be taken as a strict demarcation, but three ways to describe the same thing.
20. Praise along with prayer is one of the ways we render thankfulness to God.
21. When we come together to sing, we should be genuinely grateful for the reality behind our songs.
22. We are to express verbally the things that are a source of stimulation to our souls.
23. Singing should not be cold, lifeless, or a matter of going through the motions.
24. We are supposed to be doing this as unto Him as an expression of our heartfelt appreciation.
25. In Eph.5:19, Paul addresses the subject and says that we are to do this under the FHS (in contrast to those who are filled with wine and sing the songs of the" hell raisers". See vs.18) and not in a mechanical way ("making melody in your hearts to the Lord").

VERSE 17 And whatever you do in word or deed (kai. [and] pa/n [ac.n.s. pa/j, "everything"; not transl.] o[ [ac.n.s. o[j, what] ti [ac.n.s.indef.pro. ti,j, any] eva.n [conditional part., if. The last 3 words = "whatever"] poih/te [p.a.s.2p. poie,w do] evn lo,gw| [l.m.s. lo,goj] h' [conj., or] evn e;rgw|( [l.n.s., deed]), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (pa,nta [ac.n.p. pa/j, all] evn ovno,mati [l.n.s. o;noma, name] kuri,ou [g.m.s. ku,rioj, lord] VIhsou/( [g.m.s. vIhsou/j, Jesus] euvcaristou/ntej [p.a.p.n.m.pl. euvcariste,w, give thanks] diV auvtou/Å [g.m.s. auvto,j] tw/| qew/| [d.m.s. qeo,j] patri. [d.m.s. path,r]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 17

1. Paul now presents a general injunction of universal scope.
2. Three features are involved in this command.
3. First, its scope of activity is inclusive.
4. This statement refers to both what we say and do.
5. Obviously what we think sponsors the things we say and do.
6. Second, our actions should be done under the authority and approval of Jesus Christ.
7. We should strive to live in conformity to the Lord as those who bear His name.
8. Third, we should always be thankful for the privileges and responsibilities to serve Him.
9. What you need to ask yourself as you engage in anything is, "Can I do this without violating God's perfect will?"
10. And, can I thank God for the opportunity to do this thing?
11. This verse restates the protocol of prayer.
12. Two things are of utmost importance in our compliance with this command.
1. Exposure to the realm of BD.
2. Prayer.

VERSE 18 Wives be subject to your husbands (Ai` gunai/kej( [v.f.p. gunh,, woman, wife] u`pota,ssesqe [p.p.imper.2p. u`pota,ssw, be subject, submit to, obey] toi/j avndra,sin [d.m.p. avnh,r, man, husband]), as is fitting in the Lord (w`j [compar.] avnh/ken [imperf.a.i.3s. avnh,kei, impers., it is proper, it is right] evn kuri,w|Å[l.m.s. ku,rioj]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 18

1. Our corporate unity in Christ does not abrogate individual responsibility and function.
2. Social, racial, and sexual distinctions remain, even though there is equality in Christ.
3. In this section Paul presents what the believer's response should be to the relationships in view.
4. The first two relationships deal with the Divine Institutions of marriage and the family.
5. The third deals with the master-slave relationship.
6. In this section, six individuals are addressed, and in each pair the one under authority is addressed first.
7. Believing wives are told to keep on being submissive.
8. Being a believer has not changed the order established at creation (Gen.3:6; cp. 1Cor.11:3).
9. The word used here is a military word and the chain of command within the military (Paul praised their functional R/CC, 2:5).
10. The authority of the man in the D.I. of marriage is based on two things.
1. The order of creation (1Tim.2:13).
2. The judgment on the woman for her part in the fall (1Tim.2:14).
11. This function of the woman is to carry over into the church (1Tim.2:12).
12. Older women are to encourage the younger to acclimate to the niche of wife and homemaker (Ti.2:4-5).
13. This is a part of the witness of the local church.
14. Submissiveness should characterize the believing wife even if her husband is an unbeliever or negative believer (1Pet.3:16).
15. The extent of such submission is seen in the phrase "as it is appropriate in the Lord".
16. A wife is not expected to obey her husband if he asks her to engage in sin, crime, or immorality.
17. Furthermore, she is not to obey her husband if he denies her face-to-face teaching.
18. She can claim the higher spiritual principle and separate from him if he persists in his denial (1Cor.7:10-16 discusses the possibilities).
19. Godly subordination does not constitute a removal of your dignity, but is precious in the sight of God whom you serve even if the husband does not honor the weaker vessel principle.
20. You are to honor the wishes of the man even when he has not exercised good judgment.
21. If he is unreasonable in his requests, then the Lord will take care of him (God has His ways!).
22. In a normal relationship where love exists the wife should feel free to discuss things, and he to listen.
23. But his is the final decision and the wife is bound to carry out his wishes where sin is not involved.
24. Nagging and any other form of resistance is out of line.
25. The believing husband must determine if the weaker vessel principle is being violated.
26. Remember RM has an OSN and subject to error judgment and you will come under some undeserved suffering.
27. In a parallel passage in Eph.5:22-24 Paul says:
1. Wives are to be subject to their husbands as to Christ.
2. That the husband is the head in the same way as Christ is the head of the Church.
3. As the Church is to be subject to Christ in all things, so should the wife be to the husband in everything.

SUMMARY: VERSE 19

1. Two commands are issued to husbands.
2. The directive to love our wives calls for love at all times and in all situations.
3. The standard for this is the love Christ has for the church (Eph.5:25).
4. Christ did what was best for the church at a great sacrifice.
5. Such a love is sacrificial, provisional, giving, protective, cherishing, faithful, forgiving, and patient.
6. Such a love makes the object feel wanted and secure.
7. The second command is to isolate the MAS of bitterness.
8. When she does not please him, he is to avoid this STA activity as it runs counter to the 1st command.
9. When she does not do as he directs, he is to avoid sinning; this only aggravates the situation and anger does not advance the POG.
10. If the husband will isolate his STA, in dealing with his wife, God will bless his efforts.
11. Peter tells husbands to live with the wife in an understanding way (1Pet.3:7).
12. Since she is the weaker vessel, the husband is to be very sensitive to her situations at all times.
13. Before you place additional responsibilities upon her, you should assess her present duties.
14. Since she is a woman, by definition, you should seek to lighten her load and consider ways to ease her niche.
15. Also the man is supposed to include her in the decisions of their life and not treat her as a hired hand.
16. This is what Peter means when he tells husbands to grant their wives honor as fellow heirs of the grace of life.
17. She is to be duly recognized as an equal in the grace of life and not made to feel inferior.
18. The honor you accord her is the degree to which God will honor your prayers.
19. The degree of your love for the RW is the love one normally has for one’s own body (Eph.5:28,29).
20. As a man nourishes and cherishes his own body, so should he be ever aware of the needs and desires of his wife.
21. This is how Christ deals with the church.
22. The husbands are to love the wives as themselves, which demands a lot of attention and prayer (Eph.5:33).

VERSE 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things (Ta. te,kna( [v.nt.p. te,knon, child] u`pakou,ete [p.a.imper.2p. u`pakou,w, obey] toi/j goneu/sin [d.m.p. goneu,j, parent] kata. pa,nta( [ac.nt.p. pa/j]), for this is well-pleasing in the Lord (tou/to ga.r [n.nt.s. ou-toj] evstin [p.i.3s. eivmi,] euva,resto,n [nt.n.s.adj. euva,restoj, pleasing] evn kuri,w|Å [l.m.s. ku,rioj]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 20

1. "Children" includes those who are still dependent on their parents for their daily needs.
2. They have not yet married or left home as legal adults.
3. The command has three features. First, a child is to obey constantly.
4. A child is to recognize that he is under the authority of his parents.
5. A child is to listen to parental directives, and do as he is told, without complaint and rebellion.
6. Second, obedience must be toward both "parents".
7. Parents should avoid contradictory commands.
8. They should support one another and agree about what is expected.
9. They need to discuss the approach they are taking to childrearing.
10. Third, obedience extends to "all things".
11. A child in the home is to accept his parent’s directives with respect to all his activities.
12. Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of Joseph and Mary and learned obedience (Lk.2:51; Heb.5:8).
13. As believing and positive sons and daughters you must make a conscious effort to accept the decisions of your parents.
14. In so doing, you will have a happier childhood and you will make significant spiritual progress.
15. When you obey, know that you please the Lord.
16. This is a command with great promise (Eph.6:13).

VERSE 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children (Oi` pate,rej( [v.m.p. path,r] mh. evreqi,zete [p.a.imper.2p. evreqi,zw, embitter, stir up, make resentful, 2X: 2Cor.9:3] ta. te,kna [ac.nt.p. tek,knon] u`mw/n( [g.p. su,]), that they may not lose heart (i[na [conj.] mh. avqumw/sinÅ [p.a.subj.3p. avqume,w, become discouraged, 1X]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 21

1. Since the father is the head of the house, the command addresses him directly.
2. The imperative means to provoke to anger.
3. If children are to obey, then fathers are to be reasonable.
4. The exercise of authority should be without those STA characteristics that exasperate the child.
5. Discipline should be done without excessive verbal abuse that makes the child feel he is worthless.
6. Avoid nagging, belittling, and teasing.
7. At all times the child should know that he or she is loved.
8. As a parent you should make obedience as easy as possible.
9. Remember to apply the principle of grace in your demands.
10. Two extremes exist: the first is to be too lenient and the other is to be too strict.
11. If you have questions as to how to raise children, look around you and notice children that are well behaved and happy.
12. If you desire to do the right thing but are unsure, then pray about it and be aware of what Scripture says and avoid the current human viewpoint.
13. The negative command carries with it a warning.
14. A child who is subject to unreasonable demands and whom his parent constantly humiliates will be broken in spirit.
15. A child who is under the wrong kind of discipline manifests a sullen, listless, discouraged spirit.
16. Try to follow up all punitive discipline with the appropriate verbal encouragement.
17. Make the discipline stick but also let the child know that you care, and do not treat them in a petty way.
18. If handled properly, a child should bounce back from discipline.

VERSE 22 Slaves, in all all things obey those who are your masters on earth (Oi` dou/loi( [v.m.p. dou,loj, slave] kata. pa,nta [ac.nt.p. pa/j] u`pakou,ete [p.a.imper.2p. u`pakou,w, obey] toi/j kuri,oij( [d.m.p. ku,rioj, lord, master] kata. sa,rka [ac.f.s. sa,rx, flesh, "on earth"]), not with external service, as those who merely please men (mh. [not] evn ovfqalmodouli,a| [l.f.s. ovfqalmodouli,a, service rendered merely for the sake of impressing others; 2X: Eph.6:6] w`j [compar.] avnqrwpa,reskoi( [n.m.p.adj. avnqrwpare,skoj, one who acts merely to please men, 2X: Eph.6:6]), but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord (avllV [but] evn a`plo,thti [l.f.s. a`plo,thj, sincerity, generosity,] kardi,aj [g.f.s. kardi,a] fobou,menoi [p.m.pt.n.m.p. fobe,w fear] to.n ku,rionÅ [ac.m.s. ku,rioj]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 22

1. Both here and in Ephesians, the injunctions to slaves are more extended than those to masters (Eph.6:5-8).
2. In 1Pet.2 and 3 the instructions to slaves have no corresponding instructions to masters.
3. The reason is that many Christians were slaves, a class that constituted a large percentage of the Roman Empire.
4. The relationship of slaves and masters belongs to a temporary world order ("on earth" of vs. 22).
5. In Christ, the two are equals, and in the local churches, the slave and master relationship was not followed.
6. A Christian slave might be an elder by reason of his gifts and stature.
7. But in the home and the business the slave was to serve him all the more faithfully since he was a brother in Christ.
8. Slaves, in general, might work hard when the foreman's eye was upon them; and they would slack off when they could get away with it.
9. Slaves were owned as property, to be bought and sold.
10. They could not just up and quit if the conditions did not suit them and be within the law or in the will of God.
11. People became slaves by being born of slave parents, through financial loss, or by military conquest.
12. The slave must obey his master "in all things" whether he liked it or not, whether his master was fair or not.
13. He was to obey whether his master was a believer or not.
14. Mere obedience is not sufficient, its manner is important.
15. Work must not be done not only when the foreman or master was watching in an attempt to impress.
16. Some people only do their best when they are under observation (they are "eye servers" and "men pleasers").
17. Rather, BD teaches that they should serve with "singleness of heart" or "sincerity of heart".
18. The noun "singleness" (KJV) means, literally, "without a fold".
19. It denotes that everything is seen and that no misdeed is hidden.
20. The slave at work who applies BD will do his job as unto the Lord whether he is being observed or not.
21. His fear of the Lord is what motivates him.
22. Being a slave does not preempt divine blessing of a wonderful kind in his life.

VERSE 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily (o] [ac.nt.s. o[j] eva.n [with hos = "whatever"] poih/te( [p.a.s.2p. poie,w, do] evrga,zesqe [p.d.imper.2p. evrga,zomai, work] evk yuch/j [abl.f.s. yuch,, soul, "heartily"]), as for the Lord rather than for men (w`j tw/| kuri,w| [d.m.s. ku,rioj] kai. [and] ouvk [not] avnqrw,poij( [d.m.s. a;nqrwpoj]);

VERSE 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance (eivdo,tej [pf.a.pt.n.m.p. oi-da, know] o[ti [that] avpo. kuri,ou [abl.m.s. ku,rioj] avpolh,myesqe [f.d.i.2p. avpolamba,nw, receive, 10X: Mk.7:33; Lk.6:34; 15:27; 18:30; 23:41; Rom.1:27; Gal.4:5; Col.3:24; 2Jn.1:8] th.n avntapo,dosin [ac.f.s. avntapo,dosij, compensation, 1X: cp. avntapodi,dwmi, repay, 7X; and avntapo,doma, repayment, retribution, 2X] th/j klhronomi,ajÅ [g.f.s. klhronomi,a, inheritance]). It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (douleu,ete\[p.a.i.2p. douleu,w, serve] tw/| kuri,w| [d.m.s. ku,rioj] Cristw/| [d.m.s. Cristo,j]).

SUMMARY: VERSES 23-24

1. "Whatever you do" covers all of his assigned tasks.
2. This can be applied to us in all our activities.
3. Second, it must be done with total soulish involvement.
4. "Heartily" denotes the soulish enthusiasm the believer is to have for his job and responsibility.
5. To just go through the motions in a lackluster manner, wishing the day were over is to fail.
6. You must be mentally involved with your work rather than looking to the end of the day or the paycheck at the end of the week.
7. No matter how routine or menial the work is, the believer should be involved in it with mental zeal versus mere mechanical function.
8. Third, it is to be done as unto the Lord rather than to impress men or to deceive men.
9. Clearly, the believer must not view his job as to whether it is prestigious or not, but as the right place to serve and witness.
10. How you do your job is a witness before men.
11. The reason Paul gives for doing one's job as a part of one’s acceptable service is that no matter how humble or menial the job is SG3 is in the offing.
12. If a Christian slave does his job as he should, he will receive SG3 at the Bema.
13. From this example we see that the believer's everyday tasks are a way to serve the Lord and earn SG3.
14. It is so for the blue-collar worker, the housewife, the student, the professional, and the executive.
15. A slave normally received no wages, but the one who did his job as he should was up for the wage that matters.
16. Divine reward is not based on the kind of work performed but the way it is performed.
17. The boss that matters is the Master, Christ.
18. Paul purposely uses the term for master and then mentions our common Master, Christ.

VERSE 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done (ga.r [declar.] o` avdikw/n [p.a.pt.n.m.s. avdike,w, do wrong] komi,setai [f.m.i.3s. komi,zw, midd., receive back] o] [ac.nt.s. o[j, "the consequences"] hvdi,khsen( [ao.a.i.3s. avdike,w, "of the wrong which he has done"]), and that without partiality (kai. ouvk e;stin [p.a.i.3s. eivmi,] proswpolhmyi,aÅ [n.f.s., favoritism]).

SUMMARY: VERSE 25

1. In Eph.6:8 the promise of reward is expanded: "knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free."
2. Here we have the corresponding warning.
3. The judgment on disobedience is as certain as the reward for faithfulness.
4. According to 2Cor.5:10 we all must appear before the judgment of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
5. To do wrong is to fail to do that which does not conform to the character of God.
6. Such wrongdoing involves failure to be in fellowship and all the STA misapplication that follows, such as: being a slacker, doing things to impress, and not doing all things from the heart where doctrine is.
7. Slaves can fool masters, but they cannot fool God.
8. Before God there is no partiality or respect of persons (Rom.2:11; Eph.6:9).
9. At the judgment, the slave will not receive preferential treatment because he had a difficult niche on earth.
10. God will treat all believers alike: the slave and the master, the man and the woman, the Jew and the Gentile, and the rich and the poor.
11. It isn't what your niche was but how you applied in it.
12. God supplies sufficient grace so each of us can continue.
13. In Eph.6:9, the principle of impartiality is applied to masters.
14. This all important principle is taught in the Law (Lev.19:5).

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