Freedom for the Sake of Others

Freedom for the Sake of Others – Colossians 3:18-4-6

Good morning, Church. It’s been a wild weather week here in Connecticut, but we’re not in control of that stuff—God is. Whether we like to admit it or not, that’s also true for much of what happens in our lives. So many things happen that are outside of our control, and we all—no matter our age—really hunt for those opportunities to have the freedom to do, have, and be what we want. That’s part of what makes Jesus so attractive to those who feel burdened by life; he offers a kind of deliverance and freedom that we hunger for.

That freedom, however, isn’t a license to serve ourselves. It brings a special responsibility that involves submitting to God in ways that require us to use our freedom in service to others. And that’s hard, especially in a culture like ours that prioritizes self-actualization and self-gratification.

In our sermon text today (Colossians 3:18-4:6), we find some instructions from Paul that seriously challenge us as we think about authority, submission, and how we relate to one another. These are countercultural, and they have often been abused by those who missed the point of the gospel and used their supposed positions of power to dominate and use others.

To understand these texts, we have to remember that Jesus served all of us, even though he is “the head of all rule and authority” (Col. 2:10). So how do we make sense of these things, and how do we apply such counter-cultural truths to the communities we live in? And how do we act and speak out of this others-focused freedom in ways that helps our neighbors see the beauty of the gospel?  I hope to help us think through at least some of this today, and I pray God gives us the power to live like Christ.

— Patrick Barber

Col 3.18-4.6, Freedom for the Sake of Others

Digging deeper:

1. We usually embrace freedom as a way to make ourselves happy, but how can we use our freedom in Christ to serve others?
2. Does showing submission to others imply that we are inferior?  Explain.
3. How does working for the Lord enable us to endure some of the unfairness of life in the flesh? 
4. What does Paul mean in Col. 4:6, and how do we do that?