shadmans Musings  

  (5) But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (6) For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, (7) wanting to be teachers of the Law, (1 Tim 1:5-7a) In these verses, Paul seeks to encourage and remind Timothy to make sure his attitude towards the false teachers comes from a Godly perspective and not a natural human one. These false teachers may desire to steer believers into their errors, but Paul’s message to Timothy is that a Godly man instructs others in good conscience with a pure heart filled with love for others, which is an example of a leader with a sincere faith. Paul does not seem to be starting verse 5 off by pointing out a flaw in Timothy, since he had trained him well. But Paul understood that the dissension being created in the church at Ephesus by their teachings was something that needed to be addressed immediately. And that is the encouragement that Paul is giving T...

  (22) Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. (23) Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, (24) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (25) For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. (1) Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Col 3:22-4:1) Paul finished off this section of Colossians by discussing the relationship between the master and the slave or servant. Some commentators equate slaves or servants, and masters as employee and employer, slaves had fewer rights than employees and masters could be much more abusive than employers. Slaves did not have the right to quit. But it was nothing like the slavery found in th...

  (18) Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. (20) Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. (21) Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. (Col 3:18-21)  The arena of relationships is our best testing ground for spiritual authenticity. Thinking above has practical results here below. True spirituality deals with “real life.” The false teachers promoted ideas which made spirituality the possession of the special few who tapped into “higher” knowledge, engaged in mystical experiences, or conformed to a code of rules. Paul points believers in another direction. Spirituality is nothing grand, romantic, or impossible. It is submitting to the supremacy of Christ which will transform our character and revolutionize our relationships. When Paul penned Colossians, the “household” consisted of three sets of rel...