Transforming Relationships Through Christ's Supremacy

Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the faithfulness and goodness of God, reflecting on how He has been at work in our lives, our church, and our community. We rejoiced in the stories of children coming to faith at camp and the powerful experiences of our mission team in the Dominican Republic, where we witnessed the joy and hospitality of people with so little, yet so much contentment. These testimonies remind us that God is always moving, often in ways we don’t expect, and that our response should be passionate worship and gratitude.

As we turned to Colossians 3:18–4:1, we explored how Christ’s supremacy is not just a theological idea but a practical reality that should transform every relationship in our lives—marriage, parenting, and work. In a culture that often prioritizes self and personal fulfillment, Paul’s words challenge us to a radically different way: mutual submission, sacrificial love, and integrity. Wives are called to submit not out of fear or inferiority, but as an act of worship, and husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially and selflessly. This mutual submission and love reflect the gospel and create a marriage that points to Jesus.

Parenting, too, is reframed. Children are to obey, but parents—especially fathers—are warned not to embitter their children. We are reminded that we are not owners of our children, but stewards, called to shepherd them toward Christ by our example and our love. Rules without relationship lead to rebellion, but when we model Christ’s heart, we nurture faith in the next generation.

Paul’s teaching on slaves and masters, when applied to our modern context, speaks to our work life. We are to work with sincerity and diligence, not just for human approval, but as an act of worship to God. Employers are called to fairness and justice, remembering that they too serve a Master in heaven. Every relationship—at home, at work, in the community—is reshaped when Christ is at the center. The challenge is to let our marriages reflect Christ’s love, our parenting His heart, and our work His character, so that the world sees Jesus in us.

Key Takeaways

- Christ-Centered Relationships Begin with Worship
Before we can love others well, we must first center ourselves on the One who created us for relationship. True transformation in our marriages, families, and workplaces starts with passionate, authentic worship—declaring God’s goodness and surrendering our hearts to Him. When Jesus is at the center, everything else finds its proper place. [18:17]

- Marriage as a Gospel-Shaped Union
Paul’s call for wives to submit and husbands to love is not about power or hierarchy, but about mutual self-giving that mirrors Christ’s love for the church. Submission is an act of worship, not inferiority, and love is sacrificial, not self-serving. When both partners run to the cross, marriage becomes a living testimony of the gospel’s power to transform. [56:21]

- Parenting as Stewardship, Not Ownership
We are not owners of our children, but ambassadors and stewards entrusted to shepherd them toward Christ. Our influence must be marked by integrity—living out the faith we want to see in them. Rules without relationship breed rebellion, but when we model Christ’s heart, we invite our children into a living faith. [59:48]

- Work as Worship and Witness
Our daily work is not just a means to a paycheck, but a platform for worship and witness. Whether we are employees or employers, we are called to integrity, diligence, and fairness, serving as representatives of Christ in all we do. Our work ethic and treatment of others should reflect the character of the God we serve. [01:03:52]

- The Challenge of Living Out Christ’s Supremacy
It is easy to compartmentalize faith to Sunday mornings, but Paul challenges us to let Christ’s supremacy shape every relationship and every moment. The real test of our faith is how we love, serve, and lead outside the church walls. As we are transformed by Christ, our lives become a compelling invitation for others to know and worship Him. [01:06:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Worship: Goodness of God
[06:41] - Worship: Build My Life
[12:00] - Greeting and Gathering
[18:17] - Call to Worship and Psalm 100
[19:41] - Worship: Take You at Your Word
[23:08] - Camp Testimony: Children Coming to Faith
[25:17] - Worship: Goodness of God (Reprise)
[30:01] - Mission Team Reflections: Dominican Republic
[37:07] - Prayers for Mission and Community
[43:41] - Announcements and Community Updates
[49:14] - Introduction to Colossians Series
[51:07] - Christ at the Center of Relationships
[56:21] - Marriage: Mutual Submission and Love
[58:27] - Parenting: Influence with Integrity
[01:01:56] - Work: Serving as for the Lord
[01:06:03] - The Challenge: Living Out Christ’s Supremacy
[01:10:44] - Response: Calvary Covers It All
[01:15:44] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Christ at the Center of Our Relationships

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### Bible Reading

Colossians 3:18–4:1
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Colossians 3:18–4:1, what are the specific instructions Paul gives to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves (workers), and masters (employers)?
2. In the sermon, what examples were shared about seeing God at work in unexpected ways, both in the lives of children at camp and in the mission trip to the Dominican Republic? [[23:08]]
3. How does Paul connect our everyday relationships (marriage, parenting, work) to our relationship with Christ? [[51:07]]
4. What does the passage say about the motivation behind our work, and who are we ultimately serving? [[52:24]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul frames submission and love in marriage as acts of worship, rather than as issues of power or hierarchy? [[54:26]]
2. The sermon mentioned that “rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” How does this idea help us understand Paul’s warning to fathers not to embitter their children? [[59:48]]
3. What does it mean for our work to be “worship and witness,” and how might this change the way we approach our jobs or responsibilities? [[01:03:52]]
4. The sermon challenged us not to compartmentalize our faith to Sunday mornings. What are some ways that Christ’s supremacy can practically shape our relationships outside of church? [[01:06:42]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon began with stories of God’s faithfulness and unexpected ways He moves. When was the last time you noticed God working in your life or community in a way you didn’t expect? How did you respond? [[23:08]]
2. In your marriage (or close relationships), what would it look like to practice “mutual submission and sacrificial love” this week? Is there a specific situation where you could choose to serve or put the other person first? [[56:21]]
3. For parents: Are there any “rules without relationship” in your home right now? What is one way you could build more connection or model Christ’s heart to your children this week? For those without children, how can you encourage or support parents in your community? [[59:48]]
4. At work (or in your daily tasks), do you find yourself working mainly for human approval, or as an act of worship to God? What is one practical change you could make to reflect Christ’s character in your workplace or school? [[01:03:52]]
5. The sermon said, “We are not owners of our children, but stewards.” What does it mean to be a steward in your relationships—whether with family, friends, or coworkers? [[59:48]]
6. The challenge was given to let Christ’s supremacy shape every relationship and every moment. Is there a relationship in your life right now where you need to invite Jesus to be at the center? What’s one step you can take this week? [[01:06:42]]
7. The mission team shared about the joy and contentment of people with very little. Is there an area of your life where you struggle with contentment? How can you practice gratitude and passionate worship, even in difficult circumstances? [[31:28]]

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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you center your relationships, work, and family life on Christ this week. Pray for the courage to live out mutual love, integrity, and worship in every area of your life.

Devotional

Day 1: Christ-Centered Relationships Begin with Worship and Identity in God
True worship flows from knowing we belong to God and are called to center our lives and relationships on Him.
When we gather, we come before the One who knows us completely and loves us deeply, not just to believe in Him but to worship Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength. This identity as His people—the sheep of His pasture—grounds us in joy and purpose, reminding us that our relationships and daily lives find their true order when Christ is at the center. As we lift our voices and hearts in worship, we are invited to engage passionately, letting our souls be stirred by the goodness and faithfulness of God, which shapes every other relationship we have. [18:17]

Psalm 100 (ESV):
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Reflection: As you begin your day, how can you intentionally center your heart on God’s goodness and let that shape the way you approach your relationships today?



Day 2: Marriage Reflects Christ’s Self-Giving Love
Christian marriage is a gospel-shaped union marked by mutual submission and sacrificial love.
Paul’s teaching on marriage calls both husbands and wives to a radical, Christ-centered love: wives are to submit as an act of worship, not out of fear or inferiority, and husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificing themselves for her good. This mutual submission and self-giving love stand in stark contrast to both the self-centeredness of our culture and the power imbalances of the ancient world. When both partners run to the cross, seeking to outdo one another in love and service, marriage becomes a living testimony of the gospel, reflecting the love of Jesus to the world. [56:21]

Colossians 3:18-19 (ESV):
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Reflection: In what specific way can you show self-giving love to your spouse (or a close relationship) today, even if it means sacrificing your own preferences?



Day 3: Parenting with Integrity and Stewardship
God calls parents to lead with integrity, modeling faith and shepherding their children’s hearts toward Him.
Parenting is not about ownership or control, but stewardship—entrusting our children to God and guiding them with love and integrity. Paul urges children to obey, but also warns fathers not to embitter their children, highlighting the importance of relationship over mere rules. True influence comes when parents model the faith they teach, living out their own devotion to God and creating an environment where children are encouraged, not discouraged. Our children are not our property, but precious souls to shepherd, pointing them to Jesus by our example and our love. [59:10]

Colossians 3:20-21 (ESV):
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Reflection: What is one way you can model your faith more authentically to your children or to the next generation today?



Day 4: Work as Worship—Serving Christ in All We Do
Our daily work is an act of worship when done wholeheartedly for the Lord, not just for human approval.
Paul reframes work, whether as an employee or employer, as service to Christ Himself. We are called to work with sincerity and diligence, not just when being watched, but because our true Master is in heaven. This transforms even the most ordinary tasks into opportunities to honor God and witness to others. Employers, too, are called to treat those under their care with fairness and justice, remembering that they also serve a higher authority. When we approach our work as worship, we reflect Christ’s character and make His presence known in our workplaces. [01:03:52]

Colossians 3:22–4:1 (ESV):
Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Reflection: How can you approach your work or daily tasks today as an act of worship to God, regardless of who is watching?



Day 5: Letting Christ’s Supremacy Transform Every Relationship
When Christ is at the center, every relationship—marriage, family, work, and community—is reshaped by His love and humility.
Paul’s challenge is not to simply adapt to the culture around us, but to be transformed into the image of Jesus in every sphere of life. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, Christ’s supremacy should shape our intimacy with God and with each other. This means letting our marriages reflect Christ’s love, our parenting reflect His heart, and our work reflect His character. As we live this out, we become living witnesses to the world, showing what it means to belong to Jesus and inviting others to know Him through our transformed relationships. [01:07:22]

Romans 12:2 (ESV):
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one relationship or area of your life where you sense God calling you to let Christ reshape your attitudes or actions this week?

Quotes