Transforming Relationships Through Christ's Supremacy

Devotional

Day 1: Christ at the Center of Marriage

A Christ-centered marriage is not about power or domination, but about mutual honor, sacrificial love, and moving together in unity as both partners listen to the rhythm of Christ’s love. In the ancient world, marriage was often defined by hierarchy and control, but the call for wives to honor and husbands to love with Christ-like sacrifice turns this on its head, inviting both to reflect Jesus in their relationship. When both spouses bring their strengths, honor one another, and put Christ first, love replaces selfishness and honor replaces power struggles, making the marriage a testimony of God’s grace. Like Priscilla and Aquila, who served God together and honored each other, a Christ-centered marriage is a partnership where each person’s role is valued and the goal is unity in Christ. Just as in ballroom dancing, both partners must listen to the same rhythm—when Christ is the center, the relationship flourishes and becomes a witness to others. [01:12:38]

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 honor or sacrificially love your spouse (or a close friend or family member) today, so that your relationship reflects Christ’s love and unity?

Day 2: Christ at the Center of Parenting

Christ-centered parenting is about nurturing children with encouragement, guidance, and love, rather than harshness or control, so that they flourish in faith and do not become discouraged. In a culture where children were often seen as property, Paul’s words affirm their dignity and responsibility in Christ, calling children to obey as an act of worship and parents—especially fathers—to avoid provoking or crushing their children’s spirits. The example of Timothy, who was nurtured in faith by his mother and grandmother, shows the lasting impact of encouragement and the importance of planting children in the truth of God’s Word. Parenting, like gardening, requires a careful balance of discipline and tenderness, correction and encouragement, so that children grow strong in faith rather than resentful or weary. When Christ is at the center, parents become instruments of God’s love, shaping their children’s hearts for Him. [01:18:29]

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: How can you intentionally encourage or nurture a child (your own or another) today, so that they experience God’s love and are built up in faith rather than discouraged?

Day 3: Christ at the Center of Work

When Christ is at the center of your work, every task—no matter how small or unseen—becomes an act of worship, marked by excellence and integrity rather than laziness or compromise. Paul’s instructions to slaves and masters in Colossians, though rooted in a different cultural context, reveal that all work is ultimately done for the Lord, not for human approval, and that both workers and those in authority are accountable to Christ. The example of Daniel, who served with such integrity that even his enemies could find no fault in him, shows that our devotion to God is reflected in our work ethic and attitude, even under unjust leadership. Whether you are an employee or employer, your true boss is Christ, and your work should reflect His character—done wholeheartedly, with sincerity, and as an offering to God. [01:26:12]

Colossians 3:22-24; 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: What is one specific way you can approach your work today—whether at a job, at home, or in service to others—as an act of worship to Christ, regardless of who is watching?

Day 4: Christ’s Character in All Relationships

Christ’s supremacy is not just a belief to be affirmed at church, but a reality to be lived out in every relationship—at home, at work, and in the community—so that others see Christ in you. The true test of discipleship is not in public declarations but in the private, everyday moments where compassion, humility, and forgiveness are needed most—especially with those closest to us. Whether it’s showing patience to a difficult family member, extending grace to a neighbor, or treating a coworker with integrity, Christ’s character should be evident in all we do. The world is watching, and our relationships become the arena where the hope of glory within us is revealed. When Christ is truly at the center, His love, peace, and presence shine through us, transforming our homes and workplaces into places of blessing and witness. [01:30:45]

Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see Christ’s character through you today, and what is one practical way you can let His love or peace shine in that relationship?

Day 5: Speaking Blessing and Living Out Christ’s Supremacy

Our faith is meant to be lived out and spoken over ourselves and others, as we declare Christ’s supremacy in every area of life and invite His peace and love to rule in our hearts and homes. Paul’s words are not just for hearing but for action—discipleship is tested and proven in our relationships, and sometimes we need to intentionally speak blessing and encouragement over those around us. Whether with family, friends, or even strangers, we are called to pray for one another, declare Christ’s presence, and encourage each other to let His love be seen. As we do this, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, making our homes, families, and workplaces places where Christ is truly at the center and His glory is revealed. [01:36:58]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Reflection: Who can you intentionally speak a prayer of blessing or encouragement over today—either in person or through a message—so that Christ’s peace and love are declared in their life?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on how the supremacy of Christ transforms our closest relationships—marriage, family, and work. Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we see that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs, but a new way of living that upends the world’s power structures and brings Christ’s character into every corner of our lives. In the ancient Roman world, relationships were defined by hierarchy and domination, but Paul calls believers to a radically different standard: Christ at the center.

In marriage, the call is not to power or control, but to mutual honor and sacrificial love. Wives are invited to honor their husbands as an act of reverence to Christ, not out of weakness or cultural expectation. Husbands are commanded to love their wives with the same self-giving love Christ showed the church, laying down pride and bitterness. The example of Priscilla and Aquila shows us a partnership where both bring their strengths, serve together, and honor one another, moving in harmony to the rhythm of Christ’s love.

Parenting, too, is redefined. Children are addressed directly, affirming their dignity and responsibility before God. Obedience is not about blind rule-following, but a heartfelt response that pleases the Lord. Parents, especially fathers, are warned not to crush their children’s spirits with harshness, but to nurture and encourage them, balancing discipline with tenderness. The legacy of Timothy’s faith, passed down from his grandmother and mother, is a testament to the power of Christ-centered parenting and grandparenting.

Even in the realm of work, Paul’s words are revolutionary. Whether as employees or employers, we are called to work with integrity and excellence, not just for human approval, but as worship to Christ. Authority is stewardship, not a license for exploitation. The story of Daniel in Babylon reminds us that our true Master is the Lord, and our work, done with sincerity, becomes an offering to Him.

Ultimately, the test of discipleship is not just what we profess, but how we live out Christ’s character in the everyday realities of home and work. The question is not only, “Do I know Christ?” but, “Do others see Christ in me?” When Christ is truly at the center, love replaces selfishness, honor replaces power struggles, encouragement replaces harshness, and integrity replaces compromise. This is where faith becomes real, and where the world sees the hope of glory living in us.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ-centered relationships overturn worldly power structures. In a culture built on hierarchy and domination, the way of Jesus calls us to mutual honor, sacrificial love, and humility. Our homes are not to be ruled by control, but by the character of Christ, making our closest relationships a living testimony of the gospel. [61:03]
2. Submission and leadership in marriage are not about enforcing roles, but about reflecting Christ’s love and order. Wives are called to honor as an act of worship, not subservience, and husbands are called to love with self-sacrifice, not dominance. When both move in step with Christ, unity and grace flourish, and the marriage becomes a partnership that honors God. [67:17]
3. Parenting in Christ is a balance of authority and nurture. Children are dignified as responsible before God, and their obedience is seen as worship. Parents are warned not to provoke or crush their children, but to encourage and guide them, creating an environment where faith can take root and flourish across generations. [75:04]
4. Our work is transformed when Christ is our true Master. Whether we are in positions of authority or under authority, we are called to work with integrity, sincerity, and excellence, as an offering to the Lord. Authority becomes stewardship, and every task—no matter how mundane—becomes sacred when done for Christ. [83:30]
5. The real test of discipleship is in the ordinary, often difficult places—home, family, and work. It is easy to talk about Christ’s supremacy in church, but it is in our daily relationships that His character must be seen. The hope of glory within us empowers us to live out compassion, forgiveness, and love, making Christ visible to those around us. [88:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Church United Serve Day Announcement
[02:30] - Why We Gather: Our Mission
[04:10] - Introduction to Colossians and Context
[07:00] - The Supremacy of Christ
[09:15] - Christ in You: The Hope of Glory
[11:30] - Rooted in Christ, Not Human Tradition
[13:40] - Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
[16:00] - Christ at the Center of Relationships
[18:00] - Roman Household Codes vs. Christ’s Way
[21:00] - Christ-Centered Marriage
[28:00] - Christ-Centered Parenting
[34:00] - Christ-Centered Work
[41:00] - Living Out Christ in Every Area
[45:00] - Speaking Blessing Over One Another
[48:00] - Prayer and Declaration
[50:00] - Closing and Worship Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 3:17-4:1 (ESV) — > 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
> 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
> 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
> 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
> 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
> 22 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.
> 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
> 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
> 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
> 4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Ephesians 5:25 (ESV) — > Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) — > I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Observation Questions

In Colossians 3:18-19, what are the specific instructions given to wives and husbands? How does Paul describe the motivation behind these instructions?
According to Colossians 3:20-21, how does Paul address children and fathers? What is the reason he gives for each instruction?
What does Paul say about work and authority in Colossians 3:22-4:1? How does he connect our work to our relationship with Christ?
In 2 Timothy 1:5, what does Paul highlight about Timothy’s faith and his family background?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul’s instructions for marriage, parenting, and work were so radical in the context of the Roman household codes? How does putting Christ at the center change the way these relationships function?
The sermon mentions that submission and leadership in marriage are not about enforcing roles, but about reflecting Christ’s love and order. What does this look like practically, and how does it differ from cultural expectations?
Paul addresses children directly and affirms their dignity and responsibility before God. Why is this significant, and how might it change the way we view children in the church and family?
The sermon says that our work becomes an offering to Christ when done with sincerity and integrity. How does this perspective affect the way we approach our daily tasks, especially when our work feels mundane or unnoticed?

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to ask not just, “Do I know Christ?” but, “Do others see Christ in me?” In your closest relationships—marriage, family, work—where do you think Christ’s character is most visible in you, and where is it hardest to show?
For those who are married: In what ways can you intentionally honor your spouse this week, or show sacrificial love, even if it’s not reciprocated? For those who are single, how can you practice Christ-like honor and love in your closest friendships or family relationships?
Parents (or grandparents): Are there ways you may be discouraging your children without realizing it? What is one specific way you can encourage or nurture them this week, balancing discipline with tenderness?
Children or young people: How can you show obedience and respect to your parents or guardians as an act of worship to God, even when it’s difficult?
Think about your workplace (or school, or wherever you spend your days). What would it look like for you to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” this week? Is there a specific task or relationship where you need to shift your perspective?
If you are in a position of authority (at work, home, or church), how can you practice stewardship and fairness, remembering that you also answer to Christ?
The sermon used the example of Priscilla and Aquila as a partnership where both brought their strengths and served together. Who is someone in your life you can partner with to serve God or others? What is one step you can take to move in harmony with them this week?

Sermon Clips

The mystery that was hidden for ages is this. He says, Christ in you, the what? The hope of glory. Christ is in you. The Christ who is supreme over all the universe, he is in you. The hope of glory dwells within you. The God who rules the universe lives in his people. [00:58:16] (18 seconds) #HopeOfGloryWithin

If Christ is really supreme and if Christ is really in you, then your closest relationship should reflect him. Your home isn't built on Rome's rules is what he's saying to the church in Colossae. He's saying your home is built on Christ's character. [01:02:51] (16 seconds) #HomeBuiltOnChrist

Husbands, just love your wives. Love them like Jesus loved. Love them regardless of how they treat you, regardless of whether they honor you, regardless of whether you feel like they submit to you, regardless of whether you feel like they respect you. Love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself. [01:07:26] (17 seconds) #LoveLikeChrist

It's not about power. It's about sacrifice. It's about humbling yourself and laying your life down for your wife, for your family. It's about, it's a call to lay down pride. It's a call to serve, to nurture, to protect. [01:07:52] (17 seconds) #SacrificeOverPower

Marriage in Christ is much like that. It's not one person dominating or overpowering another. It's about moving together in step with Christ. The rhythm of it is love. The goal is unity. And when Christ is the center, the relationship becomes a testimony of his grace. [01:12:18] (20 seconds) #UnityInChrist

Obedience, guys, it's spoken of in the Bible, is not just about rule following. It's about responding, listening with respect, responding from the heart. And Paul roots it not in parental perfection. How do you know? We don't have any perfect parents out here, right? We've all messed it up. It's not rooted in parental perfection, but it's rooted in God's pleasure. Children, obey because it pleases the Lord. Their obedience, what he's saying, their obedience is ultimately their worship. It's a worship unto the Lord. [01:15:04] (43 seconds) #ObedienceIsWorship

Parenting is a lot like, it's a lot like trying to grow a plant or garden. We haven't any gardeners here? Anybody who likes to garden and grow things and grow plants and whatever else, we're not really good at that. But I can grow a nice looking yard. I spend quite a bit of time learning how to plant a good yard and we can get some good looking flower beds. But how many of you know a good gardener doesn't drown their plants with too much water and at the same time doesn't starve them with neglect? There's a careful balance in this. Kind of like the dance, there's a careful balance. It takes the right amount, the right balance of sun and water and pruning and time, right? The goal is growth, not control. [01:18:32] (47 seconds) #ParentingIsGrowth

Work done with excellence and integrity becomes a worship when it's being offered to him. Doesn't matter who your earthly boss is. You work as an honor and a worship unto the Lord. [01:27:27] (18 seconds) #WorkAsWorship

If Christ is true of the center of your life, then he's also going to be at the center of your marriage, your parenting, your family, your relationships, your work. He's going to be in the middle of all of it. So the question isn't just, do I know Christ? The question is, do people around me see Christ in me? Because it should be reflected in everything that I do and in everything that I say. [01:29:36] (25 seconds) #ChristInAllAspects

Guys, our homes, our families, our workplaces, that is where discipleship gets tested. That's where things can be tough. This is where Christ must be at the center. [01:30:45] (18 seconds) #DiscipleshipAtHome

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