FAITHFUL IN EVERYTHING
Colossians 3:23-24
This message was delivered at the 49th National Convention of the Gideons International in the Philippines on January 31, 2026 at SMX Clark, Pampanga, Philippines.
Around A.D. 60-62, Paul wrote the church in Colossae during his first Roman imprisonment. Colossae is a small city in Asia Minor (Turkey). Paul expressed his deep concern about the spread of false teaching in the area. The false teachings blended the elements of Jewish legalism, pagan mysticism, and ascetic practices (Col 2:8, 16-23). The apostle’s main intent is to affirm the preeminence, supremacy, and deity of Christ. He also instructed readers to live holy, Christ-centered lives in every sphere, both as family members and as servants to masters. As well as how masters should treat their servants (Col 4:1). The instructions still apply today for the family and the workplace.
Wholehearted Service
Paul instructed the servants to work heartily or work from the soul. It is not about external behavior, but about work from the inner person. This kind of work involves focus of the mind and willingness of the heart.
Colossians 3:23a: Whatever you do, work heartily…
What is pleasing to the Lord is not service for the sake of pleasing men or for show, but it should be done with sincerity and with the fear of the Lord. The second half of the verse confirms this as well as verse 22.
For the Lord, not People
Paul grounds the command to work heartily or from the soul to Christ. He reminds the readers that believers’ true Lord and Master is Jesus Christ. Christian servants must always have this perspective. Work well from the heart, but do it for the glory of Christ.
Colossians 3:23b: …as for the Lord and not for men
Not all masters treat their servants well. Paul instructs the masters to treat their servants justly and fairly. However, despite how masters treat their servants, servant must remain faithful, serving with the right attitude for that is the will of God.
Eternal Perspective
Why would the Christian servants do this? Because it is the Lord who will reward them, not men, and the Lord’s rewards are eternal in nature. Under Roman law, servants could not inherit anything, but in Christ, they have eternal life.
Colossians 3:24: knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
What is the implication? In whatever task, servants should work with sincerity and the fear of God. They should work well because they are dedicating their work to Christ. One can turn ordinary work into a kind of worship to the Lord
Application
1. How does this apply to us today? In our families and workplaces, let us do every task for the glory of Christ. What does that mean? It means to work well and with all our heart, and doing it to the Lord, not men.
2. How does that apply as members of Gideon International? Proclaim the gospel, distribute Bibles, and raise money. And that we should do it well with all our hearts with the fear of God, and for the glory of God.
3. What is the eternal perspective? In Christ, through His gospel, we received eternal life. The Lord Jesus commands us to proclaim and spread His word, let us continue to do so knowing that those who believe, through His grace, will have eternal life, and that you, my brother and sister, will receive God’s eternal rewards.
Poem
WHATEVER YOU DO by Ed Pilapil Jr Whatever you do, whatever With a focused mind, work well With a sincere heart, work well Yes, all that you do, whatever We work to please the Lord Jesus It is not really pleasing men Our real Master is not mere men Our Master is the Lord Jesus We’re gifted with eternity That should give us some clarity Don’t ever lose that clarity Live and die for eternity We live and die for Christ the Lord Proclaim the gospel, spread His word Proclaim the gospel, spread His word Salvation is in Christ alone
Study Guide
1. How should true believers work? (Col. 3:23a)
2. To whom should believers dedicate their work? (Col. 3:23b)
3. Explain why believers should dedicate their work to the Lord (Col. 3:24).
