12/07 Growing in Christ: Godly Relationships
Life group notes for 12th July : Colossians 3:18–4:1
With NT reading John 20:11–18
Theme
Power, Love, and Faithful Service
These passages invite us to think carefully about relationships, authority, and discipleship. Paul addresses households in the ancient world, while John's Gospel presents Mary Magdalene as the first witness to the resurrection. Together they challenge us to consider how power should be exercised and how God works through unexpected people.
Key Passages
Colossians 3:18–4:1
Paul addresses wives, husbands, children, parents, slaves, and masters. At first glance some instructions can seem uncomfortable, especially in a modern context, where we no longer live in a patriarchal society or one in which slavery is acceptable. Understanding the social setting is crucial, especially as these verses and others like it have been used to persuade women to stay in abusive relationships with violent husbands, and to prevent women answering God’s call to ministry.
John 20:11–18
Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus in the garden and is commissioned to tell the disciples the good news of the resurrection.
Historical Context
The World of Colossae
The first-century Roman household was strongly patriarchal. Adult men held legal authority over wives, children, and slaves, in the same way as we might have authority over animals.
Within that context, Paul introduces important limits on power:
Husbands must love their wives and not treat them harshly.
Fathers must not provoke or discourage their children.
Masters must treat slaves fairly and justly.
While Paul does not directly challenge the structures of his society, he calls those with power to exercise it with love and justice.
Mary Magdalene's World
Women generally had limited social status and were rarely regarded as reliable witnesses in public life. Yet God chooses Mary Magdalene to be the first witness to the resurrection and to carry the news to the disciples.
This highlights a recurring biblical theme: God often works through people whom society undervalues.
Key Ideas
1. We Read Scripture in Context
The Bible was written in particular cultures and times. Understanding those contexts helps us hear the deeper message rather than simply applying every instruction literally.
Questions to consider:
What social assumptions shaped Paul's world?
How is our own culture shaping the way we read these texts?
What timeless principles lie beneath culturally specific instructions?
2. Power Must Be Balanced by Love
One of Paul's central concerns is the responsible use of authority.
Power without love becomes oppression.
Power guided by love and justice promotes human flourishing.
Consider where Paul addresses those with power:
Person with Authority
Paul's Instruction
Husband
Love your wife
Father
Do not provoke your children
Master
Treat slaves fairly and justly
3. Jesus Prioritises People Over Legalism
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus focuses on the purpose behind God's commands rather than rigid rule-keeping.
Examples:
Healing on the Sabbath
Forgiving sinners
Welcoming outsiders
Commissioning Mary Magdalene
As Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath."
4. God Calls Unexpected Leaders
The New Testament contains many examples of women exercising leadership:
Mary Magdalene, first witness to the resurrection
Junia, described by Paul as an apostle (Romans 16:7)
Phoebe, a deacon of the church (Romans 16:1)
Lydia, leader of a house church (Acts 16)
Their stories remind us that God's calling is not limited by social expectations.
5. Work as Service to God
Paul encourages believers to "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
Whether we hold positions of authority or not, our calling is to serve God faithfully in whatever responsibilities we have.
Discussion Questions
What emotions or questions do you have when you read "wives, submit to your husbands" today?
How does understanding the first-century context affect your reading of Colossians?
Where do you see examples of power being used well—or badly—in today's world?
Why do you think Jesus chose Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the resurrection?
What does it mean to read Scripture faithfully without reading it rigidly?
How can Christians hold together respect for Scripture and awareness of cultural context?
What opportunities do you have to use your own influence with love and justice?
A Prayer
Lord Jesus,
help us to read your Word with humility, wisdom, and love.
Teach us to use any authority we have for the good of others.
Give us the courage of Mary Magdalene to proclaim your resurrection,
and the faithfulness to serve you wholeheartedly in all we do.
Amen.
Takeaway
The enduring principle in both passages is that God's kingdom transforms relationships through love, justice, and faithful service. Those with power are called to use it responsibly, and God chooses ordinary people—like Mary Magdalene—to share extraordinary good news.