Working for the Lord – Colossians 3:22-25 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 3:22-25 (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."
Laying the Foundation: Work as Worship
Paul has been teaching us how our faith in Christ should transform every area of life—our mindset (3:1-4), our character (3:5-14), and our relationships at home (3:18-21). Now, he moves to another important aspect of life: our work.
Though Paul specifically addresses bondservants (slaves) and masters in this passage, the principles apply to all who work under authority.
The key takeaway: Your work is ultimately for the Lord, not for people. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a teacher, a business owner, or an employee, your work should be done as an act of worship.
Let’s break this passage down.
1. Work with Obedience and Integrity (v.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."
"Obey in everything" – In Paul’s time, many Christians were servants or slaves under Roman rule. He tells them to work faithfully under their earthly masters.
"Not by way of eye-service" – This means not just working hard when the boss is watching.
"Not as people-pleasers" – Our motivation shouldn’t be to win human approval but to honor God.
"With sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord" – True obedience comes from a heart devoted to God, not just human authority.
For us today, this means:
Work with integrity whether people see it or not.
Don’t cut corners, slack off, or do the bare minimum.
Respect those in authority, not because they are perfect, but because you ultimately serve Christ.
Reflection:
Do you work differently when no one is watching?
Are you working for human recognition, or to honor God?
2. Work Wholeheartedly for the Lord (v.23-24)
"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."
"Whatever you do" – This covers all types of work, whether paid or unpaid, whether glamorous or unnoticed.
"Work heartily" (ἐκ ψυχῆς, ek psychēs) – This means to work from the soul, with passion and excellence.
"As for the Lord and not for men" – Your real boss is God, not people.
"Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward" – Earthly work may not always be rewarding, but God sees and will reward faithfulness.
"You are serving the Lord Christ" – Every job is ministry when done for Jesus.
For us today, this means:
Even the most ordinary tasks are sacred when done for God.
We should work with joy, diligence, and purpose.
Our reward is not just a paycheck. It’s the inheritance of eternal life in Christ.
Reflection:
Are you working with a heart that reflects Christ?
How can you change your mindset to see your work as an act of worship?
3. God Sees Injustice and Judges Fairly (v.25)
"For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality."
"The wrongdoer will be paid back" – God is just. No injustice goes unnoticed.
"There is no partiality" – Unlike human systems, God doesn’t play favorites. He will judge fairly.
This is a reminder that:
If you’ve been treated unfairly at work, God sees it.
If you’ve been tempted to cut corners, mistreat others, or slack off… God sees that too.
Ultimately, all work is judged by Christ’s standard, not just human opinion.
Reflection:
Are you trusting God’s justice when you experience unfair treatment?
Are you honoring God in how you work, even when it’s hard?
Final Thoughts: Honor God in Your Work
Paul’s message is clear. Your work matters to God.
🏆 Work with integrity, even when no one is watching.
🙌 Work with passion, knowing you serve the Lord.
⚖️ Trust God’s justice in unfair situations.
💡 Your workplace is a mission field. Shine for Christ.
Ask yourself:
✔️ Do I approach my work as a calling from God?
✔️ Am I working with excellence and integrity?
✔️ Do I find my satisfaction in God’s reward, not just earthly success?
Tomorrow, we’ll continue with Colossians 4, where Paul teaches us about prayer and wise interactions with others.
