Morning Moments

Col. 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

The context of this verse is extremely important. In verses 1-4 Paul reminds us of our New Position – Risen with Christ. In verses 5-9 he speaks of our New Power – to “mortify our members”. In verses 10-11 he reminds us that we are to “put on” because we are a New Person. Then in verses 12-25 he writes about our New Practice. Finally he illustrates just how all this works.

Now I would like for us to consider Wuest’s notes on this verse. It is important to remember that Paul lived in the world of the greatest athletic games known to man, and in his wisdom, he use them to show principles of the Christian faith. He spoke of boxing, soldiers, sailors, and many other athletics exercises.

Wuest:
It is, “Whatsoever ye do, do it.” The English reader will
observe that the two occurrences of the word “do” are translated from two different
words in the Greek text. The first refers to the mere doing of something.

The second is an advance upon the first word means, “to labor, do work.” It is opposed to inactivity or idleness. Lightfoot translates, “do it diligently.” Expositors says:

“Not only must the slave’s work be done in the fear of the Lord, but done as if it were actually for the Lord that he was doing it, and not for a mere human master. And this principle is to govern every detail of his varied service. Their service, Paul would say, is not to be rendered at all to their human master, but exclusively to Christ. However their earthly master may reward their service, there is a Master who will give them a just recompense; although they cannot receive an earthly, He will give them a heavenly inheritance.”

“Heartily” is literally, “out from the soul.” “Reward” is, “that which is
paid back, a requital.” Lightfoot translates, “the just recompense.” “Of the inheritance” is genitive of apposition. Translate ‘which consists in the inheritance’” (Lightfoot). The same authority translates the words, you serve (as your Master) the (great) Master, Christ. The word (Lord), also means “master.”

BLESSINGS!