Colossians 3:24 – “Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Extended Explanation
This verse follows Paul’s teaching about how believers should approach their work and responsibilities. He reminds them that their true reward does not come from people but from God.
- “Since you know” – Paul assumes believers already understand this truth. This is a reminder, not new information.
- “You will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” – In earthly terms, slaves in the Roman world had no right to an inheritance. But Paul tells them that God Himself will give them an eternal inheritance, a reward that far outweighs anything they could ever receive from people.
- “It is the Lord Christ you are serving” – No matter what their earthly role was-slave, worker, servant, or employee-believers are ultimately serving Jesus, not human masters. Their work has eternal significance.
This verse teaches that our faithfulness in work, no matter how small or unnoticed, is not wasted. God sees, and He rewards those who serve Him with sincerity.
Historical Context
Paul was writing to Christians living under the Roman Empire, where slavery was a normal part of society. Many believers in the early church were slaves who had little or no rights.
- Slaves had no inheritance – They could not own property or pass anything on to their children.
- Hard work often went unnoticed – Many served cruel or ungrateful masters.
- Rebellion was dangerous – If a slave resisted authority, they could be punished or even killed.
Paul does not promote or endorse slavery, but he gives these believers hope–they may not have an earthly inheritance, but God has prepared an eternal one for them.
This message was radically different from Roman thinking. Society believed that status and wealth determined a person’s value. But Paul teaches that in God’s kingdom, faithfulness and obedience to Christ are what truly matter.
Theological Implications
This verse carries several key spiritual truths:
- God is the ultimate reward-giver.
- People may overlook hard work, but God never does (Hebrews 6:10).
- Christians have an eternal inheritance.
- Earthly rewards are temporary, but God’s reward is everlasting (1 Peter 1:3-4).
- Every job is spiritual when done for the Lord.
- Work is not just a physical act; it can be worship when done for God’s glory (Colossians 3:23).
- Jesus is our true Master.
- No matter who our boss is, we ultimately serve Christ (Ephesians 6:7-8).
Literary Analysis
Paul’s words focus on motivation and perspective:
- “An inheritance from the Lord” – A powerful contrast. Slaves had no earthly inheritance, but they are promised an eternal one from God.
- “As a reward” – Shows that God values and acknowledges faithful service.
- “It is the Lord Christ you are serving” – This phrase elevates ordinary work to a spiritual level. No task is meaningless when done for Christ.
Paul is shifting the mindset: work is not just about survival or human approval-it is an act of faithfulness to God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
- 1 Peter 1:3-4 – “He has given us new birth into a living hope… and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”
- Ephesians 6:7-8 – “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.”
- Hebrews 6:10 – “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that work has eternal significance. It speaks directly to:
- Employees – Work with integrity, even if no one appreciates it.
- Students – Study faithfully, knowing that learning honors God.
- Stay-at-home parents – Your unseen efforts in raising children are valuable to God.
- Volunteers and ministry workers – Even if people don’t notice your efforts, God does.
- Anyone facing discouragement in work – Even when jobs feel frustrating or unappreciated, remember you are serving Christ, not just people.
No task is too small when done with faithfulness and for God’s glory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love and justice are seen in this promise:
- God sees and rewards faithfulness.
- Even if people ignore your work, God never forgets it (Hebrews 6:10).
- God values people, not status.
- He does not judge by earthly wealth, job titles, or social status. He rewards faithfulness, not fame (1 Samuel 16:7).
- God’s rewards are eternal.
- Earthly promotions and recognition fade, but God’s inheritance is forever (Matthew 6:20).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of faithful service:
- Jesus worked as a carpenter before His ministry (Mark 6:3).
- Jesus humbled Himself to serve others (Philippians 2:5-7).
- Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving (Mark 10:45).
- Jesus promised eternal rewards for faithfulness (Matthew 25:21).
When we work with Christ in mind, we follow His example of humility, faithfulness, and purpose.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does knowing that you are ultimately serving Christ change the way you approach work?
- Do you find yourself seeking recognition from people instead of focusing on God’s reward?
- How can you turn ordinary tasks into acts of worship?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to develop a stronger work ethic for God’s glory?
- How does the promise of an eternal inheritance encourage you to stay faithful?
This verse reminds us that no effort for God is wasted. Whether in work, ministry, or daily responsibilities, our true reward comes from the Lord. May we serve with joy, knowing that we are working for something far greater than human approval–we are serving Christ Himself.