Colossians 3:23-25

Colossians 3:23-25

[23] And  ye do,  do  it heartily,  as  to the Lord,  and  not  unto men;  [24] Knowing  that  of  the Lord  ye shall receive  the reward  of the inheritance:  ye serve  the Lord  Christ.  [25] he that doeth wrong  shall receive  which  he hath done:  and  no  respect of persons. 

What does Colossians 3:23-25 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Slaves should do their work primarily for the Lord. This view of work transforms a worker"s attitudes and performance. Even the most servile work thereby becomes a ministry and an act of worship.
"He means, "Don"t keep your eye on the clock. Keep your eye on Christ. He is the One whom you are serving." This is the way you ought to do your job.
"If you are lazy on the Job , you are not dedicated to Jesus Christ." [1]
The Lord will reward such service with an inheritance ( 1 Corinthians 4:5; Revelation 22:12). Imagine a slave receiving an inheritance! The title "Lord Christ" occurs only here in the New Testament. Evidently Paul coined it to stress Jesus" lordship. Jesus is the Messiah who as Lord will reward the faithful in the future. There may be an intended contrast with "Lord Caesar."
"The inheritance is a reward which is received as "wages" for work done. Nothing could be plainer. The context is speaking of the return a man should receive because of his work, as in an employer-employee relationship. The inheritance is received as a result of work; it does not come as a gift. The Greek antapodosis means repayment or reward. The verb antapodidomi never means to receive as a gift; it is always used in the New Testament of a repayment due to an obligation." [2]
The New Testament revelation concerning the inheritance that believers can merit by faithful perseverance in the faith and good works is extensive. All believers will receive much inheritance simply because God chooses to bestow it on all (cf. Revelation 4:9-1063; John 3:5; John 3:16; John 3:36; Romans 5:1; Romans 5:9; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 15:53-57; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Peter 1:9). Nevertheless believers who remain faithful to the Lord will receive even more inheritance (cf. Romans 8:17-214; Matthew 5:46; Matthew 6:1-2; Matthew 6:4-6; Matthew 6:16; Matthew 6:18; Matthew 10:41-42; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23; Luke 6:35; Luke 19:17; Luke 19:19; John 12:26; John 15:14; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 9:16-18; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 3:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Timothy 5:18; 2 Timothy 2:5; 2 Timothy 2:12; 2 Peter 1:10-11; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 John 1:8; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:10-11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 22:12). Some passages indicate that this inheritance involves participation in the wedding banquet at the beginning of the messianic kingdom (e.g, Matthew 25; et al.). Other passages speak of it as reigning with Christ ( Matthew 19:27-28; Luke 19:17-19; Luke 22:28-30; 1714090854_26) or as treasure in heaven ( Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:29; Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:32-33; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). It also involves receiving praise and honor from Jesus Christ and the Father ( Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:5; Matthew 6:16; Matthew 25:21; John 12:26; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:8). These honors are sometimes spoken of as crowns ( Philippians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2:10; 1714090854_8). [3]