Chapter 6 Ephesians 6


Ephesians 6:1–4  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.


The Duty Of Parents And Children

Paul having given counsel to husbands and wives turns his attention to children in Christian homes and their duty. As we are called to obey and submit to the will of God guided by a conscience enlightened by a knowledge of His love, so a child should be drawn by love and care that they might learn to honor and love their parents. There is to be order and discipline and clear guidelines in the home providing direction and boundaries for the child. And children are called of God to obey their parents and in this they may learn to obey Him.

No child is called to obey a parent in doing wrong, for every individual young or old with a conscience is to give God their heart and allegiance. A parent that allows or encourages misbehavior in a child must take responsibility before God for the cultivation of wrong in their children. This does not leave the child without accountability for as their minds and consciences grow and mature they have the responsibility to choose the right, and to follow the voice of conscience that still residually resides in the hearts of all, despite the debasement of sin that for thousands of years has worked in the human family.

Parents can be the cause of there children’s disobedience, for sadly many parents even those who profess to be Christians have been very remiss in their duty. By not consistently training their children for the right and in the ways of God, parents become guilty of training their children even if inadvertently, to disobey them and to disregard God.

Parents should patiently teach children to pray, read to them the Word and promises of God and teach them of a Father in heaven. Further they should guard well the influences that are allowed to come into the life of their children, lest they cultivate tendencies to wrong. Wrong traits and habits allowed to develop in a child are like weeds in a garden, which quickly and firmly take hold of the character crowding out the good and noble.

Ephesians 6:5–9  Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.



Our Duty To Those Over Us

To enslave a person or to cause them to be and indentured servant or holding them in some kind of bondage and forced to work for little or nothing is a reflection of the sinful and selfish heart of man. Such an attitude and character thinks only of itself with little or no consideration for the rights, feelings and happiness of the individual held in servitude. In Paul’s time people were enslaved as the result of war, or in some cases became another’s slave because of the inability to pay their debts. And whole families for generations grew up as bondservants knowing no other life.

While we may consider any form of slavery today as repulsive and enact national and international laws against it, when Paul lived, it was a normal part of life and millions of individuals were slaves.

Slavery is incompatible with the will of God and the gospel. Indeed there where in Paul’s time many social evils prevailing in society, and the same is true today. In many respects the Bible is silent in regards to specific condemnation of these wrongs. Are we to take this apparent silence as an approval of prevailing evil? No this is not the case. We can see in Paul’s counsel here and in his other epistles that slavery or other social ills and sins could not be broken unless the heart and thinking was changed.

Therefore Paul’s counsel should not be taken as an acceptance of the status quo, rather he was seeking to bring the principles of the gospel into the relationship between master and slave. This would have the immediate affect of improving the condition of the servant and over time would break down the acceptance of slavery altogether.

Paul’s counsel can also be applied today, in the realm of work and employment and relations between employees and employers. Those whom Paul addressed, as well as ourselves in our present work environment are called to be obedient according to the flesh. Outward conformity to rules or regulations is right but conscience should not surrender to a higher authority to do that which is wrong. Further, the work that is done whether as a servant or employee should be done conscientiously as if we were doing our work for Christ.

Paul called slaves, as well as us in our work today, to do our work faithfully whether or not we are supervised or appreciated in what we do. We should do our work well, not simply to get along or gain favor with a master or employer but because it is the right thing to do as children of God. Slaves were called as well as employees today, to bring our relationship to God into our work life by doing our best as servants of Christ. It is God’s will that in all facets of our life we live by His principles and do our best by His help in every aspect of our life.

Christians in the past who were slave owners, or those who are employers today are also called to be kind toward those whom they hold power or position over. They are to realize they themselves have a Master over them in heaven. God is no respecter of persons and does not consider them any better than their slave or employee, for all shall have to give an account of their life to God. Social standing, wealth and power and position over fellow human beings in this life account for nothing in God’s sight, for if anything, it only adds to our responsibility before God.

Ephesians 6:10–12  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.



Our Strength Is In God

As Paul begins to close his letter, he draws our attention to the source of our strength for the spiritual battles we face, as by faith we make our journey to the kingdom of light and glory.

To be a Christian is not for the unbelieving and faithless, neither is it possible to be headstrong and independent for we are called to walk with Jesus receiving His strength. To walk with Jesus requires obedience and trust, for we can “enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it” (Matthew 7:13–14 NLT).

God has not purposely made the path to heaven difficult to keep out as many as possible, for He “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). The path to heaven is difficult because selfishness, independence, sin and pride would weigh us down and therefore must be cast off. Therefore it is essential we are in the Lord, which is to give our self wholly to Him, serving Him with “all [our] heart, with all [our] soul, with all [our] mind, and with all [our] strength” (Mark 12:30).

Anciently as well as presently a soldier prepared for battle is dressed and equipped differently than the average citizen. Spiritually it must be the same for us, as we are to put on the whole armor of God. We face an enemy though unseen, as real as any faced by a soldier on the battlefield. Our enemy is the devil and his specialty is secret warfare, mind control and propaganda, as well as frontal attacks. Therefore it is imperative we are always ready for battle by being in Christ and receiving His strength.

Though the channel for Satan’s activities to deceive, mislead and seduce us often comes through other men, our fellow humans are not the real enemy. Many people, indeed the vast majority of humanity are merely pawns and largely unknowing agents for the devils work. For unless we have a mind renewed in Christ and receive His might and strength, the devil will captivate and direct our minds even though we think we are free.

Therefore our real battle is against the unseen forces behind the scenes, “those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world” (Ephesians 6:12 TLB). There is a battle on the planet of which the wars and civil insurrections are but a part, the battle is for the heart and mind of every person, Satan’s purpose is to lead mankind into sin and false worship, for in this he receives honor and he knows the final fate of all such is death.

Jesus on the other hand seeks to lead us into the path of eternal life and glory, but this requires a surrender of our heart to His will and way. This means we need to develop the discipline and the commitment required of a soldier. Paul next tells us how we should be equipped so that we are ready for the battles that we face.

Ephesians 6:13–17  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.



Prepared For Spiritual Battle

Because we face spiritual wickedness and unseen foes, it is imperative we are ready at all times, not in human might but in Christ’s grace and strength to resist the evil of our day.

The saying, “a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link” can also be applied to wearing the Christian armor. Any neglect on our part to appropriate by faith and diligence the armor of God provides a weakness for the devil to exploit. Our own humanity unless constantly enabled by Christ will falter, for Jesus said, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38).

We are able to resist and overcome to the extent the inner man is equipped with knowledge of the truth of Scripture. This includes intellectual knowledge of doctrine, but it also means to love the truth and live by it.

The breastplate was used to cover a soldier’s vital organs, and righteousness is to be the covering that protects and keeps us. The righteousness that is to cover and protect us includes justification by faith through the blood of Christ; leading to holiness. This is a life guided according to the counsel of God. (See Romans 5:1; 6:22.)

Anciently some soldiers would have protection on their feet and lower legs. And we need the gospel of peace as our protection and the principle by which we walk or live in this world. Further, as Christians we have a goal and purpose that we strive for, regardless of the darkness around us and the attacks of the enemy. For we are to “concentrate on this: … leave the past behind … go straight for the goal—my reward the honour of my high calling by God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14 Phillips).

Also along our pathway to the kingdom of heaven we are to tell others of the good news of the gospel and peace with God. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation” (Isaiah 52:7 NLT).

A shield was a defense to withstand arrows, spears and other blows, and without it a soldier would be exposed and without protection. Faith is to be our shield and without it we are defenseless. Faith includes trust in God and belief in and fidelity to His Word. Faith is founded on the hope of the gospel and salvation solely in Christ. By faith in God and with a heart and mind surrendered to His will and counsel, we are able to overcome by the divine influence of grace, the temptations, deceit, and plots of the devil and his agents that would seek to break our hold upon Christ.

As “evil men and impostors … grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” and because “iniquity shall abound, [and] the love of many shall wax cold” it is imperative we maintain a walk of faith. (2 Timothy 2:13; Matthew 24:12 KJV). To gain the victory, which is life eternal, we are to live by faith, which is to live by God’s Word. For “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). We can never obtain eternal life, and gain the victory, unless we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and … run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Such a life is possible, and is one that God intends for His people, “for every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4 NLT).

The helmet is to protect the soldiers head and it is our mind that needs to be kept and garrisoned in by faith, hope and the salvation of Christ, for the mind is the true battle ground of the soul. Our mind can be kept as we believe and live by the promise that God “will guard … and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You” (Isaiah 26:3 AMP). To obtain the helmet of salvation is to accept that “the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble” (Psalm 37:39).

By the sword of the Spirit we can defend ourselves from the temptations of the flesh and the onslaughts of the devil. For the Bible is the Holy Spirit’s book, for in its pages we find that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). And in the Scriptures are “given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). The devil’s darts may come disguised in religion, and the Bible, the Spirit’s sword is to evaluate and test all spiritual ideas and practices.

To obtain the whole armor of God is vital if we are to have victory, and to neglect or leave off even one piece weakens the effectiveness of what remains. Therefore if we are to stand and be victorious and finally obtain the eternal crown we need to be fully prepared for our daily battles.

Ephesians 6:18–20  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.



The Need Of Constant Prayer

In addition to the full armor of the Lord comes the necessity of prayer. In fact without prayer the armor would only serve to weigh us down. Prayer is the life of the soul that seeks the strength and grace of God to live the truth that is to gird us. By prayer and supplication we seek to make application of the sword of the Spirit in our life.

Prayer is not only to make effectual the armor of God; we are to add to our prayers supplications for others. As our heart goes out after God in behalf of others it helps lift us out from the natural tendency of attention on our own family, or ourselves to the exclusion of others.

Paul recognized the importance of intercessory prayer, for though a giant in the faith he recognized his need and humbly asked others to pray for him. Paul needed the strength of God and the intercessory prayers of others that he might remain faithful in his imprisonment and that even in such circumstances he might be a tool in God’s hands to share the gospel by voice, example and pen.

Ephesians 6:21–24  But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Paul sought to encourage fellow believers, even though because of his own troubles and imprisonment it could be thought he needed the greater encouragement. Paul like we all do, needed the knowledge of the concern of others. Often there were those who visited him and helped him carry on his work. Yet Paul’s greatest interest even in bondage was for the churches. His prayers and concern was that they would remain faithful, in their trials and tribulations as congregations and individuals. Paul sought to be an example of courage and faith to others; this was not mere bravery or a desire to be looked up to. God sustained him and he wanted others to know the same grace and faithfulness that he received from God.

Tychicus is mentioned in several letters of Paul, and apparently was a gospel worker and was trusted and loved by the aged apostle. He was sent to Ephesus and perhaps other churches to carry Paul’s letters and to encourage, help and strengthen the churches. He no doubt also brought word back to Paul, of the condition of the congregations.

The peace and grace of God was at the heart of the gospel Paul preached and to which he gave his whole life and strength. The beginning and ending of his letters often acknowledges God and Christ as the only source of the believer’s peace, faith and grace, and he encouraged all, to make it their own experience.
 
I pray God’s word through Paul will be His word to each of us personally. For this to happen, we need to take the counsel of Ephesians to heart and believe its admonitions, warnings and promises. Then by God’s grace, and the exercise of faith make application of this epistle of heaven to our own life.

May we each know this day the peace, grace and love of Christ and the Father is my hope and prayer, amen.

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