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The 6th Chapter of Ephesians gives us a lot to think about and obey.
Obeying God and putting on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil is the critical core of this chapter.
It addresses both children and parents with things each should do in regard to each other. Most important of all, of course, is obedience in regard to our relationship with God.
Children and Parents
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 NKJV
There is indeed a promise of long life for the person who honors their parents.
If ever there is a time when the parent wants the child to do something that goes against the laws of God, they must obey their Heavenly Father instead of their earthly father.
Even if the earthly father is not a believer or godly in behavior, you must show kindness to your parents and respect.
If the child has to deal with parental ungodly examples, respect should be given if only due to parental age. Afterall, God gave you life through your earthly parents.
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NKJV
Fathers are told not to provoke their children to wrath. This means not to cause them to react by deliberately taunting, stirring them up, or making them angry. Don’t annoy by using actions or words to get a negitive response.
We think of ideal fathers teaching children about the Lord, leading them in paths where they are taught to choose godly living and responses.
Questions should be answered seriously and in a manner to teach the child. Responses should be kind and loving.
Bondservants and Masters
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 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. Ephesians 6:5-9 NKJV
We could put this in terms of employers and employees, as bondservants and masters are, fortunately, no longer seen in much of the world.
Work hard for the person who is your employer or supervisor.
Work as though you are working for Christ. Labor on, not to be seen of men and please them, but to work as bondservants for Christ.
You should do all things as though doing it for God from your heart.
Doing all things as in service to the Lord. Do good, not evil.
Our work should be done to the very best of our ability.
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 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. Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV
We stand against the devil and all that he represents and does.
Believers must wear the armor of God.
Look around you! There is so much evil in this age.
Put on the whole armor of God.
It is no surprise to any of us that the world seems to grow darker and more evil every year. We hear of one war ending and trouble begins in another spot in our world. There are constant arguments between opposing sides everywhere. Riots in the streets near and far.
We need God as never before.
Pray for forgivenss and for revival to happen soon.
We need the Lord!!
We need to stand for Him.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 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, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:14-20 NKJV
We put on truth, righteousness, and peace.
We take the shield of faith for protection and know that our salvation protects us. The word of God in our hearts will keep our minds and hearts on Him.
Our constant prayers and help from the Spirit as well as our watchfulness will help us.
We should be faithful to God and pray to keep speaking boldly as we teach the gospel.
A Gracious Greeting
21 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; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Ephesians 6:21-23 NKJV
Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians with the information that Tychicus is coming. He comes from Paul to let them know the rest of the news and for their comfort.
He sends peace with love and faith from God and Jesus and grace to all those who truly love the Lord.