Introduction: Ephesians 6 encourages believers to have strong spiritual disciplines and interpersonal relationships grounded in Christian principles. The chapter teaches believers practical advice for families, pointing out the importance of obedience, and provides a detailed description of the “armor of God” necessary for spiritual warfare. The teachings of this chapter us to live righteously and fight against spiritual darkness with faith and God’s word as our defense, and I am telling you today, this world is in spiritual darkness in year 2024.
I. Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4)
Ephesians 6:1-3 teaches that children should obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right and comes with a promise of well being and long life. Colossians 3:20 also points out the face that children should be obedient to parents, highlighting that it is a pleasing nature to the Lord. These verses point out the importance of harmony in a family as God’s plan for the family. We see in Ephesians 6:4, the Bible instructs fathers not to provoke their children to anger but to bring them up in nurture and admonition of the Lord. Also we read in Proverbs 22:6, the Bible teaches us to train children in the right way, and they will not stray when older, showing us clearly the value of godly upbringing, love you children enough to lead them to the Lord.
II. Slaves and Masters (Ephesians 6:5-9)
In Ephesians 6:5-8, slaves are instructed to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, as they would Christ. We read in Colossians 3:23-24, the Bible encourages working for the Lord, not for human masters, promising inheritance as a reward. These verses teach about the importance of serving with a good attitude, no matter what the earthly position of the believer may be. Ephesians 6:9 then addresses masters, telling them to treat their slaves well, knowing they have a Master in heaven, truly believers are slaves to Christ because we were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20) . The idea of mutual respect regardless of status is also mentioned in Philemon 1:16, where a slave is to be received no longer as a slave but as a brother in the Lord.
III. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Ephesians 6:10-17 describes the armor of God, which believers must put on to stand against the devil’s schemes. This spiritual armor that equips believers are truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4 also teaches the God given weapons capable of destroying strongholds, emphasizing the power of spiritual defenses. Isaiah 59:17 refers to God Himself wearing righteousness as a breastplate, inspiring believers to imitate divine protection. Ephesians 6:18-20 encourages prayer and staying alert, requesting prayers for Paul to boldly proclaim the gospel. Romans 12:12 advises consistent prayer, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 asks for prayers to spread the word of the Lord, emphasizing the world wide aspect of spiritual warfare.
Conclusion: Ephesians 6 is a call to Christians to uphold Godly relationships within families, to serve others with respect and sincerity, and to arm themselves with spiritual defenses for the struggles against evil. By living in obedience, mutual respect, and spiritual readiness, believers are equipped to live in harmony and purpose, promoting the gospel with resilience and courage. The chapter’s powerful message resonates through the advice given to children, parents, slaves, masters, and through the imagery of the armor of God, all emphasizing the strength found in faith and unity in Christ.
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