Ephesians 6: Living the Christian Life and Spiritual Warfare
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.
Ephesians is neatly divided into two halves: the first three chapters lay out the foundational doctrines of our faith, while the last three provide practical instructions for living out those truths. Ephesians 6, the concluding chapter, focuses on specific aspects of Christian living, emphasizing family relationships, the responsibilities of masters and servants, the crucial importance of spiritual warfare, and concludes with final greetings. This chapter serves as a powerful call to action, urging believers to embody their faith in every facet of life.
Instructions for Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4)
Paul begins by addressing the family unit, highlighting the roles and responsibilities within it. He instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord, emphasizing that this is right and pleasing to God (Ephesians 6:1). This command is rooted in the Ten Commandments, specifically the fifth commandment, "Honor your father and mother" (Ephesians 6:2). Paul underscores the significance of this commandment by noting that it is the first with a promise: "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land" (Ephesians 6:3). Honoring parents isn't just about obedience; it involves respect and high regard, even as children grow into adulthood and are no longer under their parents' direct authority.
Turning to fathers (and by extension, parents), Paul urges them not to provoke their children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). Instead, they are to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This involves nurturing, caring for, teaching God's divine guidelines on their level and administering age-appropriate discipline with love, not in anger. Fathers, as leaders of the family, bear the primary responsibility for raising their children in a way that reflects God's character. Mothers share in this responsibility, but the father's role is particularly emphasized. The goal is to cultivate an environment of encouragement and growth, where children can learn and develop in accordance with God's will.
Instructions for Servants and Masters (Ephesians 6:5-9)
Paul then addresses the relationship between servants (or slaves) and masters, a common dynamic in the ancient world. He instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect, sincerity, and a good attitude, as if serving the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-7). They should not work only when being watched but with a sincere heart, fearing God. Paul reminds them that whatever good they do will be rewarded by the Lord (Ephesians 6:8).
Masters, in turn, are called to treat their servants with the same respect and fairness, refraining from threats and recognizing that they and their servants have a common Master in heaven who judges impartially (Ephesians 6:9). There is no favoritism with God. Even in unequal relationships, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, dignity, and the recognition that all are equal in God's eyes.
The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
After addressing relationships, Paul shifts his focus to the spiritual battle that every believer faces. He urges them to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might (Ephesians 6:10), putting on the whole armor of God so that they may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). The Christian's true struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
Paul vividly describes the armor of God, each piece representing a vital aspect of spiritual protection and readiness:
- Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14): Truth is the objective standard by which reality is measured. God's Word is truth. Living in authenticity before God, with integrity, is essential for spiritual warfare.
- Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14): Protects the heart, symbolizing moral purity and uprightness. This is not our own righteousness, but Christ's imputed righteousness, reflected in righteous living.
- Shoes of Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15): Roman soldiers wore sandals with cleats built in to help them have firm footing and to stand their ground under attack. Let the peace from God that results from righteous living confirm that you are operating and moving in God's will, regardless of external turmoil.
- Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16): Faith is acting like God's telling the truth—being obedient to God's view on a matter. It is the means by which we extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, overcoming temptation by believing and acting on God's Word.
- Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17): Protects the mind, the control center of the body. Our spiritual standing in Christ must protect our thinking. Understanding the gospel—that it is God's power "for salvation" (Romans 1:16)—is crucial for operating as one whom God promises to deliver from sin.
- Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17): This is the only offensive weapon. The Word of God, spoken and made effective by the Spirit, cuts through the devil's lies.
Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging believers to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the means by which we access our spiritual resources and align ourselves with God's will.
Paul even asks for prayer for himself, that he may speak boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). This demonstrates the humility and dependence on God that should characterize every believer, regardless of their position or calling.
Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings and a benediction. He mentions Tychicus, who will deliver the letter and provide further updates on Paul's situation (Ephesians 6:21-22). Paul offers peace, love, and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:23), and extends grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Ephesians 6:24). This final expression of grace encapsulates the essence of Paul's message: the transformative power of God's love and grace, which empowers believers to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.
Ephesians is neatly divided into two halves: the first three chapters lay out the foundational doctrines of our faith, while the last three provide practical instructions for living out those truths. Ephesians 6, the concluding chapter, focuses on specific aspects of Christian living, emphasizing family relationships, the responsibilities of masters and servants, the crucial importance of spiritual warfare, and concludes with final greetings. This chapter serves as a powerful call to action, urging believers to embody their faith in every facet of life.
Instructions for Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1-4)
Paul begins by addressing the family unit, highlighting the roles and responsibilities within it. He instructs children to obey their parents in the Lord, emphasizing that this is right and pleasing to God (Ephesians 6:1). This command is rooted in the Ten Commandments, specifically the fifth commandment, "Honor your father and mother" (Ephesians 6:2). Paul underscores the significance of this commandment by noting that it is the first with a promise: "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land" (Ephesians 6:3). Honoring parents isn't just about obedience; it involves respect and high regard, even as children grow into adulthood and are no longer under their parents' direct authority.
Turning to fathers (and by extension, parents), Paul urges them not to provoke their children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). Instead, they are to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This involves nurturing, caring for, teaching God's divine guidelines on their level and administering age-appropriate discipline with love, not in anger. Fathers, as leaders of the family, bear the primary responsibility for raising their children in a way that reflects God's character. Mothers share in this responsibility, but the father's role is particularly emphasized. The goal is to cultivate an environment of encouragement and growth, where children can learn and develop in accordance with God's will.
Instructions for Servants and Masters (Ephesians 6:5-9)
Paul then addresses the relationship between servants (or slaves) and masters, a common dynamic in the ancient world. He instructs servants to obey their earthly masters with respect, sincerity, and a good attitude, as if serving the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-7). They should not work only when being watched but with a sincere heart, fearing God. Paul reminds them that whatever good they do will be rewarded by the Lord (Ephesians 6:8).
Masters, in turn, are called to treat their servants with the same respect and fairness, refraining from threats and recognizing that they and their servants have a common Master in heaven who judges impartially (Ephesians 6:9). There is no favoritism with God. Even in unequal relationships, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, dignity, and the recognition that all are equal in God's eyes.
The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
After addressing relationships, Paul shifts his focus to the spiritual battle that every believer faces. He urges them to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might (Ephesians 6:10), putting on the whole armor of God so that they may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). The Christian's true struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
Paul vividly describes the armor of God, each piece representing a vital aspect of spiritual protection and readiness:
- Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14): Truth is the objective standard by which reality is measured. God's Word is truth. Living in authenticity before God, with integrity, is essential for spiritual warfare.
- Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14): Protects the heart, symbolizing moral purity and uprightness. This is not our own righteousness, but Christ's imputed righteousness, reflected in righteous living.
- Shoes of Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15): Roman soldiers wore sandals with cleats built in to help them have firm footing and to stand their ground under attack. Let the peace from God that results from righteous living confirm that you are operating and moving in God's will, regardless of external turmoil.
- Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16): Faith is acting like God's telling the truth—being obedient to God's view on a matter. It is the means by which we extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, overcoming temptation by believing and acting on God's Word.
- Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17): Protects the mind, the control center of the body. Our spiritual standing in Christ must protect our thinking. Understanding the gospel—that it is God's power "for salvation" (Romans 1:16)—is crucial for operating as one whom God promises to deliver from sin.
- Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17): This is the only offensive weapon. The Word of God, spoken and made effective by the Spirit, cuts through the devil's lies.
Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer, urging believers to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is the means by which we access our spiritual resources and align ourselves with God's will.
Paul even asks for prayer for himself, that he may speak boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). This demonstrates the humility and dependence on God that should characterize every believer, regardless of their position or calling.
Final Greetings (Ephesians 6:21-24)
Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings and a benediction. He mentions Tychicus, who will deliver the letter and provide further updates on Paul's situation (Ephesians 6:21-22). Paul offers peace, love, and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:23), and extends grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love (Ephesians 6:24). This final expression of grace encapsulates the essence of Paul's message: the transformative power of God's love and grace, which empowers believers to live a life that is pleasing to Him.