Eph 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.
- Live long. Paul himself calls long life a promise, while a lot of people still say that it is not a blessing. Long life is a promise indeed.
- Children, obey. Paul is now saying how the divine society that God has designed works in the family level. He already started giving instructions to the wives in Eph 5:21-23. Notice the difference between the instructions given regarding wives in Eph 5:21-33, and this to children. Children are expected to obey, while wives are expected to submit. Children have to obey their parents “in the Lord”. Any instruction that is contrary to God’s will, children don’t have to obey. When I had to decide whether I had to leave cessationism, against my parents wishes, it was “in the Lord” (You can read it in It’s been 13 years since I left Cessationism).
- Order in family. In God’s divine society, in a family, everyone is valued equally. However, each person is assigned a role within the divine order or system for God’s established order. According to this belief, God has designated the man as the head of the family, and the wife is expected to submit to him. This is not because she is considered inferior, but rather a divine order within the family, for the smooth functioning of the family. Similarly, the children are not deemed inferior, but are expected to obey, even though they are of no lesser importance. This structure is also observed in the Trinity. Jesus, the Son of God, obeyed Father God.
When the wife submits, it is intended to be a voluntary and meaningful submission, akin to the way the church submits to Christ. Christ loved the church first, and the church responded to His love. Similarly, husbands are to love their wives, and the women are to respond to the love of the husband by submission. This is important as without order within families, they are destined to fail. Many object to this order by saying that it is oppression of women. But it is not. At workplaces, we submit to our leadership for the smooth working of the company, but we are no lesser than the boss as a person. The devil works overtime to destroy the fabric of the family, since when families breakdown, the nation breaks down.
Eph 6:4-9
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
- Fathers, do not provoke. Fathers play a crucial role in the grand scheme of things. They should treat their families with respect, and bear the responsibility of loving their wives and not provoking their children. It’s the wife’s job to submit, and the husband’s job to show love. If one slips up, the other shouldn’t just ditch their responsibilities. Love is not just an emotion, it is a decision and action.
- Slaves, be obedient to your masters. Living in a time where slavery no longer exists doesn’t mean we can’t apply its principles to our work lives. I vividly recall my early days at work, driven purely by the desire for a paycheck, and consequently delivering poor performance. It wasn’t until I grasped my identity in Christ that my entire perspective and work ethic transformed. My guiding principle became “in Christ, there is only room for excellence” and to do so as if I am doing it to the Lord. This mindset revolutionized my work and brought me tremendous success. Remember, we are called to work as if serving the Lord Himself. Never resort to shortcuts, and ensure that your employer never regrets hiring you. Let your excellence be a reflection of God, leaving a lasting impression on your employer. You can totally imagine the homemaker cooking a meal like Jesus Christ himself is coming over for dinner. Teachers can educate children, doctors can treat patients, and nurses can care for them, all as if they were looking after Jesus Christ. The same goes for solicitors helping clients, shop assistants serving customers, accountants auditing books, and secretaries typing letters, as if they were doing it all for Jesus Christ. And what about the masses of industrial workers with tedious routine machine-minding to do, and the miners who have to work underground? Definitely, yes.
A high percentage of the population in the Roman Empire were slaves, estimated at 60,000,000. These individuals formed the backbone of the workforce, encompassing not just domestic workers and manual laborers, but also professionals such as doctors, teachers, and administrators. Slaves could be inherited, purchased, or obtained to settle debts, while prisoners of war were commonly enslaved. The prevailing attitude toward this system was one of unquestioning acceptance, with no widespread challenge or query. The institution of slavery was so deeply ingrained in Mediterranean economic life that it was not considered a “problem” in ancient times. This pervasive acceptance explains why Plato, in his vision of an ideal society in The Republic, did not find it necessary to discuss the existence of a slave class; it was simply taken for granted.
- Was Paul condoning slavery? Paul’s writings on slavery were not an endorsement of the practice but rather an acknowledgment of the societal norms of his time. His primary focus was on transforming lives through the Gospel, rather than directly addressing social structures. In 1 Corinthians 7:21, Paul advises slaves to gain their freedom if possible, but he emphasizes that one’s status as a slave or free person does not affect their standing in Christ. This reflects the New Covenant perspective that in Christ, there is neither slave nor free, as all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28). Paul does this in Corinth as well – when Paul addresses the issue of women covering their heads in Corinth, he is considering the cultural context. In that society, an uncovered head could be associated with prostitution, so Paul advises women to cover their heads to avoid misunderstanding and to maintain a good witness (1 Corinthians 11:5-6). Again, the emphasis is on living out the Gospel within the cultural norms to effectively share the message of Christ. The focus is always on the transformation of the heart and mind through the Spirit, rather than on external circumstances (Romans 12:2).
Eph 6: 10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
- The resistance. Till now Paul was unveiling God’s divine new creation society, and now he says that there is opposition. He re-introduces the adversary, the devil ( already mentioned in Eph 2:2, and Eph 4:27). His goal isn’t just to satisfy our curiosity, but to give us a heads up about their hostility and show us how to deal with it. Is God planning to set up a new society? Well, they’ll go all out to wreck it. Did God, through Jesus Christ, break down the barriers between people of different races and cultures? Then the devil, through his followers, will try to build them back up. Does God want his reconciled and redeemed people to live together in peace and purity? Well, the forces of hell will spread seeds of conflict and sin among them.
- Be strong in the Lord. Finally, be constantly strengthened in the Lord and in the active efficacy of the might that is inherent in Him (WUEST translation). Strength is inherent int he Lord, and you have Him in you. Access it. Christian life is not just a changed life but an exchanged life.
- Stand firm. We are clothed with immense power and seated at the right hand of God. Yet, when faced with challenges, we often consider yielding, thinking it is better to endure for a while. We must realize that when the enemy attacks, it is not for a mere taste; he comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). We must not yield for even a second. Stand firm against the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). He cannot stand before us, for he brazenly challenges a child of God. No compromise with the enemy! When you see him, rise and strike him down! As Ephesians 6:11 commands, stand your ground, do not yield, confront the forces of the enemy and stand strong! Saul and his armies put up with the forces of Goliath and the Philistine armies, but David stood firm against them, and emerged victorious.
- Against the devil. God is still working through us to execute his will on earth. He expects us to go therefore and preach, heal, raise the dead and destroying the works of the devil everywhere. Just like in the OT, He does not expect us to sit and ask Him to do it for us, but instead He still says “you do it” and “you will be victorious because I have won the victory and you are using my authority”. So sitting somewhere and pleading God to intervene is not the way, but instead take the authority we have in Christ and be who we are in Christ, the Body of Christ.
- Heavens. The concept of “heavens” in the Bible can be understood in a few different ways, depending on the context. The term “heavens” is often used to describe different realms or layers of the sky and beyond.
- The First Heaven: This refers to the sky or the atmosphere where birds fly and clouds form. It’s the physical realm that we see above us (Genesis 1:20).
- The Second Heaven: This is often understood as outer space, where the sun, moon, and stars are located. It’s the celestial realm beyond our immediate atmosphere (Genesis 1:14-17).
- The Third Heaven: This is a term used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2, where he describes being caught up to the “third heaven.” This is generally understood to be the spiritual realm or the dwelling place of God, beyond the physical universe.
- When we were created, we were the first creation who could live in two dimensions simultaneously. We live on earth and in heaven. We live in the first heaven and we live in the third heaven. So now the question comes : Do you live from heaven to earth or do you live from earth to heaven. If we live from earth to heaven, the second heaven has power over the first. Before Jesus died on the cross, the second heaven had all power over the first heaven and all authority. So when Jesus died on the cross and when we believed in Jesus unto salvation, we went from first heaven authority to third heaven authority and now we have authority over what happens in the second heaven. But if you do not know what has happened at Salvation, you become a victim of the second realm.
- Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. People often forget this, especially during election time. Even ministers and believers who claim to believe this, panic and throw potshots at the opposition. They join the adversary into maiming, and being rude. Our weapons of warfare are not oppositions, protests, and politics, as those are the worldly methods. If there is a political leader, you do not like, still you have no right to maim or demonize the person. Bible calls to pray for them. There are people watching how we react, and in the pursuit of political gains, we could potentially create animosity from groups who would otherwise heard the gospel from us. (Read more on When I heard a Pastor speak a divisive “sermon”).
Eph 6:13-17
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- Full armour of God.
- The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14). In ancient Roman armor, the belt was a crucial part of the soldier’s gear, holding the other pieces of armor in place. For Christians, the “belt of truth” represents the importance of living a life grounded in truth—both in personal integrity and in identity. Understanding the truth of who we are in Christ is vital. We are new creations, righteous, and holy because of what Jesus has done (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:24). This truth helps us stand firm against accusations and doubts. Also, living in truth means aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s Word. It involves honesty, integrity, and authenticity in our relationships and decisions. This alignment with truth protects us from the schemes of the enemy and helps us walk in the light (1 John 1:7).
- The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). The breastplate protected a soldier’s vital organs, especially the heart.
- Righteousness as a Gift: Our righteousness is not based on our own efforts or moral achievements but is a gift from God through faith in Jesus. Romans 3:22-24 explains that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. This righteousness is imputed to us, meaning it is credited to our account because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
- Protection Against Accusation: The enemy often attacks believers with accusations and guilt. The breastplate of righteousness protects us by reminding us that our standing before God is secure, not because of our own deeds, but because of Christ’s finished work. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- Living Out Righteousness: While our righteousness before God is a gift, we are also called to live out this righteousness in our daily lives. Ephesians 4:24 encourages us to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This involves allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in making choices that reflect our new identity in Christ.
- The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15). A soldier’s shoes were essential for mobility and stability in battle. The “shoes of the gospel of peace” symbolize the readiness and firm foundation that the gospel of peace provides. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from being reconciled to God through Christ. These shoes prepare Christians to stand firm and move forward in their faith, spreading the message of peace to others.
- The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16). The Roman shield was large and could protect the entire body from attacks, especially from arrows.
- Faith as Protection: The shield of faith is our defense against the “flaming arrows” of the evil one, which can include doubts, fears, temptations, and accusations. By holding up the shield of faith, we trust in God’s promises and character, extinguishing these attacks. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
- Faith in God’s Promises: Our faith is rooted in the promises of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. We trust that God is faithful and that His promises are true. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. By focusing on God’s Word, our faith is strengthened.
- Faith in Action: The shield of faith is not passive; it involves actively trusting God in every situation. This means choosing to believe God’s truth over the lies of the enemy and relying on His strength rather than our own. James 2:17 reminds us that faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions and choices.
- The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17). The helmet protects the head, a critical part of the body.
- Assurance of Salvation: The helmet of salvation reminds us of the certainty of our salvation. Our hope is secure because it is based on the finished work of Christ, not on our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is a gift from God. This assurance protects our minds from doubts and fears about our standing with God.
- Protection of the Mind: The helmet guards our thoughts, helping us to focus on the truth of our identity in Christ. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. By setting our minds on the reality of our salvation, we can resist the enemy’s attempts to deceive or discourage us.
- Hope of Salvation: The helmet also represents the hope we have in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 refers to the helmet as the “hope of salvation.” This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation of eternal life with God. It gives us strength and perseverance in the face of trials, knowing that our future is secure.
- The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The sword is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God. The “sword of the Spirit” is the Word of God, the Bible. It is a powerful tool for both defense and offense in spiritual battles. The Word of God can be used to combat lies, temptations, and attacks from the enemy. It also serves to convict, guide, and strengthen believers in their daily walk with God.
- The Word as Truth: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, which is truth. Jesus used Scripture to counter the temptations of Satan in the wilderness, demonstrating the power of God’s Word to refute lies and temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). By knowing and applying Scripture, we can stand firm against the enemy’s attacks.
- The Word as Guidance: The Word of God provides guidance and wisdom for our lives. Psalm 119:105 describes God’s Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It helps us discern God’s will and make decisions that align with His truth. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
- The Word as Transformation: The Word of God has the power to transform our minds and hearts. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which occurs as we engage with Scripture. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to shape us into the image of Christ, enabling us to live out our new identity.
- Stand firm. Sometimes we do everything we know to do, and correctly as well, and then the devil doesn’t budge, so we start thinking if we did something wrong. That’s exactly what the devil wants. He wants us to start thinking about that and hence it moves from faith to unbelief. We should not act on such thoughts. At some point, we just have to stop. dont waiver, dont be double mind. Dont have two thoughts in your head. Its not about thoughts. Thoughts may come, but you should be able to take those thoughts captive, and set the Word of God high.
- Flaming arrows. We are able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one through faith.
Eph 6:18-20
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
- Pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit, as mentioned in Ephesians 6:18, is an integral part of the believer’s spiritual life, and the armour of God. It involves praying with the awareness and confidence that we are in union with Christ and that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This type of prayer is not just about tongues, but if it is in tongues or with natural language, it is about recognizing our new spiritual location in Christ.
- Union with Christ: Praying in the Spirit means acknowledging our union with Christ. As believers, we are always “in the Spirit” because we are new creations (Romans 8:9). This means we have direct access to God and can communicate with Him freely, knowing that we are heard and loved (Hebrews 4:16).
- Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27). Praying in the Spirit involves relying on the Spirit’s guidance and allowing Him to lead our prayers. This ensures that our prayers align with God’s purposes and desires.
- Confidence and Assurance: Praying in the Spirit gives us confidence that our prayers are effective and heard by God. James 5:16 reminds us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. As we pray in the Spirit, we can trust that God is at work in and through our prayers.
- Pray on my behalf. Often, when people get into leadership, in their minds, two tiers are formed, people who these leaders think look upto them, and people who they look unto. Often, the leaders find it hard to ask the former for ministry or even to pray for them, because it feels it undermines their authority and leadership. But leaders, you can learn from Paul here. He didn’t sit in his ivory tower saying that he had it all together, but he asked for prayer.
- Alert. It is important to be alert. Check the news, decree things according to the will of God. Be watchful, but not in fear. Learn from the life of Lester Sumrall who decreed oppressive kingdoms to fall (Read Your Enemy is Terrified of You).
Eph 6:21-24
But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may 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 those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.