SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 6
MEMORY VERSE:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10)
CHILDREN AND PARENTS (vs. 1-4)
Children must obey and honor their parents. Fathers must not exasperate their children. Instead, they should train them and bring them up in the instruction of the Lord.
SLAVES AND MASTERS (vs. 5-9)
Slaves must obey their earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as they would obey Christ. Their obedience is not to win their favor but to do the will of God from their heart. They should serve wholeheartedly as serving the Lord, not men. For the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does. And masters should treat their slaves in the same way. They should not threaten them because both have their Masters in heaven who show no favoritism.
THE ARMOR OF GOD (vs. 10-20)
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
7 PIECES OF THE ARMOR OF GOD:
- Belt of truth – waist
- Breastplate of righteousness – breast
- Gospel of peace – feet
- Shield of faith – heart
- Helmet of salvation – head
- Sword of the Spirit – hand
- Prayer – mouth
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 21-24)
I am sending you my dear faithful brother Tychicus to you so that you may know how we are and that he may encourage you.
Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
THOUGHTS:
HOW CAN CHRISTIANS MANIFEST CHRISTLIKENESS?
- At home – Children must respect, honor and obey their parents. Parents must not provoke their children to anger and discouragement. Instead they must love and discipline them to follow the command of God.
- At the working place – Slave must serve his master willingly and wholeheartedly and the Master must treat the slave well. Employees should do their job responsibly and employers should treat their employees fairly and with respect.
- In this world – All of us must take Satan (our enemy) seriously against his attack. Put on all the armors of God to fight against the mighty powers of darkness. We need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to defeat Satan. We should pray for all believers in Christ that God will accomplish his plan through us.
Paul highlighted the supremacy of Christ, gave information on both the nature of the church and on how church members should live and stressed the unity of all believers regardless of gender, nationality or social rank. Let us build unity in our church through willing submission to Christ’s leadership and humble service to one another.