Ephesians 6 - Stand

In the first section of chapter 6 Paul continues his examples of how to live out your faith in the home and he hits pretty much every relationship that might exist in the home of that day.  

1-3 - Children, it is to your benefit to listen to and obey your parents - remember that in these households there were sometimes several generations in one home - so we're not just talking about little kids but even adults listening to the wisdom of their parents.  But look at the promise, "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  This is the original fountain of youth.  Who knew?!  

4 - Fathers, "don't exasperate your children," which means don't provoke them.  Apparently this was a problem in the ancient world.  Father's who would not take the time to instruct and train their children but perhaps just say, "do it because I said" without giving the why or helping them understand the importance of what they've been asked.  

5-9 - Paul address the relationship between slaves and masters.  It's important to remember that these were not typically slaves like we think of in the dark days of our own country.  These slaves were usually given a wage, or lived in the home of the master in exchange for their labor.  Many were bond-servants who had willingly given themselves to their masters and they almost all had a life outside their masters home.  Think of it more like a live in butler or maid.  They could be mistreated, as Paul encourages masters not to threaten them or treat them poorly.  The master did have certain rights, but often the slaves did too and if they were treated poorly they had recourse.    

The point Paul makes is that whether your a slave or a master we're all to be slaves of Jesus first and serve (or you could read, submit) Him by serving each other.

10-17 - In the final "meat" section of this letter to the Ephesian Church we find the famous passage about the Armor of God.  Since the beginning of his letter Paul has been showing the new believers in Ephesus how to live in their new faith.  From their first faith steps to becoming mature believers Paul has been walking through the how and what and why of the spiritual journey.  Now he turns from the physical behavior of a Christian to the spiritual war they (and we) will face.  

You can gain much from this section of Scriptures but I want to focus on a couple things as we wrap up our 6 days in Ephesus.  

1. You and I are to recognize that we are not strong enough in our own strength to face the spiritual onslaught that will come to every believer.  Paul wants to make sure we know that we will not be able to accomplish all that he has written in this letter unless we rely on and walk in the strength of the Lord and His mighty power.    If you try to face the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world on your own you will fail.   So he shows us how to be strong in the Lord in the next several verses. 
2. I find it really interesting that Paul doesn't say, fight or run but he tells us to simply stand.  In fact he says it four times.  Stand against the devils schemes.  Stand your ground in the day of evil.  After you've given all you have, just stand.  And we're not to stand firm in our wisdom or ability or strength.  We're to stand in Truth (which comes from God), in righteousness, in peace, in faith, in salvation and in the Spirit.  
• Notice that all these items are defensive except one, the Sword of the Spirit - which just so happens to be the Word of God.  The same Word that the writer of the letter to the Hebrew believers said was, "alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  Our only "weapon" against our spiritual enemies is the Word of God.  You will not fight or win with any other instrument. 
• When Jesus faced satan in the wilderness (you can read about it in Luke 4) even He battled satan with the Word of God when He quoted it three times before getting satan to flee.  That power is yours too...if you know what the Word says.  You can't fight with a weapon you don't have - that's part of the reason a daily bible reading plan is so important - for the rest of your life - so you will know the Word and can wield it effectively in battle.  That's why the last 6 days will strengthen you in your faith journey, because it's the Word and when you know the Word you can wield the Word.  

In the next few verses 18-20 Paul talks about the important of prayer, constant prayer, spiritual prayer and requests.  Keep on praying for all Christians and Paul asks for prayer himself too.  I would do the same.  Pray for me.  Pray that I would be bold in sharing God's Word and would be able to stand in the face of spiritual attack in my life.  Since I want to speak the truth of God's Words to a world that doesn't always accept it in a way that they might understand and apply to their lives and ours.  Pray for me that I would be faithful to God's call and many would come to know Jesus through this ministry.  

Finally, Paul has his pretty standard farewell in 21-24.  Tychicus (tick-e-cuss) could have been from Ephesus and followed Paul around as a apprentice or he could have been from somewhere else - regardless, Paul trusted him to do 2 things - deliver his message accurately and encourage the people surely through preaching of the Word.  

Then Paul closed with peach to these dear brothers and sisters in the faith, in the love of God and Jesus and for grace to be given to all who love Jesus with an undying love.  

And I'm sure he would say the same to you today.  There's a lot to do.  A lot God has prepared for you to do in His kingdom.  Seek God, walk and fight in His strength, pray and stand firm in the faith.  

Thanks for taking this journey with me.