Ephesians 6:18-20

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20

Though, it can be seen that the sword of the spirit is the only offensive part of the armor of God described here in Ephesians 6, some have argued that it is only one of two offensive parts of the armor of God.  They say that prayer, described here in verse 18, is the second offensive part of the armor of God.  Whether or not you agree, we still recognize what Paul is saying to his readers.  The instruction is to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  The instruction is to pray, and the amount (or consistency) is described as "all times".  I certainly don't do this, but it's a goal to strive for.  Paul says elsewhere "pray without ceasing".  Does this mean that we, as believers, are to be in constant prayer?  If so, how do we do this?  What's interesting is that Paul doesn't really explain how.  We are only told what to do.  So, let's do it.

Paul continues to encourage his readers, "keep alert with all perseverance".  Keep going, keep it up, and don't give up.  He's still referring to prayer, and he encourages to make prayers for all the saints.  Pray always, and don't forget to pray for all the believers.  Not just for yourself, but for other believers.

Lastly, pray for Paul himself.  Specifically, he asks for God given words for him to speak.  He wants to boldly proclaim the gospel and he wants to say it right as he should.

So, let us pray.

Ephesians 6:17

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Ephesians 6:17

The helmet of salvation is pretty important.  It protects your head.  Hope in the God of our salvation helps protect us.  There are times when we are discouraged and drawn into deep dark thoughts that we aren't worthy.  We aren't worthy, but it doesn't necessarily mean we're not saved.  We're saved in spite of our shortcomings.

I like the sword of the spirit.  It is with a sword that one attacks his enemies.  When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he replied with "it is written...".  The word of God is living and active, and sharper than any sword (Heb 4:12).  It is important.  I'm not sure if this is true, but I think soldiers are taught not to be without their weapons.  So, they even take it with them to the bathroom.  Also, I remember seeing a lot of people in Israel casually wearing their weapon out in public.  Whether or not this is true, I am reminded about the instruction to the Israelites to keep their sword strapped on while they were working on the wall.  As a soldier of God, I want to be read and not be caught without my weapon.  I want to know my weapon and know how to use it.  In any case, the word of God is described like a sword here, and that's pretty cool.

Ephesians 6:14-16

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

Ephesians 6:14-16

The Breastplate of Righteousness refers to the imputed righteousness of Jesus.  Jesus takes upon himself our sins and we get his righteousness.  He takes our place so that we can be righteous before God.  It is by knowing and living by this that allows us to stand.  When our character and failings are attacked, we can rest in the fact that it is not our righteousness, but his imputed righteousness that God sees.

Next, we need to have our feet fitted with the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  We need to be ready in all circumstances to tell others the good news.  If we're not ready and we miss an opportunity, it may bring shame and regret.  Instead, we are holding onto the best news in the world and we should be glad and ready to share it.  Since it's associated with one's feet, it brings attention to movement.  We carry this message with us where we go and bring it to those who need it.

The shield of faith is that which extinguishes all the flaming darts of the evil one.  Not only are there attacks from close, but there are attacks from a distance.  Our faith shields us from these attacks.  They may be temptations or discouragements.  Fortunately, faith distinguishes them all.

So, let us remember what Christ has done and our right standing before God because of him.  Let us be ready to tell others the good news.  Finally, let us have faith in God, which helps us against the evil one's attacks.

Ephesians 6:10-14

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:10-14

We get to the last point or points in this letter to the Ephesians.  Paul's readers are told to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might".  AMP describes this as "draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him".  So, how are we to draw our strength from God?  Part of it is to put on his armor.  It is by putting on the armor of God "that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil".   The point of the armor is to help you stand against the devil's schemes.  Without the armor, you would not be able to stand.  Here, we get an insight into our true enemy.  We may face different enemies or difficulties with other people in this world, "flesh ans blood".  However, our true battle is "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places".  Now, don't get confused by "rulers" and "authorities".  NLT specifies them as "evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world".  All in all, Paul is talking about spiritual warfare that goes on unseen by our physical eyes.

So, we are to be strong in the Lord.  We are told to put on the armor of God.  The armor helps us face our enemy, since there is a real battle going on in the spiritual realm.  The point is that we may stand and stand firm.  So, what is the armor of God?  Well, there's the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the readiness of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

The belt of truth is the first one.  The belt is what holds the armor or the whole thing together.  It is not the word of God, because that's the sword of the spirit.  Instead, the belt of truth is truthfulness.  Another way to put it is integrity.  It is this that holds the whole armor together.  Without the belt of truth, the armor falls apart.  How can you hold up the shield of faith or wear the breastplate of righteousness if it's not being held together by the belt of truth?  Without walking in integrity reveals chips in the armor from which it'll easily crumble.  That isn't to say that the armor itself is weak.  Perhaps it's better to just say that it won't stay on very well.

It is important to walk in integrity.  This applies to all things seen and unseen.  Yes, it's true that many of us can look the part when everyone's looking.  More importantly, how do we live and act when nobody is watching?  It is when we are alone before God that we show who we really are.  "A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more."  Let us walk with integrity in our lives, living For God.

Ephesians 6:9

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Ephesians 6:9

Now, what was applied to slaves is being applied to masters.  It's actually the same thing.  Yes, slaves are in different positions compared to masters.  However, as slaves are treat their masters well, working hard for them, masters are to deal kindly with their slaves.  Because slaves are in subjection to masters, the temptation for masters to deal harshly with their slaves.  However, they are to stop threatening and abusive words towards their slaves.  An important thing to keep in mind is that God is master of both slaves and masters.  If you, a master, deal harshly with your own slaves, how would God deal with you?  God will not treat you differently just because you're a master and not a slave.  For God, there is no partiality.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Now, Paul is addressing slaves.  Nowadays, we don't have slaves here in North America, so the question is: how do we apply this to us?  I am tempted to apply this to our bosses or people we work for, but I'm not sure if that is correct.  In any case, Paul is telling slaves to obey their earthly masters.  This obedience is compared to the obedience one should have towards Christ.  We obey Christ and in the same way we obey him, we are to obey our earthly masters.  What's interesting is that there is no mention about whether or not their masters are moral or kind masters.  It seems as if Paul is instructing this to slaves regardless of what their master is like.  Perhaps this is the same as his instruction for wives to submit to their husbands.  Whether or not they are good husbands, the instruction still stands.  How one is to obey to their masters or how one is to submit to their husbands may change according to their circumstances; however, Paul does not specify an exception or qualify what he has said to give someone an out.  Instead, he tells slaves to obey "with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart".  These are the ways in which one follows Christ and should now be applied to obeying masters.  Moreover, one is not to just obey when someone is watching.  Even when nobody is watching, a slave is to work hard as a slave of Christ.  How does a slave of Christ work?  A slave of Christ obeys from the heart.

Similar to what what said in Colossians, the mindset is that you are to work as if you were working for God.  It is not merely a man you are working for, but you are working as if working for God.  Doing so is to be done while knowing an important truth: good one does is received back from the Lord.  This is apparently a universal truth and applies to everyone, not just slaves.  This; however, is separate from salvation.  I don't think we are to use this to apply it towards the way in which we are redeemed.  I say this because we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.  Perhaps I'm looking at this wrong.  Good one receives back may not necessarily mean rewards in heaven, but perhaps the idea that good work produces fruit.  In the same way that Joseph and his work was blessed, perhaps this is referring to the good work a slave does will be blessed and not go unnoticed.  In any case, slaves are to work hard as if working for Christ.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

The flip side to the way children are supposed to relate to their parents is the way fathers are to relate to their children.  Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger.  There are many ways in which a father can abuse his children and take advantage of them.  The way a father relates to his children should not ultimately lead them to anger.  Instead, the goal is for fathers to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the lord.  It is possible that discipline can lead a child to being upset and angry with their father.  Though that may be the result, the goal and main thrust should be discipline and instruction that is from God.  This is meant to raise them well instead of merely bother or frustrate them.

I have wondered in the past why such parents could be so mean to their kids.  I know it happens, but it didn't really make sense to me.  I thought, only stupid, uncaring fathers who are the dirt bags of society are the ones who would treat their kids so harshly.  I thought, most parents are not like that and really do care for their kids and want what's best for them and do not provoke their kids to anger.  First, I obviously know that nobody is righteous and we are all sinner and we all fail in many ways.  However, I can now better see and understand how kids can make you want to provoke them to anger.  Raising kids is tough and one can be easily brought to a tipping point with them.  Stresses of life and the family can wear one's patience thin.  It's not a good thing, but the reality is that being quick to anger is a far easier thing than being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.  It's easy to not care for a child's well being by trying to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the lord.  One can easily be selfish and think only of him or herself.  This instruction is not just for the marginal lowlife dads of society.  This is for all fathers because everyone needs to hear this.

Ephesians 6:1-3

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Ephesians 6:1-3

Y'know, I have difficulty with these verses.  Now, I know that this is God's word and I need to heed to what he says.  For me to take and twist it to my liking is wrong.  So, I must try my best to seek to know God's word and obey it.  That being said, it's difficult for me.  I don't like listening to my parents and perhaps many people feel the same way.  However, there it is, plain and simple, "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right".  NLT puts it this way, "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord".  It is because you belong to the Lord that you obey your parents.  That is very interesting.  In any case, we are called to obey our parents.

Now, many may bring up objections to this command.  Perhaps you parents command things that are difficult or wrong to follow.  I don't really want to go into all kinds of exceptions, but one main thing would be to obey God first.  God tells us to obey our parents, but he also tells us not to sin.  So, if parents are instructing you to sin, don't do it.  Obey God first, but don't try to use that as an excuse not to obey your parents.  That's exactly what the Pharisees were doing, trying to use a "loophole" in order to avoid honoring their parents.

Thinking about this, I am reminded about the earlier verse to wives.  Wives are called to submit to their husbands.  This is a touchy subject and there are many interesting cases where to submit is a little complicated.  The command to submit still stands, but to obey God in submitting to ones husband may not always be what you'd suspect.  Instead, in all cases, we pray that God gives wisdom and guidance to know how wives are to obey God in each and every circumstance, especially when it's difficult.  In the same way, I ask and pray that God continually show me how I am to obey my parents.  A hard thing it may be, but it is ultimately God who I obey.

Ephesians 5:32-33

This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:32-33

Marriage is a mysterious thing.  The way in which two people become on in marriage is a mystery, as Paul tells us.  This mystery doesn't just end with marriage and two becoming one.  Instead, this mystery further illustrates another picture, which is Christ and the Church.  As two join in marriage, so Christ and the church are also joined.  I guess it's quite interesting to be a part of something that further illustrates something greater.  It is a mystery, but it is also great.  To sum up, Husbands are to love their wives as he loves himself and wives are to respect their husbands.

Ephesians 5:28-31

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:28-31

Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  His purpose was to sanctify the church, cleaning it by washing the church with the word.  The cleansing was so that the church would be presented to himself clean and spotless.  This is how Christ loved the church.  So, in light of how Christ loved the church, husbands are to love their wives "in the same way".  Jesus is our model of love.  "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

When Paul talks about husbands loving their wives here in verse 28, not only does he say that they are to love in the same way (as Christ loved the church), but also that husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies.  Now I wonder, is "in the same way" also referring to "as their own bodies"?  I mean, is the way that Christ loved the church (the way husbands are given an example as to how they are to love their wives) also saying that Christ loved the church as he loved his own body (or how one loves his own body)?  This is likely, but it's also simply that Christ provides an example of love and a similar direction given to husbands is that they are to love their wives as they love their own body.  We are given yet another way to think about or help us in our direction in loving our wives and another dimension of how Christ loved the church.

So, we are to love as Christ loved the church.  One way to describe how Christ loved the church is how one loves his own body.  It simply makes sense that one would love his or her own body.  "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it".  Now, I can understand that there may be some objections.  I can picture a person who is unhappy with the way that they look (too fat, too skinny, to tan, to pale, etc); however, this is not what Paul is talking about here.  One may not be happy with the way that they look, but that doesn't mean that they won't try to care for their bodies.  This is seen by when Paul says "but nourishes and cherishes it (one's own body)".  Okay, another objection may arise pointing to people who self mutilate.  Perhaps we could go on conjuring up different exceptions, but I don't think it takes away from Paul's point.  In general, we all understand that a person is for himself and naturally cares for himself.  This natural inclination is the kind that a husband should have for his wife.  It is natural.  This idea is brought back to Jesus.  We are reminded that Christ does the same thing to the church.  We are reminded that the "we (the church) are members of his body".  We are members of his body, so it only makes sense that he would care for us as one would care for his or her own body.  Lastly, we are pointed towards Genesis.  Way back then, God had already described marriage as two becoming one flesh.  If they are one flesh they are of the same body, so it's natural that the husband (being of the same body as his wife) would care for his wife in that way.

Ephesians 5:27

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:27

So Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  The purpose of this was for the cleaning by the washing of the water with the word.  This cleaning was for the purpose of presenting the church to himself without any blemish.  His desire was that his own bride, the church, would be his and would be his in all perfection.  Perhaps this is the significance of a bride wearing white during the wedding ceremony.  In she enters to be presented before her groom, dressed in white, signifying purity.  Would it make sense for her to be wearing a red or black dress?  Would she enter all muddied and dirty?  She is prepared and set apart (holy).  In the illustration of Christ and the church, she his set apart for God.  Marriages have the idea that the bride is set apart to belong only to her husband.  Nowadays, this idea has become muddied, but this is the biblical picture we see.

Now, would it make sense if the groom was dirty?  Jesus isn't dirty.  Well, "he became sin", but he lead a sinless life.  I think that like Christ, husbands need to lead their wives in righteousness.  If one object is pure and another object is not, when they come together, the pure object becomes impure.  A dirty pig who has been rolling around in the mud will immediately dirty a clean little girl in a pretty white dress.  I'm not sure if this quite makes sense, but it makes sense to me that the groom needs to be pure and spotless in order for it to make sense that he presents the bride to himself pure and spotless.  We need to lead in love, lead in the word, lead in selflessness, but also lead in righteousness.  Yes, we're sinful imperfect people who continue to fail.  However, that doesn't negate the calling.

Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Ephesians 5:25-26

Wives are called to submit to their husbands.  Now we take a look at husbands and what they are called to do with respect to their wives.  Husbands are to love their wives.  That sounds easy enough, doesn't it?  What's interesting is the specification given in AMP, "[seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love]".  Love calls husbands to seek the highest good of their wives.

More importantly than what AMP specifies is what is plainly stated in this verse.  Paul goes on to specify how a husband is to love his wife, "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".  Loving your wife sounds easy at first, but not when you're told to love just as Christ loved the church.  How did Christ love the church?  Christ died for the church, in order to redeem his bride, the church.  This is the kind of love a husband is to love his wife with.  A husband is to love his wife sacrificially.

What is the purpose of this act of love that a husband is to love his wife with?  The purpose of loving his wife as Christ loved the churchis to sanctify her.  "to make her holy and clean" NLT.  Loving your wife as Christ loved the church is for the purpose of sanctifying her.  This cleansing is done "by the washing of water with the word".  God's word provides a cleansing effect on a wife, and this is the duty of a husband.  A husband is called not only to love his wife as Christ loved the church, but also to lead her in God's word.

These are very difficult things that I fail at all the time.  Fortunately, we have a savior who has done this for us as the church.  We are the bride of Christ and as husbands, we get to be Jesus in that part of the picture of this thing called marriage.  As difficult as it is, I ask and pray that God grants us husbands the strength and wisdom to love our wives and lead them in the word.