Welcome back as we reach into this last chapter of Paul’s letter to the
Ephesians and the faithful in Christ. You’ll find that in all of Paul’s
letters, his goal is to remind us how to live godly in an ungodly world.
This chapter starts off with advice to children.
Children,
obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and
mother, which is the first commandment with promise. That it
may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.
And, you fathers,
don’t provoke your children until you make them angry, but bring them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants, be
obedient to them that are your masters (employers) according to the flesh,
with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as you would be to
Christ, not with eye service, as men pleasers (not for others to see), but
as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart, with good
will doing service, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that whatever
good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he
be bond or free.
And, you masters
(employers), do the same things for your servants, avoiding threatening,
knowing that your Master also is in heaven, there is no prejudice with Him.
Finally, my
brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles
(trickery) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood
(mankind), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of
the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places
(these are all evil entities).
So wear the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
overcome all. Stand therefore, having yourself protected with TRUTH, and
having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shoed with the
preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, taking the shield of Faith,
with which you 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.
Pray always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watch with all perseverance
and supplication for all saints (protect your fellow believers), and pray
for me, that strength may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly,
to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in
bonds, and that I may speak the Gospel boldly, as I ought to speak.
So that you also
may know my welfare, and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and
faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things, whom I
have sent to you for the same purpose, that you might know our condition,
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.
The armor of God
is the best defense a Christian can have in today’s world. Especially
considering what Paul said about the enemy. We don’t fight with men, but
it’s spiritual warfare out there. Things that are invisible are your worst
enemy, not flesh and blood. The trickery of the devil are the bullets that
you’re dodging every day, even from moment to moment. Just think about how
much innuendo there is in everything you’re taking in, in just one day.
Fear, doubt, lust, pride, greed, anger, jealousy, hate, gluttony . . .
Wear Your Gear
Belt of TRUTH
Breastplate of righteousness
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit
Word of God
Prayer
Congratulations on completing this study of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle
to the Ephesians. The next study is The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the
Philippians. As always, Paul’s encouraging words are something you don’t
want to miss, so hurry back and we’ll share it together right here at Daily
Bread. God Bless, and may your armor always be shining!
