Ephesians 6
Advice to Children
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—6:3 “so that [things] it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” NIV
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 6:2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 6:3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” NKJV
Obey Your Parents in the Lord
This is the same request given to the “wife” in submitting to her “husband” as “to the Lord” (Eph 5:22), as the Lord would direct her. That is always giving the Lord her priority. The same goes for children, who wish to obey their parents as their Lord and Savior has asked them.
They are to avoid stubborn disobedience that makes family life difficult. Children are to foster compliance in areas where the Lord, whom they love, allows it. Children in the Lord will avoid “bitterness and anger” (Eph 4:31), even if they suffer because of their parents’ faults.
Obey Your Parents, This is Right
Paul is addressing believing parents who follow the Lord and “walk in the way of love, just as Christ has loved” them (Eph 5:1). They will walk in the Lord's loving wisdom within their family.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” James 3:17 Berean Study Bible
Their love of God joined with love for each other, and their children, is the foundation of family order. History has proven this a million times. The rebellion of children, to go their own way in opposition to worthy parents, leads to a life of trouble and many sad mistakes.
When Paul says this is right, he means children should follow the directions of worthy parents. The wrong thing to do is to disobey, in secret or openly. “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction” (Ps 1:6). This is true, for rebellious children often have a harder life as adults, unless they repent of their waywardness.
Children should guard their hearts when faced with cruel parents. They can’t afford to allow any form of hatred to exist in their hearts. John says, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister, their family and friends, is in darkness and walks around in darkness” (1 John 2:11). Hatred is so dangerous that it will create a picture in the mind that justifies hatred, which is another form of murder. The darkness that hatred creates in the heart is cruel, oppressive to the Spirit, and kills joy in the Lord.
Honor Father and Mother, First Commandment With a Promise
God gives a special blessing to children who care for aged parents; they are more likely to outlive their parents. They are promised a better life and a longer life when they obey their parents in the Lord.
“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalms 1:6
That it May Go Well with You
God has given a promise to children. Suppose they are compliant with their parents' wishes when they are young. Later in life, God will bless them, and they may not even know why they are so blessed.
Moses added this phrase when he repeated the 10 Commandments, 40 years later in Deuteronomy 5. The Ten Commandments are not a static document, for additions and subtractions have taken place. For example, compare the fourth and tenth commandments in Exodus with the changes in Deuteronomy 5.
The Mount Sinai Commandments: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Ex 20:12 NKJV).
Ten Commandments 40 Years Later: “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Deut 5:16 NKJV). [Added phrases by Moses]
This is the only time Paul mentions the Ten Commandments in Ephesians. In the fifth chapter, Paul says, “there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Eph 5:3), which is a reference to the seventh Commandment, “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex 20:14). However, the single word “adultery” does not stand for the scope of Paul’s words.
Advice to Fathers
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. NIV
6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath [anger], but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. NKJV
6:4 Fathers, don’t make your children angry, but raise them with the kind of teaching and training you learn from the Lord. Easy-to-Read Version
Exasperate Your Children
The Greek word is parorgizó, meaning: To provoke and exasperate with anger. Instead, fathers are to “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (Titus 3:8), in their speech and conduct.
In discipline, fathers were not to cause their children to become angry and upset to the point of tears. Because their fathers are arbitrary, demand strict obedience without good reasons, and lack kindness, misrepresenting “the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 27:1).
They are not to punish their children severely for slight mistakes. They are not to order them around to perform tasks that the father would not do himself. He is to encourage them to help each other, love each other, love their mother, and “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2).
Fathers do not lie to their families. If a father lies, he assumes the identity of being a son of the Devil, whom Jesus said, “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Instead, in his conversation, he is to set a higher standard for himself. To aim to keep his “conversation always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Col 4:6). Salt brings out the good flavor of food. “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5).
Instead, in their discipline, they are not to break “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3) between fathers, wives, and their children. Fathers are to have “holy hands” that do not lift their “hands” to strike another in “anger or disputing” (1 Tim 2:8). They are not to assert their authority unreasonably, with angry threats. Fathers are to have patience with their children and let them learn from their mistakes when it is in their best interest.
Many youths have turned to rebellious ways solely because of their father’s unreasonableness and use of severe punishment. The damage done can be generational.
The Father's overly severe punishments will draw his wife’s sympathies toward the child. This creates friction in the home, with no room for tender love. Worst of all, if the husband is a religious man or clergy, this ministry will be severely crippled. We pity his congregation, for he will preach without the Spirit of God and His blessings.
Instead, Teach Children Instruction from the Lord Jesus
First and most important, Paul sees the father of the family actively teaching his children. He is not to be an absent parent, leaving spiritual responsibility all on his wife, or on the church.
Some men have misread this instruction. They have used harsher language from selected Old Testament sources. Thinking they were teaching their children. Some fathers have used modern prophets and popular teachers to pattern their instructions.
The expression “instruction of the Lord” appears seven times in Ephesians and represents the “Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul points to Jesus' instructions and teaching as the primary source of his training for his children.
The expression "bring them up" means his teaching should be age-appropriate. Do so with much grace and love, and with much prayer.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thess 2:16,17)
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thess 2:16,17)
Instructions to Enslaved People
(Col 3:22-25; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Cor 7:21-23)
Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6:6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you [people pleasers], but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people [master], 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. NIV
6:5 Bondservants [slaves], be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling [respect & fear], in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6:6 not with eyeservice [win their favor], as men-pleasers, but as bondservants [slaves] of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 6:7 with goodwill [wholeheartedly] doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 6:8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. NKJV
Good is Rewarded by God
Paul instructs the Roman slaves to be obedient to their slave owner for a simple reason. God rewards doing good from the heart, because this is what God does. When the Christian slave is abused, instead of retaliation, they do good. God regards the good they do as doing it for Him. Amazing relief from natural anger and depression that generally follows abuse.
Paul’s Counsel to Titus
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:9,10).
Paul’s Counsel to Colossian Christians
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism” (Col 3:22-25).
Peter’s General Letter to All Christians
“Slaves, in reverent fear of God, submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh, for it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:18-20).
Basic premise: Christian Slaves Were to be Set Apart
1. Slaves were to obey their masters in everything. Slaves were to obey in all things and in every respect. (Col 3:22). This would not be common for other slaves.
2. Their obedience must not be to earn their master’s favor, as men-pleasers (Col 3:22)
3. Their obedience must spring from sincerity of heart. (Col 3:22). This might be very challenging, considering the inhuman treatment that could be given to slaves. However, history reports that many Roman slaves were loved and regarded almost as family. To be sold to a good Roman family has answered the prayers of many enslaved Christians.
4. Paul requested that Titus, who was a church leader in Crete, “teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them” (Titus 2:9). Under Roman law, enslaved people had no legal right to demand better food, improved working conditions, adequate sleeping quarters, or privacy. There were many reasons to be angry, especially if the Christan Slave had been free for many years. Even if the anger seems justified, it is spiritual death.
5. Slaves were to “submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh” (1 Pet 2:18). Even if their master was ill-tempered, demanding, and abusive, they were not to retaliate with anger. Many masters would notice that their compliance differed from that of other enslaved people, who were uncooperative; thus, their faith was honorable.
6. They were to respect and fear their master’s rank and authority (Eph 6:5). They were to view themselves “as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart” (Eph 6:6). In their daily assigned tasks, they were not to let bitterness control them.
Slavery in the Roman World
The Roman Empire maintained slavery largely through warfare and foreign conquest. Slavery formed the backbone of its economy, legal framework, history, and culture. Every nation across the Mediterranean world during Paul’s era participated in some form of forced servitude. It was a common fact of life.
Slaves could serve as tutors, childcare, household attendants, managers, artisans, and agricultural laborers. Slaves could be assigned to help the mistress of the household or serve as a cook.
Slaves were property of the slave owner, just as one would own an animal. Slaves had no legal rights, could be sold, disciplined, abused, or killed at their owner’s discretion. Physical punishment was common for minor infractions if the slave displeased their master. Sexual access was treated as a legal right of Roman slave owners, which would be very difficult for young enslaved Christian women.
Christian Slaves and Special Diets
Slaves, male or female, were to “obey” their masters “in everything”; they had no personal rights to express their conscience if it contradicted their master’s express command. Unless their kind spirit and sweet attitudes won the master's favor and earned them more privileges and exemptions from physical and sexual abuse.
For instance, while the Jerusalem Council asked Gentile believers to abstain from certain foods—" from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals” (Acts 15:29). The slave serving a pagan household rarely had control over the meat provided to them.
If the master offered their slave meat offered to idols, soaked in blood, the believing slave was to “submit” themselves to the wishes of their master, without complaining. Yet the Christian slave could appeal to their Master or “Lord of all and [who] richly blesses all who call on Him” (Rom 10:12), for relief from uncomfortable or harsh treatment. They serve a living God who will answer their prayer of faith. For “all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). The Christian slave had a huge advantage not available to the other enslaved individuals.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength.” Isa 30:15
The Lasting Impact of an Enslaved Christian
Suppose the enslaved Christian had endeared themselves to their master by loving service. If the master came to trust his Christian slave, this slave would have more freedom to choose their diet and maintain their purity.
If the mistress tested her Christian slave, for instance, by leaving jewelry on a table and nothing was ever stolen. Then, over time, the Christian slave would be trusted and valued, resulting in more personal freedom to practice their faith.
The simple, uncomplaining, truthful, and honest slave would witness this Roman family. We will never know how many slave owners came to faith because they saw faith at work, up close, in their slave. Also, we will never know the impact of the enslaved Christian on other slaves of the household who came to faith in Christ due to the influence of a Christian slave.
Sabbath Keeping Under Roman Enslavement
The enslaved Christian was not to demand Sabbath worship from their pagan master, unless the master voluntarily allowed it. If the master assigned them domestic duties or field work on the Sabbath day, the slave was to comply without objection. Even if forced to work in violation of the fourth Commandment, which specifically states: Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” (Ex 20:9-10). They were not to object but instead to “obey” their masters, “in all things and in every respect.”
The slave knew that if they worked for their master on the Sabbath with sincerity of heart, not in anger or bitterness. God would count their hard labor as done for Him and would reward it accordingly. If, on the Sabbath, the slave was ordered to plant a field, the work they did would be rewarded as if they were doing evangelism next to Peter or Paul.
The Early Church did not teach religious liberty as a civil right for Christians. They followed Jesus' example, who did not publicly condemn Rome for its abuses.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom 13:1-2).
Paul Was Not a Public Social Justice Reformer
Paul did not advocate social justice; he was not a political activist. He did not seek to overturn Roman civil law, nor did he petition the Roman Senate to grant civil rights or religious freedom to enslaved Christians.
To Paul’s associate, Titus, he wrote: “Remind the people” in your sermons, “to be subject to rulers and authorities,” to Roman governors and representatives. Then Paul adds that they were “to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good” to Rome and its authority. Furthermore, they were “to slander no one” but “to be peaceable” (Titus 3:1-2). The NKJV says they were “to speak evil [curse] of no one” (Titus 3:2 NKJV); the KJV says “to speak evil [insult] of no man” (Titus 3:2 KJV).
Recently, we listened to a sermon that was highly praised. The title was on humility, a worthy topic. However, after a few Bible verses, the pastor launched into a long condemnation of some government police abuse; in his mind, it deserved severe condemnation. He used many graphs and charts to illustrate his point. Sadly, this Pastor did not follow the example of Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, or James, who never spoke condemning words to the pagan Roman Government, although every word would be well deserved. We could not finish his sermon. He did not focus his congregation “on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1). We pray that God will forgive him, “for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34).
Paul supports the slave class. He even tells the Christian master to treat their slaves “with what is right and fair” (Col 4:1). Paul did not tell the Christian slave owner to free their slaves, but to treat them well.
The book of Philemon is written to a Christian slave owner to receive back his runaway slave, not to consider freeing them from slavery.
If the young Christian church was to survive in Pagan Rome, they must be seen as law-abiding. If not, they would be crushed and destroyed without mercy. Christians today should avoid political issues that engross the heart and mind. Some Christians we know can talk about nothing but politics.
The Gospel Undermines Slavery
If Paul had taken the public position advocating freedom for slaves, the Roman Government would have destroyed the early Church. Instead, the gospel undermines slavery at its heart through its insistent call for all believers “to love one another” (John 13:34-35).
Paul had previously taught that when we are “renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator…there is no slave or free” (Col 3:10,11).
There is no separation between the enslaved persons and free classes in Christian fellowship, which was very radical and unheard of in Paul’s time.
Paul told the same thing to the Galatian church: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).
In Christ by faith, while at church worshiping God, there was to be no distinction between classes, between men and women, or between the rich and poor.
Jesus' greater mission was to set us free from the domination of sin and, in a secondary sense, to give us freedom. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).
All believers were to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3).
All believers were to “love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7,8).
What Were the Advantages of Being a Christian Slave?
All hard work and toil for their masters—God promised to reward them with eternal life. Everything they do will be as if it were done for God himself, as if God had asked them. They will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Col 3:24). Their reward for doing the daily chores and hard toil for a pagan master is eternal life.
1. They were to obey their master as if they were “doing the will of God from your heart” (Eph 6:6).
2. They were to serve their masters, “wholeheartedly as if they were serving the Lord” (Eph 6:7).
3. Slaves were taught by church leaders to “not steal from their masters, but to show that they can be fully trusted” (Titus 3:10).
4. Whatever their assigned work, from their master, they were to do it “with all their heart,” as if “working for the Lord, not their human masters” (Col 3:23).
God Will Reward the Slave
God was good to slaves. Imagine hours and days of hard work, with little time to sleep or eat, all for the master’s luxury. God will reward the slave's work as if the slaves were working for the Lord. Thus, the Roman slave receives a great reward from God, as if they were an associate pastor with the Apostle Paul.
To prevent anger and revenge at injustice dealt to the slave by the heartless master. Their Lord will personally highly honor them with eternal life in heaven, as children of God. They could leave God to repay the wrongs their masters did to them.
If the slave works for their master in faith, God will reward them as if they worked for Him. God promised slaves that if they worked with all their heart for their master, it was the same as working for the Lord in the mission field. They will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Sincerity of Heart
Paul gave this advice so no place would be left in the believer’s heart for bitterness and anger, even when justified. The slave cannot let any hate or malice toward their master spring up due to abuse, neglect, or false accusations. Because “bitterness” and “malice” will “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (4:30-31). This is the behavior of those who don’t know of God’s love, whose “mouths are full of cursing and bitterness…and the way of peace they do not know. (Rom 3:14,17).
We must remember Paul is speaking to slaves that have tasted and experienced the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 13:14) in their lives. When they have been “born of the Spirit” (John 3:6), they will have sustaining, uplifting inner strength unavailable to any other slave. God will hear their prayers. For “the Spirit” will help their “weakness,” and “the Spirit himself intercedes for” them “through wordless groans” (Rom 8:26).
A slave that “loves our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (6:24) has advantages, such as better mental health and unusual answers to prayer. Daniel, a slave in Babylon, experienced this: “God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Dan 1:9).
God can give to slaves the favor of their masters, granting them some privileges and trusted positions. We will never know how many slaves have seen changes in their masters’ hearts. Those who have received favor and good reports from the family they serve cheerfully —all due to God’s blessing in answer to their prayers.
Lessons For Us
The work of a Christian, in countries that deny their faith, while laboring for the state or their unbelieving family, will be rewarded by God as if done for Him. As Paul and Peter advised, believers should not expose themselves to undue hardship by demanding that their faith practice be accepted.
When living in countries that make it legally difficult to worship God openly, they should make every effort to be law-abiding citizens. They should find ways to worship and serve God without directly conflicting with state laws.
It is not a denial of Christ when Christians are required to attend a mosque by government overlords or controlling family members. It does not require denying Christ.
A believer living in an anti-Christian environment must carefully endeavor to be seen as law-abiding, even if it requires compromising personal freedom found in Christ. What that would be would differ from one person to another, after much prayer. No one should condemn another in these difficult situations, as if they have all the answers.
The Value of Prayer and Faith
Suppose the servant is abused and does not respond with righteous anger. Then they can call on God, who brings justice to the oppressed, for “the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Ps 103:6).
We have no idea how many times praying slaves have been delivered from dread and fear of their masters, in answer to the slaves’ prayers.
We have no idea how many times God has distracted an abusive slave owner by requiring him to go on long journeys, away from his home, leaving others in authority who are kind.
We have no idea how often God moved a slave from an oppressive master to a good master, who does not abuse them, in answer to their prayer of faith.
We have no way of knowing the countless times God has protected the trusting slave. For instance, when a Roman master purchased a new group of slaves, his wife went to inspect them. She pointed out a specific young girl who was very different. She told him to leave her alone, and she wanted that slave to be in her care.
We have no idea how many times a slave was given more freedom to worship God in answer to the prayer of the slave. Claiming the promise “If you believe,” in Christ and His way of life, “you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matt 21:22).
We have no idea how many slaves and members of their master’s home became faithful to Jesus on account of the witness of a godly slave.
“He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me” (Ps 18:17).
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble” (Ps 27:29).
“The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer” (Ps 6:9).
To Slave Owners
Ephesians 6:9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him [God]. NIV
6:9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. NKJV
Masters
The word master means one in authority; the Greek word is often translated as just “Lord” (Matt 4:7). Paul is speaking to Christian slave owners. This would include some Roman slave owners, who became Christians due to the influence and prayers of a Christian slave. Both groups of slave owners need to realize that their faith in Christ should bring about a change in pagan customs that legalized abusive behavior against the slaves they own, as the slave master might wish from day to day.
“Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,
because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.” Col 4:1
Masters Treat Slaves in The Same Way
With “sincerity of heart” (6:5), he treats his slaves as the Lord's property. He realizes that if he mistreats them, it is done as if to the Lord Himself, who identifies with believing slaves. He is to treat his slaves in view of all the values of his Christian faith. If a slave is rebellious, he is not to treat them with severity, as Roman law permitted. He is to remember that the slave was “bought at a price” (1 Cor 6:20), by the blood of the Lamb. His Master Jesus became a slave, to save them from their sins.
‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matt 7:12
“Though he [Christ] was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit.
But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave…” Phil 2:6,7 (CEB)
Not to Threaten Them—
The Roman Slave owner was not to use abusive words. Neither was the slave owner to force his slaves to work by threatening to whip or physically punish them. Instead, he is to remember that God will give justice to the slave, because God considers it done to Himself. Thus, a rebellious slave would become a matter of prayer for the master.
No favoritism with God
Slave owners were never to think they are superior. That they are of a higher class than their slaves. Masters are themselves slaves to a higher master, the Lord God of heaven and earth.
It is widely known that the Early Christian churches, slaves and slave owners worshiped together. The Christian community was the only place in the Roman world where “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). These early Christian groups had no status among worshipers, “for God does not show favoritism” (Rom 2:11).
This principle should guide Christian leaders to show no favoritism, not giving the best opportunities to their friends while demoting someone of equal ability.
“If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me, what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?” Job 31:13-15
Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. NIV
6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. NKJV
6:10 Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength! Complete Jewish Bible
Be Strong in the Lord
There are many ways we can grow stronger in our faith. One of the most important ways is to be in Scripture often, daily. As John commended his friends, writing to them, “I write to you, young men [young people], because you are strong, and the word of God lives [abides] in you, and you have overcome [conquered] the evil one” (1 John 2:14). Notice that the devil is defeated when we are strong in Scripture.
Should we ask ourselves? Do we know the books of the Bible? Can we summarize some of the themes in Paul’s and Peter’s letters? Do we know what Jesus taught in John 14-17? Do we understand the Sermon on the Mount enough to repeat its themes? Are we familiar with John’s three letters? Do we understand enough to explain Justification by Faith, a major theme in the Apostle Paul?
Jesus has told us the secret to receiving answers to prayer, which always expose and defeat the “devil's schemes.” “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you…If you remain [abide] in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:3,7). For Jesus to remain, or abide, in us, we need to be in the Word of God daily. More in the New Testament than the Old Testament.
Our advice is to set aside most sermons and books and rely on God's Word alone. Pray that God will open your eyes to Scripture and give you personal understanding.
Another way to be strong in the Lord is to repeat the Lord’s Prayer daily, “Your will be done, on earth [in my life] as it is in heaven.” Just as God’s will and His plans are done in all of heaven, we pray that we will live today according to His will. Every morning, as we put our feet on the ground, we pray to God that we will do His will in our life today. We look for His guidance each day with a humbled, surrendered heart with a desire to live our lives to His honor.
Finally
Paul is drawing his letter to a close, and lastly, he wants to warn the Ephesians about the devil’s schemes. The devil has made up countless tricks intended to deceive or ensnare us. Jesus warned us to watch out for “false prophets” who will appear genuine but “deceive many people” (Matt 24:11). These “false prophets” are part of the devil’s schemes, tricking us into believing they are true teachers of the Word of God.
Paul first teaches us about the Devil’s global activism, affecting all of society (Eph 6:12).
Second, Paul explains how to wear the full armor of God (Eph 6:13-18), so no believer in Jesus will be deceived, no matter how good the Devil’s counterfeit is.
Devil’s Wiles, Tricks, Charms and Deceptions
Since Jesus said there will be many false prophets, we should be very careful not to follow a group or a church that adds requirements to Jesus, something one must do that the Apostles never proclaimed. These groups rob the Gospel of Christ “of its power” (1 Cor 1:17). They claim to be highly honored teachers of Christ, but they add rules and doctrines for believers to accept. Rules “based on merely human commands and teachings” (Col 2:22). These are the Devil's most successful disguises. So compare each doctrine with Jesus and the Apostles to see whether it aligns with what they actually taught.
The most fearful of Satan’s schemes is when we are caught by surprise and are unprepared, because we did not recognize it as a temptation for the Evil One until afterward. Then we are convicted of sin and confess it at the cross, accepting forgiveness offered there.
John has given us a similar warning: “We know that we have come to know him [Jesus] if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person…Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:4,6).
False teachers may talk the talk, but they ignore large sections of the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus and his Apostles. They often spend more time talking about themselves while amassing a small wealth.
We can escape the Devil’s wiles only by being strong in the Lord. This is having settled convictions that God is trustworthy, that he loves us, and that we have been “justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24). In turn, they make it their “goal to please him” (2 Cor 5:9) and “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1).
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”(Col 1:9-11)
The Devil Is a Defeated Enemy
Just before the cross, Jesus requested of His Father special protection for his children, saying, " My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The same day Jesus was arrested, he told his disciples, “The prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me…the prince of this world now stands condemned” (John 14:30; 16:11). During the life of Jesus, every demon ran from the command and presence of Jesus. Now all this power to defeat evil from the Devil is available in believers' prayer of faith. It should be settled in our minds; the Devil is a defeated foe. Satan has no controversy with God; it has been settled: he is defeated, doomed; he waits. We look to the time when he will be cast “into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt 25:41).
Among those “born of the Spirit,” Satan is defeated. He cannot possess them or force them into the dark side. He can present temptations through the media and through people in society who are under his influence. But God limits Satan's power over those who believe in His Son, doing so by protecting His children. He can influence others around us to bring us trouble, but even this is limited, as he is subject to the will of God that believers are committed to follow.
Believers will find that the greatest foe assailing them is often their own inherited fallen nature, which comes from within. From this internal source will come evil thoughts, such as bitterness, resentment, and lust in all its forms. Ideas will spring up from this source that suggest ways that lead to forbidden pleasures. This internal source of conflict is conquered only by the power of the Spirit, for the “Spirit” wants “what is contrary to the flesh” (Gal 5:17). The Spirit is more than able to subdue all our human sources of evil, day by day. Yet we will never possess holy flesh here on earth; conflict will remain until the resurrection.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the (1#) rulers, against the (2#) authorities, against the (3#) powers of this (4#) dark world [darkness] and against the (5#) spiritual forces of evil in [from] the heavenly realms
6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against (2#) principalities, against (3rd) powers, against the (1st) rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. NET
The Evil One Uses the World’s Authorities for His Purposes
(1st) Rulers
In the Greek, this refers to secular rulers, authorities, and magistrates of this sinful world. Because “the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:18) and “The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning” (1 John 3:8 NET). When rulers promote injustice and do not restrain evil, the evil one directs their minds and thoughts, and they involuntarily listen to and obey it.
The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is an example of secular rulers who are influenced by spiritual forces of evil. They forbid holding, reading, or distributing the Bible, which can lead to severe punishment, including imprisonment in a prison camp.
(2#) Authorities / Principalities
In Greek, this refers to authority, power, and jurisdiction with the right to exercise their power. It could be elected powers, governing authorities who give military orders. The darkness of evil forces influences them.
(3#) Powers
In Greek, it refers to world rulers. In the Greco-Roman world, rulers and authorities were well understood, as society was structured around various levels of governance and power. It could be police or secular business owners with power and influence.
It could be religious authorities, as Jesus said about the temple leaders: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s [devil’s] desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Notice the characteristics of the dark forces that influence the world. They murder, and they lie about everything, having no idea how to tell truth from a lie.
(4#) Dark world
In Greek, it refers to darkness, the absence of light, the spiritual condition of those who live apart from God's truth and light. “If we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind” (1 John 2:11, Good News Translation). The dark world does not value human life; they get in the way of their agenda. Some music and movies project darkness into society.
John says, “Anyone that hates…is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 John 3:15). Hatred is the basis of murder and physical and mental abuse. It robs one of joy and peace. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isa 48:22; 57:21).
In contrast, believers in Christ are “sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness” (1 Thess 5:5). Believers “know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other” (1 John 3:14). The dark world has twisted views of what love is, often arising from their prejudices and how it makes them visible to the public.
(5#) Spiritual Forces of Evil
Stands for the Devil and his Angels. The realm of the evil spirits, the invisible sphere not seen by the human eye; evil spirits that come from the “Devil” (Eph 6:11). In Rev 16:14, they are called “spirits of demons.” They are supernatural, above human ability to see, not dependent on food, light, or air to exist—and they are dominating our world. Jesus had many encounters with “demons” and “impure spirits,” and everyone was defeated.
Jesus called Satan the hidden “Ruler of this world” (John 14:30), and Paul called him “Prince of the power of the air [invisible]” (Eph 2:2 NKJV). They are in a different dimension that we can’t see with our human eyes.
Where Does the Evil One Work Effectively?
Evil works through world leaders, presidents of various countries. Those who hold influence and power in the world; Satan moves on them to do his evil work. They decide to go to war, to rob the people of any rights, to enrich themselves at the expense of their country.
Just look at WW I & II: not a just war of defense, but a war of aggression, where over 50-84 million were killed, millions more lost family, and fell into deep sorrow. This was the result of hate that was murderous. This is the chief weapon of the spiritual forces of evil in our world use against the truth. John the Apostle says, “The one [person] who does [practices] what is sinful is of the devil. Because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8).
In the rulers, authorities, and powers of society, Satan’s influence is felt to make everyone’s life miserable.
To the believer “in Christ,” Satan is defeated. Thus, Satan carries on his evil craft in the minds and hearts of world leaders. For example, there are about 50 countries that illegally or severely restrict Christian faith and the Bible. In this, Satan is delighted.
Satan is behind many acts of violence in society. He can influence many with dark, depressive, suicidal thoughts. He influences some to rob, steal, and murder, for reasons they can’t explain. We can see his evil powers at work in the daily news: rapes, murders, thefts, suicides, political lies, abuse of civil power, and stealing from others even if they have more than enough. They steal for reasons they don’t understand.
What Defeats Satan's Influence in Our Lives
The only thing that can stop Satan’s influence in our lives is being “born from above” (John 3:3, footnote), where our “body is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19). “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17). This limits Satan’s direct access to the believer.
The Apostle John explains it this way: “This is how we know who the children of God and the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother or sister…Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:10,14).
Certain Actions Are an Open Invitation to Satan’s Influences
Paul calls sexual immorality and obscenity “fruitless deeds of darkness” (Eph 5:11), disqualifying us from having “any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph 5:5). Paul warns us “not to be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Eph 5:3). Thus we should “be very careful…How we live, not as unwise, but as wise” (Eph 5:13). Because once darkness gets a foothold in our lives over time, we will forget “all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9). Hate will start to replace love, for “anyone who hates a brother or sister is in darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:11).
But those who have faith in the Son of God and confess their sins do not live in darkness. “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness” (1 Thess 5:5). Because He has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:13-14).
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand [firm]. NIV
6:13 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. NKJV
When the Day of Evil Darkness Comes—From Evil Rulers and Authorities (6:12)
Persecution of Christians is found in many countries of the world. Being a believer in Jesus puts you at risk of imprisonment or death.
Hatred of Christians is found at times in the workplace or among some family members. Thus, Paul wants all believers to know how to survive evil’s onslaught of judgment and condemnation.
When the Day of Evil Darkness Comes—From Inside Us
We should know what defenses we have against evil. When evil comes from inside our “earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed” (Col 3:5), or from “evil suspicions” (1 Tim 6:4). These are often powerful, internal, sweeping, and moving temptations. They are like steam, arising from within our feelings, emotions, and desires when we want to strike back. When we are hurt, disappointed, shamed, falsely accused, abused, overworked, underappreciated, taken advantage of, and not loved—we are tempted to respond to evil words and deeds.
In the Psalms, we are assured, “Why should I fear when evil days come?” (Ps 49:5). “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?” (1 Chron 22:18). Believers in Christ have an overwhelming advantage over evil. They can stand their ground and not be defeated. Satan and his evil host are not able to control you.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to repeat his words as our prayer, saying, "and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13). This phrase has two requests. The first is for God to protect us and keep us from falling into temptation through foolish or blind mistakes. The second part of the prayer is for God Himself to deliver us when the day of evil- the offhand moment when evil comes to us unprepared- blindsides us.
Stand Your Ground With the Full Spiritual Armor—Under Temptation
Sometimes, evil makes suggestions that come directly from our fallen nature. If we respond with the suggestion in pleasure or approval, we open the door for evil or Satan to gain a foothold in our lives. As Paul has already said in this letter, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26-27). We could also say, do not let the sun set while you are dwelling on imaginary suggestions that arouse dark pleasure. When we embrace evil in thought or planned action, we open the door to exchanging the Lord’s peaceful and sweet influences.
After You Have Done Everything, You Can
Paul is recommending self-inventory. Have you been listening to “obscenity,” vulgarity, or impure words in public media, with little consideration of their effects in damping your “love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Cor 4:21).
Have you been neglecting gospel meditation in favor of other pursuits? Ask God to lead the way in your life, that you will “understand what the Lord’s will is” and be “filled with the Spirit” (5:17-18). No one can prescribe this to you; understanding will come from God, and you will know of its source. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5).
Full Armor of God
To wear the armor of God is to have learned the lessons taught in the preceding chapters of Ephesians. Pray over Scripture. Ask God for more love. For “love comes from God; everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…and the One who was born of God [Jesus Christ] keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” (1 John 4:7,8; 5:18).
What Does It Mean to Wear the Full Armor of God
Make the prayer of Paul yours: “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9,10). Everything hinges on being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Then we must continually abide in Christ through His Word as Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are branches If you remain [abide] in me and I in your…If you remain in me and my words remain [abide] in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:5-7).
This spiritual armor can be used to battle addictions and co-dependencies with others who do not “live as children of light” (5:8). It helps you stand your ground in what you have learned from God and Scripture as truth, and not yield to pressure to be like others who do not love God.
The Full Armor Always Brings Satan’s Defeat
When the seventy disciples returned from their mission trip, they “returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Lk 10:17-19).
Carefully take note of the words Jesus used to describe demons. He called them “serpents” and “scorpions,” which have painful or deadly bites. They fill people with their venom of darkness and unbelief in God. Only faith in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is the antidote to that venom.
Jesus saw the complete defeat of Satan; because of the authority of Christ, he has been cast down from his former position of power. Satan did not even put up a battle; he was defeated as fast as a lightning strike. All of Satan’s assumed strength and power were defeated without a word of protest.
For “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47). “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chron 20:15).
End of Ephesians Chapter 6
Read More
To Contact our Team
Written by: Brothers & Sisters in Scripture Fellowship
We do not use AI for Content
Let us know if you have been blessed by the Content
Or if you have further questions
We are serious about Scripture