Ephesians 6:10-22

Ephesians 6:10-22

Often we come to this passage, and we rush to the description of the armor of God for the disciple. We are eager to focus on the helmet, shield, breastplate, etc. But we need to be careful to first consider ‘why’ Paul thought it was so critical that we be so armed. Before we talk about what the armor is, we need to understand why the armor is needed.

Paul begins in verse 10 by calling a disciple to be empowered in the strength of God. We are, in and of ourselves, no match for the powers of darkness. Their superior wit, cunning, experience, and knowledge of our weakness will leave us with no advantages of our own. If left to ourselves, we are doomed to be beaten. But in the strength of God we are secure. The three “power words” that Paul uses in verse 10 roll over each other like an unstoppable wave. The first word, “be strong,” is a dynamic power, and it is the root for the English word dynamite. The second word, “strength,” is the word that means dominion or mighty deed. The third word, “might,” means the force to overcome resistance. These words stack on each other as an irresistible strength that will overcome the powers of darkness. But we must never forget the power is in us from the Lord and is not our own. Humility must be the attitude with which we hold ourselves related to any matter of strength.

God’s strength is the only reasonable protection from the schemes of the devil. There are two interesting words used here. The term “scheme” is from the word that gives us the English word “method.” It carries the idea of a way of researching or inquiring after something. When we face an attack or temptation by the dark powers, we must remember that those attacks are not random. Before the attack, the enemy researches us, searches our history of failure and vulnerability and circumstances, and looks for patterns of when we are most apt to fail. We are all objects of intense investigation by the powers of darkness that are bent on our ruin. Another word choice that we ought to note is Paul’s use of the word “devil” rather than Satan. Satan means opponent. ‘Satan’ might be the expected word in view of the picture of battle Paul is using. But instead he uses the term devil, which means the “accuser” or the “slanderer.” The scheme or method used by the dark powers is to accuse everyone of betrayal. The enemy would have us trust in no one and doubt everyone. The attack will always be for us to trust ourselves as our own god. The accusation or slander of the enemy is always an attempt for us to elevate ourselves to be god.

“Lord, by Your grace and power together let us defeat the enemy. AMEN”

Ephesians 6:1–9

Ephesians 6:1–9

The light of the disciple’s life and the disciple community shines brightest in the dark places. The domestic life of the ancient pagan’s home was a very dark place. After addressing husbands and wives at the end of chapter 5, Paul talks about two other relationships: parent-child and master-slave.

An ancient letter from a husband to his wife, who is expecting a child, might best illuminate the harsh and dark conditions of pagan parenting. After assuring her of his affection for her, he told her when the baby was born that if it was a boy to nurture it and if it were a girl to throw it away. Under Roman law, a father could do anything to his child, from brutal abuse to outright murder. The evil inflicted on children is hard to imagine. Into this dark world, Paul says the fathers are to “bring” up”—this Greek word means to cherish or nurture and carries very tender overtones—their children in the “discipline” and “instruction” of the Lord. We tend to think of ‘discipline’ as punishment, but that is a mistaken idea. Discipline means systematic training or education. What Paul is calling for is a loving, tender, thoughtful, and intentional plan to grow a child into spiritual maturity. Without Christ a father can be decent and nice but never a great father. A great father always leads his children to the heavenly Father.

If being a child was bad in ancient Rome, being a slave was worse. The slave was thought of as a speaking tool, with the rights and privileges of, say, a hammer. Roman law said that whatever a master did with the slave was both “legal and just.” Into this wicked, dark world, Paul tells slaves, even those whose masters are still cruel pagans, to lead lives of exemplary service. This advice is the opposite of what we might expect. Rather than advice to escape, liberate themselves, or rebel, Paul insists on complete obedience and superior service. This kind of life requires a level of trust that is rooted in the core of our being and in the ultimate authority of God. The circumstances may or may not change, but God will reward us. However, that reward may be the change that He works in us.

The old habits of slave owners who have recently become Christian might’ve been hard to break. But Paul in one phrase gives the motivation for this new behavior and at the same time undermines the institution of slavery. The slave and the master are equally slaves to and before the Lord. That statement of equality and stewardship means that the master will give an account of how he treats the Lord’s slave. Slavery died not because of economics but because of the moral impact of Christian disciples.

“Lord, direct my heart and affections that I will delight in bringing anyone to You our Father. AMEN”