Ephesians Chapter 6
By Pastor Neil
Reflections on Ephesians Chapter 6
Ephesians Chapter 6 is the closing chapter in Paul’s letter to the Christians at Ephesus. It contains some favorite passages for Christians everywhere. All parents love the early verses in the chapter that speak of how children should behave toward their parents. What parent isn’t hoping for obedient children? It so full of promise for children wise enough to be obedient. And all children love the admonition to their fathers not to exasperate their children! Happy homes usually exhibit these kinds of relationships.
The second paragraph of the chapter (verses 6 – 9) speaks of the relationship of slaves and masters. Once we put these verses into context, we realize how advanced Paul’s thinking was for his day. Christians have always been expected to lead the way promoting harmony in the midst of life’s relationships. Once we know that God is our Master and that He is in charge, it rearranges many of our earthly relationships and helps us relate to people as Christians and not on the basis of earthly ideas about who is “in charge”.
Many of us have, at some time in our lives, memorized the passage beginning with verse 10 because the imagery of “The Armor of God” is so intriguing. What a beautiful thing it would be if we would live out the meaning of these verses.
Today, though, I am suggesting that we focus our attention on verses 19 and 20. Paul asks for people to pray for him in a special way. He simply asks that whenever he opens his mouth, words would be given him to speak the great truths of the gospel without fear. He is in prison, literally “in chains” and still flooded with the importance of what he speaks to whoever may listen to him. It would be so easy for him to just keep his mouth shut, since that’s what has gotten him where he is. He has been speaking the gospel story to everyone and it has landed him in jail. He plans to keep right on telling the wonderful story of forgiveness through faith in Christ. And in spite of his present difficulties, he wants it to come out beautifully, effectively, and fearlessly.
My prayer for Twin Falls First is that we could find true in our lives what Paul is asking for here, namely that we would work through our human fears of speaking of Christ and boldly let people know, in the nicest way possible, that Christ is their best hope in this world! The last two verses of the chapter express what he wishes to speak so clearly: “Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” This is my prayer for us all today!
