Ephesians Chapter 6

Victory in Christ
A Study in Ephesians

Ephesians Chapter 6 – Our Obedience Leads to Victory

Most of this information came from the NIV Study Bible and the Holman Commentary on Ephesians

In a Nutshell
Prepare yourself for a victorious life by learning obedience.

“Look both ways before you cross the street.” “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” “Look before you leap.” These are all sayings that we have probably heard before. They are in the imperative case, meaning that they are commands. When our parents said things like these to us, what did they expect from us? [That we would obey so we do not have to learn a horrible lesson]

Verses 1-4: Paul starts off this chapter by using an imperative sentence, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” He tells us that this is one of the ten commandments, but he also tell us that God provided an incentive for this commandment. What was that?

I am someone who needed to know about the incentive. I was the type of kid who would have listened and obeyed more if I had known that doing so would be good for me. The negative impact of disobedience was not a deterrent. I didn’t like spankings, but I also did not think to myself, “If I do this I will get a spanking and that will hurt, so it is just not worth doing this thing.”

I remember one time as the RAs went on a hike. My father was leading the group of boys down a trail and told us not to get in front of him. Occasionally one of us did and he would bark at us to get behind him. Now in my mind I thought he was simply taking this “I’m the person who is a Navy office, so I am in charge” thing a little too seriously.  At one point on the hike I edged slightly ahead of my dad and he suddenly swung his walking stick at my chest and knocked me on the ground. I was rebellious enough that I was about to protest loudly that he was being unfair since he did not do that to any of the other boys, but he pointed out a snake that was directly in the path where I was about to step only moments before. It was coiled up and ready to strike. It was then that he explained why he wanted us to stay behind him, because he was blazing the trail for us so that we could be safe.

Paul was not one to let anyone off the hook. He also commands fathers to not do anything that will provoke their children to rebel. How often do we blame the children for their behavior when the parents shoulder just as much responsibility for their outcome?  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” God holds parents and children equally responsible for this. Training is half of the equation that leads to obedience.

NOTE: Children with special needs or certain behavioral issues that are not related to parenting or individual responsibility are not covered in this blog post. For advice on dealing with troubled or behaviorally challenged children, I encourage you to speak to a Christian counselor trained in those areas.

Verses 5-9 : This next section is one of the most controversial sections of scripture because Paul does not condemn slavery. Let’s start with a little discussion on why he did not. [Paul was speaking to Christians who had little to no part in the political decisions of Rome. Therefore he was instructing them on how to live under that system in a way that would honor God.]

The instructions to slaves and masters can also be applied to other working relationships: employee and employer; children and parents; volunteer and leader, etc. Those who do the work should do their work as if they are doing it to please the Lord. Those who are in charge should treat their workers with respect and dignity. Often when a boss is abusive or exasperating, the workers do not do their best. Again, this is a symbiotic relationship that places responsibility and blame on both parties.

Reasons for Disobedience

Why do we disobey? There are many reasons why, but one that often keeps us from doing what is best for us is that we are uncertain of the outcome of doing what we have been asked to do. We retreat to what we know and what is comfortable or enjoyable.

Verses 10-19: What are the pieces of the armor of God? [Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sandals of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), and prayers on our lips and mind]

Watch: Bibleman – Full Armor Sequence

Why do we need the armor? Before the armor is even explained, Paul tells us we are to put it on so that we can stand against the devil. Paul explains that our struggle is not with flesh and blood. It is not with our neighbor, our government, our boss, or even our physical enemy. Our battle is with the demonic forces of the world. It is a spiritual battle for the very souls of men and women. But we know that God has already won the war and the battle belongs to the Lord.

Listen: Petra’s The Battle Belongs to the Lord

That is the reason that we are ordered to stand after putting on the armor. God did not tell us to go into the fray. And our armor does not include any protection on our backs, because God does not want us to retreat in the face of the enemy.  That moment just before a battle begins is often the most terrifying moment.

Watch: Aragorn's Speech at the Black Gate of Mordor

One part of the armor that I believe is often missed is what we are to do with our minds. Paul tells us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, to always be alert and keep praying for each other. I believe that this was mentioned last because it is the most important for us to remember. We often use prayer as a last resort in our battles, but it should be the first and last thing we do and we must continually do it. And we should remember the overall theme of unity from Ephesians and remember to pray for each other.


This is part six in a series on Ephesians. Please read the other parts of this series:

1. Ephesians Chapter 1 - Our Spiritual Blessings in Christ
2. Ephesians Chapter 2 - Our Spiritual Union with God
3. Ephesians Chapter 3 - Paul's Prayer for Power
4. Ephesians Chapter 4, part 1 - Our Call to Unity and Holiness
5. Ephesians Chapter 4, part 2 - Our Call to Unity and Holiness
6. Ephesians Chapter 5 - Our Life of Love