Children and Parents
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Since ministering on the internet, I have seen children who have suffered abuse from ungodly parents. Parents on drugs and or alcohol; parents in ungodly cults. The children in these circumstances often feel guilt for not obeying a parent who is in gross darkness and that have caused much suffering.
Let us look at this verse, "children, obey your parents in the Lord," This is the pattern for family relationships in a Christian home. As the wife and husband submit to one another in the Lord, as he is our Lord, the children submit and obey their parents as unto the Lord, this is God's devine pattern for the family.
It is obvious that satan has come against families, dividing homes and bringing darkness with him. The parents are responsible to their children as Christ was to the church. Jesus obeyed the Father in all things, the parents obey Jesus and the children needing security trust and obey their parents. Woe to those who choose otherwise, for they are accountable to God.
Sometimes children in good Christian homes, out of their own free will choose to disobey their parents. Under the old testiment covenant this was a serious offense, punishable by stoning. Another verse says that rebellion is as witchcraft. Samuel spoke judgment to king Saul because of rebellion. All, are accountable to God.
1 Sam 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Have no doubt, that all must answer to God. Yet, in Christ there is forgiveness and new life.
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
There is an authority pattern set up, God the Father >>Jesus >>Holy Spirit >>Husband >>wife >>children, all are accountable to God for their behavior.
Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
Eph 6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Honor given to the position of a parent in God's order, can be given. If the parents are evil, honor is in the form of forgiveness and prayer for their deliverance. If you have good parents, honor includes meeting their needs and returning their kindness to them. Yes, we receive what we sow, God is the judge.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Fathers be gentle and loving to your children, for you are the father and God has given you the responsibility to train them in the word and character of God. The best training is by example. If your children have gone into sin, be as the father of the prodigal son, pray for them and be ready to receive them back with open arms. God help our families be as you have set them up to be.
Servants and Masters
Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
Eph 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Eph 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Servants or slaves have been around throughout history. It was a Christian president, Lincoln, who finally signed the proclamation freeing slaves in our own country. Slaves or servants were to do the work and were accountable to their masters.
This service is still due to those we work for in the world. A Christian should be honest, giving all of his efforts to do the best possible work, for as Paul said, we are to do our service as unto the Lord, with respect. Jesus spoke of a servant who was obedient as unto the Lord;
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Mat 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Mat 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Eph 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Masters or employers are not any different in respect to God. They are also to rule with justice as unto God, for he will judge the wrong doers.
Mal 3:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
By God's grace and love, those in him are not condemned. But we are to do service as unto the Lord, whether servant or ruler.
Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Works? What about grace? The same God requires that we work out our salvation, to let it be known that we are God's children in an evil world; this means being servants as unto the Lord. Saved by grace and continuing to do good works as children of God. (Eph 2:10) " It is God which worketh in you "his beloved children, it is no longer our works, but the Lord working through our obedience.
Put on the whole armour
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Not by your effort, but be strong IN Jesus. In Jesus we are dead to self and alive in the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Walk in your new Spirit life.
2 Cor 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
"In the power of hs might," is the power of His Holy Spirit of truth and the word of God combating the lies and accusations of the devil. Our strength in Jesus are his living word and His living Spirit. This abundant life is a great light to combat the world of spiritual darkness. Do not forget that his blood has defeated the enemy. and we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. (Eph 1:3)
Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Our battle may be from flesh and blood, but these are controlled by evil spirit powers. It is a spiritual battle we are in. We are to put on all the armour, the protection, that God has given to us in Jesus, because the devil is subtle, we must beware of his wiles, his cunning deceit. He will always attack us where we are most easily hurt. The best thing to remember is, we are no longer ourselves, but we belong to Jesus. Then all attacks are against him and he will be our strength.
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The armour is supplied by God, but you must take it. It does no good laying apart from you. It is your spiritual defense against the flaming arrows of the devil. Often these arrows come from a close friend or member of your church family. Are you the voice of God? Or are you the darts of hell to anothers heart? Let each examine themselves and follow God's way; put on your armour and refrain from hurling accusations, we don't need anymore accusers in the church, lock your shield together with your brother and we will be strong.
The Belt and the Breastplate
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Paul wrote this while in the custody of Roman soldiers; it was easy for him to look at the armor of his guards and see how God has equipped the believer.
Truth
Truth is symbolically represented as a belt which both protects our abdomen and gathers up our garments so that we can fight effectively . Truth is found in God's word, the Bible. Often I hear a person who says that they hear from God without the word of the Bible. You must be careful, for there are seducing spirits taking over the minds of the proud and foolish.. We have the scriptures to guide us into all truth. Truth strikes at the heart of the liar the devil and his principalities and powers. The blood of Jesus has destroyed the power of satan in the Christian's life. The Holy Spirit guides us in all truth. Listen to the Spirits voice, and if the voice opposes God's word, it is not God's spirit. Truth shows us the right way in all things. Search the Bible, pray and listen to God's voice. Then you will overcome the devils power.
John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Righteousness
Satan has access to dark areas of our lives. So we must remember to put on the breastplate of righteousness which provides essential protection for the most vital organs; we can no sooner battle against spiritual enemies in our own righteousness than a soldier can battle without his protective breastplate, or bullet proof vest. Righteousness must be practiced to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold. Satan has access to darkness and impure thoughts and actions.Also, nothing destroys a Christian's testimony like when they cheat or lie, or steal from another.This is the daily righteousness we need, the practical righteousness that we put on for the world and for our own pure living.
Yet our righteousness comes from Jesus because of His righteousness we are forgiven of sins and made acceptible to our Father God. It is from him to make us holy in our eternal standing with God. However, We also daily conform in righteousness by being like Jesus. It is a choice and requires character and discipline as we submit to the Holy Spirit. Satan loves to condemn us, but Jesus has made us righteous. Why allow the devil to bring accusations and confusion, it is a choice to live right by God's Spirit.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Lord help us to learn your truth and to walk in your Spirit, the armour that you have provided. All that we need comes from you and we are not without help. It is only when we attempt to do things in our own power that we fail. Also, if we believe anything that is not proven in your word we invite satan to control us. This must not be, we are to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. These come from our Father God, through Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit, amen.
Feet Shod
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Preparation is a word meaning "a prepared foundation"; the gospel provides the footing for everything we do. On the shoes: "Josephus described them as 'shoes thickly studded with sharp nails'
Satan you are under our feet because you are under Jesus' feet and we are in Jesus.
Isa 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
When we are prepared with the gospel message, knowing in our heart that it is the power of God for salvation, we walk as peacemakers. We know the way of eternal life and we are willing to share this wonderful power for a new life with another. Jesus has paid the price for our forgiveness of sins on the cross. He has risen from the grave to give us assurance of eternal life, all by faith in him. Jesus is the way to God the father and everlasting life.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Shield of Faith
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
A dear teacher in our church described the shield in Roman times as being of woven materials that are dipped in water to withstand the enemies fiery darts. In the spirit, the fiery darts refer to those persistent demonic foes who try to weaken us through fear and unbelief.
The shield Paul describes is not the small round one, but the large, oblong shield that could protect the whole body "Even when such a missile was caught by the shield and did not penetrate to the body, says Livy, it caused panic, because it was thrown when well alight and its motion through the air made it blaze most fiercely, so that the soldier was tempted to get rid of his burning shield and expose himself to the enemy's spear-thrusts. But the shield of faith not only catches the incendiary devices but extinguishes them." (Bruce)
Our faith comes from the water of the word. (...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17)
Faith is above all in importance. Jesus is the object of our faith.
1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
All suffer common afflictions, but all do not react the same. Some turn to the world or medications, the wise person turns to Lord and meditations. The word of God says:
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Faith is for daily overcoming of the devils attacks. Yes faith is also the entrance to salvation as Paul has written:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Do not be afraid to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. In him is the power of eternal life. One dear person feared to receive him for fear of committing blaspheme. Blaspheme is attributing God's work to Satan. Not receiving Jesus is like Blaspheme of the Holy Spirit, ignoring his plea for you to receive Jesus. Maybe no one in your life is worthy of trust, maybe even we ourselves are a disappointment, but you can trust Jesus. You can put your faith in God's son. He loves you and has made the way for you to inherit eternal life in the family of God. Yes by faith, faith is above all in importance. It is believing in the one who has paid for our sins. It is trust in him in all circumstances. Jesus is our shield, He is our focus of faith.
Helmet of Salvation
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, The helmet protects the head where your thoughts are. Salvation is being saved from the judgement of our sins while receiving eternal life with God.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
There is no other way to God but through faith in his son, Jesus. We do not listen to all the other religions with their false beliefs.Keep your mind on God's word from the Bible, and not from prophecy. Prophecies must line up with the Bible or they are false. Do not destroy another with your deadly prophetic tongue that violates God's word.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
My favorite verse is about the peace of God received after salvation.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Another favorite verse is when we share the good news of the gospel.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
The helmet of salvation brings peace to a troubled mind. Guard your mind with the word of truth, the Bible. Then Satan cannot bring lies to lodge within you.
Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psa 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
Psa 119:13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
Psa 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Psa 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psa 119:16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
There is a tendency to blame God when things are not as we think they should be, NO, that is a thought from the devil. Keep trusting in our Lord and in his word. We belong to God, he will not leave us alone in our times of need, we are loved, believe this and have peace.
The sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:18...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The Bible, the word of God is a sword. A sword stays in one place without a power to use it. The power to yield the sword of truth is the Holy Spirit in you who are disciples of Christ.The word is the sword of the Spirit.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
God's word provides us with our only offensive and defensive weapon mentioned, because when we answer the devil's deception with God's word, we are letting God do the fighting through us. God's truth destroys the devils lies.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
We must study the word as disciples of Jesus Christ. By this word hidden in our hearts, we are able to withstand the lies of the devil. We resist him with the word of God and he will flee.
1 Pet 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Isn't faith believing the good word and the one it testifies of unto salvation?
We resist in the word of faith, our offensive and defensive weapon. First we must be disciples and we cannot be disciples without discipline in studying the word.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
The word brings with it, wisdom and discernment. Many come who wish to bring confusion and or strife, to destroy the power of the word and our faith. We should defend the truth but not run down rabbit trails after foolish babblings.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Truth, so great is the truth of God's word, it is a mirror to my soul. We are to become keepers of the word of truth, preserving it and displaying it to those in need of hope. We are the lights of truth.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Take up the sword of truth and join the army of God marching forth, with the enemy under your spiked feet.
Prayer Covering
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
With the armour of God we are to pray, for prayer is the power to move the hand of God. He is our defense and help. Not only do we pray for our needs but we are to persevere, to persist inspite of opposition for all the household of faith. The prayers of intercession. As the western story where the cowboy rushes the enemy stronghold "covered" by the gunfire of his friends. We are to cover our Christian friends with prayer in the Spirit. God is our rescuer and our help. Some pray in the spirit using tongues, especially if there is some question about the need.
1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Paul asked for prayer for boldness in witnessing. Boldness and power comes from the Holy Spirit.
Jer 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jer 1:9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Eph 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul was an Ambassador working, an official chosen messenger representing the Lord. Even when under house arrest, he was a witness of the gospel, the good news. We must not be afraid to speak up for Jesus. Of equal importance it is that we are honest and have a good report in our places of witness.
LORD, help us to always to pray in the Spirit for ourselves and our friends so that your life giving gospel will boldly be proclaimed throughout the world. Then the Lord will return for his Church. Come Lord Jesus. We welcome you.
Final Blessing
Eph 6:21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
Eph 6:22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Tychicus a beloved friend of Paul. He would bring Pauls messages. Perhaps his epistles? What are his Epistles? Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, (Hebrews?). Who knows how many others he influenced, his doctor friend was Luke who wrote the gospel as well as Acts.
Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Paul ends with the customary greetings, peace, love and faith, from the Father and Son. Finally, grace be with those who are really loving our Lord, with an enduring love.
We have great blessings in Christ Jesus in heavenly places. Read Ephesians often to see how blessed we are in his love. We are chosen, redeemed,and sealed in the Holy Spirit. We are made alive to God, reconciled even with all who are his children, we are in unity in the Spirit, in the bond of peace. Finally we are warned to put on the whole armour of God, because there is a battle going on in the spirit world. Take up the sword of the Spirit and join together united in the army of the Lord; our victory is already secured by our Lord Jesus Christ. Stand fast in Him, amen.
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