Children and Parents// Colossians 3:18–21
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Serving with Honor// Colossians 3:22–25; 1 Timothy 6:1–2
5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
- EPH 6:5[NOTE]SLAVES. Roman slavery was not based on skin color, and some slaves were doctors or teachers who could earn their freedom, but people were still bought, sold and beaten. Paul did not start a revolt, but he planted seeds that would end it. He told masters to stop threatening, because they have the same Master in heaven, 6:9. He called slave traders lawbreakers, 1 Timothy 1:10, and asked Philemon to welcome a runaway slave as a brother. Centuries later, Christians like William Wilberforce fought slavery with these truths. Today, apply it at work: do your job as if Jesus is your boss, 6:7.
9And masters, do the same for your slaves. Give up your use of threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
The Full Armor of God
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
- EPH 6:10[DEMONIC]Spiritual warfare — wrestling against principalities, powers, world rulers of darkness
13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- EPH 6:13[NOTE]See The Armor of God box on the last page of Ephesians.
- EPH 6:14[ALLUDES TO]Refers to ← IS 11:5; 59:17
- EPH 6:15[ALLUDES TO]Refers to ← IS 52:7
- EPH 6:17[ALLUDES TO]Refers to ← IS 59:17
18Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings// Philippians 4:21–23; 2 Timothy 4:19–22
21Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.