Paul exhorts the Ephesians and us to stand firm by God’s strength in God’s armor in the midst of spiritual warfare. The critical battle has already been won! There’s just a mop up operation going on. He is Lord. We are in him. The emphasis is not on us memorizing each piece and “praying it on.” It’s about putting on the characteristics and virtues that are ours through our union with Jesus Christ. We are to put on Christ, which simply means as in Ephesians 4:24, recognize who you are in Christ, and live consistently with that identity with the spiritual resources that are yours. We keep our armor on, until our King returns. Then, we will fall down before him, the one who has loved us with an everlasting love, and we will put our weapons down because the war will be over.
What’s your least favorite job of all time? I haven’t had as many bad jobs as some of you have. Donnie told me that he milked cows for two years, and also used to discard dead animals from the vet. I’ve been an umpire for Little League. It would have been fun if not for the parents!Work is a gift and we should think God for work. But some jobs are not high on the desirability scale! How can you find any meaning or fulfillment in your daily vocation – either paid work or unpaid work (mom/student)? This text shows us that we need to see Christ as our ultimate “boss” for whom we labor. You see, you can transfer masters without transferring jobs. Paul teaches us in this section how the Lordship of Christ should affect our view of work. We can exalt Christ through our various jobs.
This little section is brief but powerful. In these few verses Paul highlights essential priorities of children and parents. Now, obviously, kids can grow up in great homes, and turn out a rebellious. I totally understand that. The point I’m driving out is: Those who’ve had their hearts changed by the gospel, must seek to love, nurture and disciple their children.
Last week we looked at many foundational truths from Ephesians 5. This theology is found in 1 Corinthians also (notice 6:16), and we also find some other helpful instructions for marrieds and singles. While Ephesians gave us an exalted view of marriage, Corinthians give a more down-to-earth view of marriage and singleness. The question for all of us, are we devoted to the Lord – in our current state? In the age to come, marriage will not exist (Matt 22:23-39). But we have a family that will exist forever – the church. Let us give thanks to Christ for His great salvation, and for this great family that we are privileged to belong to.
Husbands are called to love their bride like Christ loved the church. I want to be a better husband, and this text has challenged me to do so. I pray it challenges you as well. Why is this important if you aren’t married? First, this text gives us a glorious description of the love of Christ. Second, this text elevates our concept of the church. Third, if you are single, for your sake, you need to understand what the Bible says about marriage. Finally, you need to understand God’s plan for marriage for your brothers’ and sisters’ sake. We All need this text for multiple reasons.
