A Study of the Book of
Jesus and Me Ephesians
Build discussion Chapter 6
Objectives
1. To understand the responsibilities of children and their fathers
2. To suggest how principles governing servants and masters can be applied to employees and
their employers
3. To see the need to adorn ourselves with the whole of armour of God, that we might be strong in
the power of His might, and not just our own strength.
Summary
From the dynamics of husband and wife relationship, Paul next tackled about parenting. We're
still on this theme of mutual submission (Eph 5:21) --- so we'll find Paul instructing both children and
parents. As he'll show us, this relationship is based on respect, from child to parent and from parent to
child. As many households in the first century A.D. contained many servants, commands are also given
on the duties of servants and their masters.
The last major section epistle is a call to walk on victory, with a charge to stand strong in the
power of the Lord's might. To be able to withstand the wiles of the devil and the spiritual hosts of
wickedness in heavenly places, Christians need to adorn themselves with the whole armour of God.
A brief explanation is then given concerning Tychicus, who is to let them know how Paul is doing. The
epistle then concludes with a prayer for peace to the brethren, love with faith, and grace for all who
love the Lord Jesus Christ in all sincerity.
Outline
I. Secrets of a nurturing home (1-9)
A. Duties of children
1. to obey their parents in the Lord
2. to honour their father and mother, the first commandment with promise
3. that they may enjoy the promise of the commandment
A. to do well
B. to live long on the earth
B. Duties of fathers
1. do not provoke their children to wrath
2. bring their children up in the training and admonition of the Lord
II. Honouring God in our occupations
A. Duties of servants
1. be obedient to their masters according to the flesh
A. with fear and trembling
B. in sincerity of heart, as to Christ
C. not with eye service, pleasing only man, but as servants of Christ
2. do the will of God from the heart
A. doing service with good will
B. serving as to the Lord, and not men
C. knowing that whoever does well receives the same from the Lord
Review Questions
1. What are the main points of this chapter?
2. What responsibilities do children have toward their parents, vice versa?
3. What promise comes with the commandment to honour one's parents?
III. Standing firm against Satanic schemes
A. Our strength is in the Lord
B. Our protection is in the Lord's armour
C. Our strategy is based on Satan's methods
1. Satan's Schemes
2. Our Strategy
3. 4 principles to stand on
A. no satanic assault is stronger than God
B. no satanic scheme can penetrate God's armour
C. no satanic force can defeat God's work
D. no satanic evil can prevail over the prayers of God's people
IV. Strong armour for weak sheep (Eph 6:13-20)
A. the Christian's armour
1. the belt of truth
2. the breastplate of righteousness
3. the boots of peace
4. the shield of faith
5. the helmet of salvation
6. the sword of the Spirit
B. The believer's battle cry: PRAY!
1. with all prayer and petition
2. pray at all times in the Spirit
3. be on the alert with perseverance
4. for all the saints
V. Conclusion
A, Tychicus and his report
B. Parting words of peace, love and, grace
Living Insights
Satan is cunning strategist. In C.S. Lewis' most famous work, The Screwtape Letters, the author
created a correspondence between an elderly devil, Screw tape, and his young nephew, Wormwood.
Screwtape's fictitious counsel to the eager Wormwood reveals something of the true schemes of Satan:
You will say that these are very small sins; and
doubtless, like all young tempters, you are
anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness.
But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which
You separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the
Sins are, provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away
From the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick.
Indeed, the safest road to hell is the gradual one---- the gentle slope, soft underfoot,
Without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.
Is there something in your life that is distancing you from God--- inching you away from the
light? It may be something small. It may be something good---even religious. Take some time now to
bring it out of its dark hiding place by writing it down.
References
Copeland, Mark. (2001). the epistle to the Ephesians- a study guide with introductory comments,
summaries, outlines, and review questions. Retrieved from[Link] Date
retrieved June 2, 2015.
Swindoll, Charles. (2001). Becoming a people of grace. USA: Insight for Living.
