Ephesians 4 - 6

Living the Christian Life

The epistle to the Ephesians is a manifesto on Christian living.  Paul addresses almost every type of human relationship and explains how a Christian is to behave within that context.  Chapter 4 starts with a description of the gift of the ministry the Lord provides to the church.  The five fold ministry is composed of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.  Each has a unique role in the molding and perfecting, or maturing, of the body of Christ, the true church. The goal of the ministry is unity of the believers and bringing them to the full measure of the standard set by our Lord Jesus.

Through the five-fold ministry the "light" of Jesus Christ is manifested and taught.  This light converts the sinner into a saint, a believer and follower of Jesus.  As we become believers we give up our worldly desires. We stop lying, gossiping, stealing, cursing, and bringing sorrow to others. Paul states, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." (4:31).

Once Paul establishes the ministry and their purpose, in chapter 5 he exhorts us to live in the light of God's word. "Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ." (5:2).  We do not excuse sin, we expose it and confess it before God who faithfully forgive us. Paul then begins to talk about the relationships we have.  Husbands and wives are to live together in reverence to Christ. Wives submit to their husbands and husbands love their wives even to the point of sacrifice.

Continuing in chapter 6, Paul exhorts children to obey their parents and parents to nurture their children in the ways of the Lord.  Slaves are to obey their masters and masters are to treat their slaves with respect.  In today's modern society this would apply to the employer-employee scenario.

Paul ends the epistle with a description of the "whole armor of God." (6:10).  Each piece is descriptive of the type of defense we mount against our spiritual enemy Satan.  Paul explains that we do not engage in "flesh and blood" battles (6:12) but must fight spiritual battles against evil forces (6:12).  We wear the "belt of truth", the "body armor of righteousness" and the "shoes of the Gospel." We use the "shield of faith" and the "helmet of salvation" for protection.  Our weapon is the "sword of the Spirit which is the word of God." (6:14-17). All of this is accomplished and fought through sincere prayer in the Spirit (6:18).

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.