The Church's Armor

How can we face the great spiritual battles all around us? Let’s start with the family and obedience to a child’s parents? What if they want us to do something outside of obedience to the Lord?

As for children, obey your parents in the Lord, because it is right. (Ephesians 6:1 CEB)

Do the ancient promises under the old covenant still apply in this case?

“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:2-3 ESV cp. Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16)

What should fathers beware of?

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 HCSB)

Half those in the ancient Roman Empire were slaves. Most countries today recognize slavery as a shameful practice, except perhaps for convicted prisoners serving hard labor, and banks profiting from slavery to debt. What if an ancient Christian was unavoidably trapped in slavery? Is there also a principle here for modern employees?

As for slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling and with sincere devotion to Christ. Don’t work to make yourself look good and try to flatter people, but act like slaves of Christ carrying out God’s will from the heart. Serve your owners enthusiastically, as though you were serving the Lord and not human beings. You know that the Lord will reward every person who does what is right, whether that person is a slave or a free person. (Ephesians 6:5-8 CEB)

What about those ancient Christians who owned slaves, perhaps having acquired them before becoming a Christian, or perhaps rescuing them from heartless slave owners to provide for their welfare? Is there also a principle here for modern employers?

Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don't threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn't have favorites. (Ephesians 6:9 CEV)

What general encouragement is here for Christians?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV)

Despite all the evils of humanity, what is our real struggle?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:12-13 NASB)

What is that armor? While most of these are defensive, is one an offensive weapon?

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:14-17 NIV)

How should we pray? Supplication is a request.

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV)

Who was Tychicus?

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. (Ephesians 6:21-22 NLT)

What was Paul’s final blessing for the church in Ephesus?

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen. (Ephesians 6:23-24 WEB)

Today’s families urgently need the healing that a few simple biblical principles could provide. Many are slaves to usurious debt and poor wages and conditions. All humanity is in trouble, but our greatest struggle is spiritual. Have you put on the whole armor of God? You decide!