Tag: Bible Study Series 2015

Ephesians 6:11 

Put on – NT:1746 enduo (en-doo’-o); from NT:1722 and NT:1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively):

Whole armour – NT:3833 panoplia (pan-op-lee’-ah); from a compound of NT:3956 and NT:3696; full armor (“panoply”):

Stand – NT:2476 histemi (his’-tay-mee); a prolonged form of a primary stao (stah’-o) (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):

Wiles – NT:3180 methodeia (meth-od-i’-ah); from a compound of NT:3326 and NT:3593 [compare “method”]; travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery):

Just as a medieval warrior would careful dress, ensuring that his entire suit was put on correctly and fit well, so we as believers should deck ourselves with the armor of God. Unless we use allof the armor God has provided for us, we will not be successful against the trickery of the devil. This armor is available to all of God’s children – but each child has a choice whether or not they will put it on. Even those who put it on one day might neglect to put it on another day. There is the need for us to daily slip into the armor God has provided for our protection and chivalry.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally – after instruction to the church and individuals, Paul is wrapping up his letter with final thoughts.

We are not to find strength within ourselves and our abilities, but our strength comes from the Lord.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” (Ephesians 3:16)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

As long as we walk in our strength, we are but weak and powerless.

Ephesians 6:9

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”(Colossians 4:1)

After instructing the servants, Paul turns to the masters and says, “do the same.” In other words, just like the servant should remember that they are ultimately serving God, they are servants of God, and should be doing the will of God. They are not to seek the applause of men or do that which is right in man’s eyes, but their goal should be blameless before God, realizing their testimony of the doctrine of God and the reward which comes from God (or punishment for doing wrong).

Added to that, masters are not to threaten but remember that there is One above them – God Himself – and they are accountable to Him. Then, there is a reminder that in God’s eyes, all men are equal. He holds the same judgment for the servant as well as the master.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Other verses for servants:

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” (Colossians 3:22-25)

“Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Titus 2:9-10)

Between these three passages, we find a list of Biblical instruction for servants:

– Obey masters

     ~with fear and trembling

     ~in all things

     ~not answering again (dispute, refuse)

     ~not purloining (sequestrate for oneself, embezzle)

     ~shewing all good fidelity (credence, moral conviction)

– Work in singleness of heart: to the Lord

     ~not with eyeservice (that needs watching)

     ~not as menpleasers (man-courting, fawning – the idea of flattery) but pleasing their masters

     ~fearing God

– Work as servants of Christ

– Work heartily

– Do the will of God from t

– Realize the testimony of the doctrine of God they hold

– Realize that reward comes from God (or in contrast, punishment if servants disregard these commands)

Today, these commands should not remain unheeded because we no longer have servants and slaves. Instead, we should consider these commands towards anyone who is in authority over us (i.e. boss, employer, managers, owners).

The matter begins at the heart: we must realize that in any job, work, or task at hand, our goal first and foremost should be to please God. We are His servants and the work we do are a testimony that reflect His work in our hearts and lives. Complaining, murmuring, backbiting, and disputing are not a characteristic of a servant of God. Likewise, stealing, embezzlement, “borrowing,” etc. should never be a part of our life. We should show responsibility and be trustworthy. Instead of doing enough in man’s eyes or judging our work against our co-workers, we should be working as pleasing God (doing the best we can, being diligent). Our attitude while working is a great testimony – is it positive or negative? Do we realize our influence as a worker? Not only are those over us watching, but also those around us (co-workers, others who might hang around the workplace). Do they see a reflection of Christ in us?