Post by Josh on Feb 15, 2007 17:37:22 GMT -8
Some thoughts on Ephesians 6:
1. "Exasperate" : what a great word for the cardinal sin of parents. Thank God Paul wrote this!
Here's the amplified reading of the verse:
"Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment]..."
2. "Slaves to Christ"
Paul is not out to advocate slave revolts... nor is supporting the system of slavery. Elsewhere, he undermines slavery by advocating for the release of a slave (see the NT book of Philemon).
Although slavery is not ideal, Paul takes the stance that in whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are to be Christlike. The Christian today can glean insight from passages like these when we think of other situations in which we find ourselves which are not ideal (or are maybe even evil) but through which we are given the opportunity to be Christlike.
I also love how Paul reminds 'masters' that God is no respecter of persons- he doesn't see the slave as inferior to the master. In fact, we should all, as Christians, view ourselves as slaves of Christ.
A challenging question: do we, as Christian, in fact, view our lives in that way? To we view all our efforts and all our posessions as existing for the sole purpose of pleasing the Heavenly Master?
Much more could be said about slavery in the New Testament world and a Christian approach to slavery in general. Don't have time to touch on that now-- unless someone else wants to. Suffice to say for now that Christians were impetus behind much of the effort to erradicate the slave trade in the 1800's in both America and Britain- so we have a heritage of deep thinkers to draw from on the subject.
3. "Armor of God"
Paul ends his epistle with a punch. Drawing from images of Roman soldiers, he delivers for us a very romantic view of our authority and power... and mission in Christ Jesus.
What stands out to me just now, with a fresh reading, is how Paul says with confidence that days of evil will come our way... not if, but when, we are to have our armor ready.
I found it helpful to list each weapon one after another:
truth
righteousness
readiness
peace
faith
salvation
the Holy Spirit
the Word of God
prayer (without ceasing: see 1 Thess. 5:17)
Chances are you excel in the use of some of these weapons/ armor, but most likely there is something in this list you have avoided or neglected. It is just that thing that you should become practiced it, because all of these tools are designed to work together.
4. "Pray for me"
In verse 19 Paul urges the Ephesians to pray for him... that he would be fearless. It is so true that Christian leaders need prayer, and a travesty that they are often overlooked. Speaking from experience, prayers and purposeful encouragement are life-giving and essential to those who are in Christian leadership, because it's not the leader's talents that will hold him/her up in the day of evil, it is God's grace and the prayers of others that enable him/her to put on this armor and fight a good fight
1. "Exasperate" : what a great word for the cardinal sin of parents. Thank God Paul wrote this!
Here's the amplified reading of the verse:
"Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment]..."
2. "Slaves to Christ"
Paul is not out to advocate slave revolts... nor is supporting the system of slavery. Elsewhere, he undermines slavery by advocating for the release of a slave (see the NT book of Philemon).
Although slavery is not ideal, Paul takes the stance that in whatever situation we find ourselves in, we are to be Christlike. The Christian today can glean insight from passages like these when we think of other situations in which we find ourselves which are not ideal (or are maybe even evil) but through which we are given the opportunity to be Christlike.
I also love how Paul reminds 'masters' that God is no respecter of persons- he doesn't see the slave as inferior to the master. In fact, we should all, as Christians, view ourselves as slaves of Christ.
A challenging question: do we, as Christian, in fact, view our lives in that way? To we view all our efforts and all our posessions as existing for the sole purpose of pleasing the Heavenly Master?
Much more could be said about slavery in the New Testament world and a Christian approach to slavery in general. Don't have time to touch on that now-- unless someone else wants to. Suffice to say for now that Christians were impetus behind much of the effort to erradicate the slave trade in the 1800's in both America and Britain- so we have a heritage of deep thinkers to draw from on the subject.
3. "Armor of God"
Paul ends his epistle with a punch. Drawing from images of Roman soldiers, he delivers for us a very romantic view of our authority and power... and mission in Christ Jesus.
What stands out to me just now, with a fresh reading, is how Paul says with confidence that days of evil will come our way... not if, but when, we are to have our armor ready.
I found it helpful to list each weapon one after another:
truth
righteousness
readiness
peace
faith
salvation
the Holy Spirit
the Word of God
prayer (without ceasing: see 1 Thess. 5:17)
Chances are you excel in the use of some of these weapons/ armor, but most likely there is something in this list you have avoided or neglected. It is just that thing that you should become practiced it, because all of these tools are designed to work together.
4. "Pray for me"
In verse 19 Paul urges the Ephesians to pray for him... that he would be fearless. It is so true that Christian leaders need prayer, and a travesty that they are often overlooked. Speaking from experience, prayers and purposeful encouragement are life-giving and essential to those who are in Christian leadership, because it's not the leader's talents that will hold him/her up in the day of evil, it is God's grace and the prayers of others that enable him/her to put on this armor and fight a good fight