Ephesians 6

Eph 6:1-9 NASB  Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  (2)  HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),  (3)  SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.  (4)  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  (5)  Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;  (6)  not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.  (7)  With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,  (8)  knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.  (9)  And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. 

  • Instruction on behavior in relationships:
    • Children obey and honor parents for your own good
    • Fathers don’t provoke children to anger but discipline and instruct of the Lord
    • Slaves be obedient to masters with a sincere heart as slaves of Christ not through pleasing men
    • Masters honor slaves because master or slave also have an impartial master in heaven
  • What symmetry do you see in this instruction on behavior in relationships?
  • What does that teach you about Christ-like behavior?

Eph 6:10-18 TNIV  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  (11)  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil\’s schemes.  (12)  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (13)  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  (14)  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  (15)  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  (16)  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  (17)  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (18)  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

  • Instruction on how to prepare ourselves to behave according to this instruction
  • Where does our strength come from?
  • Who are we struggling against?  How does this help when we are struggling or persecuted?
  • What does each piece of armor do for us?  What part of our fleshly body does it protect?  How does it protect us spiritually?
  • How many pieces of armor are meant for defense?
  • What is the only piece of armor that is meant for offense and what gives it power?
  • When are we supposed to pray?  Is there a particular formula or way we are supposed to pray?  What does this teach you about prayer?

Eph 6:19-24 TNIV  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  (21)  Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.  (22)  I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.  (23)  Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  (24)  Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

  • Paul asks for specific prayer.  What does he ask for for himself? Does Paul want to be released from his suffering?   What does this reveal about the character of Paul?

Discuss what this study has revealed to you about the Character of God – who He is.

Discuss what this study has revealed to you about the Jesus.

Discuss what this study has revealed to you about the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives.