No passage can be isolated and read alone in scripture; without at least being seriously short as to its full meaning. Ephesians 6 is no exception. It is therefore; no coincidence that the previous chapter discusses the family unit as an example of the structure of the church as well as the rest of the book the concepts of heavenly places.
Verse 9; albeit particularly controversial in today's culture; discusses human masters and compares it to our Master in heaven. This is a key term; almost totally ignored among preachers and laypeople alike in reference to our Lord and Savior. I only know one brother who would routinely pray with that mindset which is truly a sad observation.
Verses 11 through 13 talk about standing in His might. We are reminded of Psalm 1:5 as to the state of the wicked in judgment; surely we also will fall if not fully grounded in the Word.
Verses 14 and 15 bring up both having the truth (as opposed to a false) as a mindset; with verse 15 being prepared to speak the gospel of peace (as we see in 2 Tim. 4:2).
Verse 16 on the shield of faith implies utilizing and TRUSTING in God to get us through all circumstances (see 1 Cor. 10:13; Proverbs 3:5-6). He is able to keep us out of temptations and is trustworthy.
Verse 17 shows us where our headship in Christ also protects us from fatal attack. The Word of God isn't exactly a surprise here as to the only offensive weapon; but greatly compromised among many who endeavor to preach the Gospel. We must meditate on it as well as know how to apply scripture in given situations as the Lord leads us to do ( Mark 13:11).
Verse 18 on gets to the last theme; prayer for the saints including Paul which shows that leadership needs to pray for laypersons and vice versa. This certainly is something that many churches need to address more fully ( James 5:16). I honestly don't know any pastors that have asked for prayer to preach more boldly.
No passage can be isolated and read alone in scripture; without at least being seriously short as to its full meaning. Ephesians 6 is no exception. It is therefore; no coincidence that the previous chapter discusses the family unit as an example of the structure of the church as well as the rest of the book the concepts of heavenly places.
Verse 9; albeit particularly controversial in today's culture; discusses human masters and compares it to our Master in heaven. This is a key term; almost totally ignored among preachers and laypeople alike in reference to our Lord and Savior. I only know one brother who would routinely pray with that mindset which is truly a sad observation.
Verses 11 through 13 talk about standing in His might. We are reminded of Psalm 1:5 as to the state of the wicked in judgment; surely we also will fall if not fully grounded in the Word.
Verses 14 and 15 bring up both having the truth (as opposed to a false) as a mindset; with verse 15 being prepared to speak the gospel of peace (as we see in 2 Tim. 4:2).
Verse 16 on the shield of faith implies utilizing and TRUSTING in God to get us through all circumstances (see 1 Cor. 10:13; Proverbs 3:5-6). He is able to keep us out of temptations and is trustworthy.
Verse 17 shows us where our headship in Christ also protects us from fatal attack. The Word of God isn't exactly a surprise here as to the only offensive weapon; but greatly compromised among many who endeavor to preach the Gospel. We must meditate on it as well as know how to apply scripture in given situations as the Lord leads us to do ( Mark 13:11).
Verse 18 on gets to the last theme; prayer for the saints including Paul which shows that leadership needs to pray for laypersons and vice versa. This certainly is something that many churches need to address more fully ( James 5:16). I honestly don't know any pastors that have asked for prayer to preach more boldly.
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