Ephesians 6:1-9 The Solution to Antagonism, Division, and Rebellion

My commentary gave Paul's solution to the antagonism, division, and rebellion in homes and society today -- "regeneration -- a new heart from God and a new submission to Christ and to one another ... This spiritual harmony begins in the lives of Christians who are submitted to the lordship of Christ."

To Christian children, Paul said, "becoming a Christian does not release you from normal obligations of life.  If anything, your faith in Christ ought to make you a better child in the home."  He also said that obedience is right and it is commanded by God, and it brings blessing."

"When children obey their parents in the Lord, they will escape a good deal of sin and danger and thus avoid the things that could threaten or shorten their lives ... Sin always robs us; obedience always enriches us ... Disobedience to parents is rebellion against God."

Paul speaks to Christian fathers next.  He gives us our responsibilities toward our children:  "We must not provoke them.  The opposite of provoke is encourage ... We must nurture them intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially... We must discipline them ... discipline is a basic principle of life and an evidence of love ... consistent, loving discipline gives assurance to the child.  He may not agree with us, but at least he knows that we care enough to build some protective walls around him until he can take care of himself ... We must instruct and encourage them ... Our children do not always appreciate our counsel, but that does not eliminate the obligation we have to instruct and encourage them."

To Christian servants (employees now), he says, "If both servant and master are serving the Lord and seeking to please Him, they will be able to work together to the glory of God ... An employer has several responsibilities to his workers.  He must seek their welfare ... he must not threaten ... he must be submitted to the Lord, and he must not play favorites ... Paul warned Timothy in 1 Tim. 5:21 to 'observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.'  One of the fastest ways for a leader to divide his followers and lose their confidence is for a leader to play favorites and show partiality."

Father, even with the best intentions as a parent, we can watch things go awry.  I hold fast to Your promise that if we have trained up our children in the way they should go, when they are older, they will come back to You and they will not depart from You.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford