Lesson 84 - November 16, 2003

Ephesians

The Glory of the Church

Our Position, Provision in Christ

Chapter Six

Intro: Paul moves from the marriage relationship, to next the family; parents with children.

Within the context, the principles in view are directed towards the Christian family, just as it was in the previous paragraph to the Christian husband and wife!

6:1-2 The Command to the Children

6:3 The Promise

6:4 Exhortation to Fathers

Things to note as we study the context:

1. The children are being addressed directly.

#1 the assumption is that the children would be present and listening when the epistle was being read.

#2 He also assumes that they know right from wrong.

#3 From Col. 3:20, parallel, he assumes that they know that their conduct may please or displease God.

2. They are addressed doctrinally; "for this is right" know truth

3. They were also addressed Scripturally, in that he quotes from OT. in vs:2-3.

6:1-2 The Command to the Children

- In vs:1 u`pakou,w to hear, to listen under the authority of;

Isn't it interesting that the first and most important lesson that needs to be learned in life is obedience, therefore authority orientation; if that lesson is not learned early, the impact on the rest of life is overwhelming.

- "in the Lord" defines the sphere of this obedience;

There are no family problems that are hopeless when each member is submissive to and responsive to the Lord.

*** Since this assumes a Christian home there is an application a conclusion we must make.

You cannot give your children a Christian home if you marry an unbeliever!

6:2 With verse 2 we have the 2nd imperative;

Honor your father and you mother

Notice that the cmd is to honor your father and your mother not parents.

- Lenski; Honor is the form love assumes towards those who are placed over us by God.

- "Honor your father and your mother [which is the first commandment with a promise,]"

Word prw/toj (first) more likely here carries the meaning of "first in importance" rather than in sequence.

6:3 The Promise!

Paul stops short of quoting the whole of promise found in the decalogue, rest doesn't apply to the church age.

As the parents teach you the word, the dvpt of life your spiritually prospered.

But what about the long life?

Same twofold benefit is also seen in 1 Tim 4:8.

** Paul's teaching here in the context is based on 3 assumptions:

1. of the spiritual relationship.

2. of a moral understanding.

3. of Scriptural teaching.