AUTHENTICITY BEYOND THE WALLS – Ephesians 6:1-9
Authentic faith is found not here, within the confines of a church service, but within our
homes and vocations (our jobs). Thus, Paul addresses these two areas of Christian
living. My goal is to awaken us to the fact that true submission to the Lord (5:21)
impacts not only our church life, but our most intimate and public lives, as well. Paul
first addresses our INTIMATE LIFE the home. No one has a perfect family; having said
that, God has provided structure for the Christian family, which lends to witness of the
church, and the health of the nation. As the family goes, so goes the nation. Sociologist
and historian Carle Zimmerman, in his 1947 book Family and Civilization, recorded his keen observations as he compared
the disintegration of various cultures with the parallel decline of family life in those cultures. Eight specific patterns of
domestic behavior typified the downward spiral of each culture Zimmerman studied.
*Marriage loses its sacredness...is frequently broken by
divorce.
*Traditional meaning of the marriage ceremony is lost.
*Feminist movements abound.
*Increased public disrespect for parents and authority in
general.
*Acceleration of juvenile delinquency, promiscuity, and
rebellion.
*Refusal of people with traditional marriages to accept
family responsibilities.
*Growing desire for and acceptance of adultery.
*Increasing interest in and spread of sexual perversions
and sex-related crimes. Swindoll, The Quest For Character,
Multnomah, p. 90.
A lot of the anarchy we are witnessing today in the streets is a direct result of the
societal breakdown of the family! To avoid anarchy in the streets, we must start in the
home. Christian Children - (v.1-3). Biblical order in the home not only applies to the
husband/wife relationship, but to the parent-child/adolescent relationship, as well.
Thus, Paul’s theme of submission (5:21) applies to the entire family: “obey your
parents,” is the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16) – a
“commandment with promise!” This also applies to adult children, as well; although
we have moved from a child-parent relationship, we should still honor them – which
doesn’t mean we have to agree with them. (v.2) To “honor” our parents means much
more than to “obey” them. It means to show respect and love, to care for them as long as they need
us, and to seek to bring honor to them by the way we live. Paul has in mind here Christian children,
being raised in a household which honors the word of God! We should not expect our
children to honor what we refuse to honor ourselves. There is a blessing in obedience
for the child (v.3). This does not mean that everyone who died young dishonored their
parents. Paul is simply stating a principle; one commentator writes: “…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.” (Wiesrbe). Absalom/Hophni and Phinehas (Eli’s boys). Disobedience to
parents is rebellion against God – evidence of ungodliness and unrighteousness and
suppression of the truth (ttt) Romans 1:18, 28-32.
Christian Fathers – Fathers are not mentioned here to exclusion of mothers, but rather
in light of their lead role within the family. In Paul’s day, the father had supreme
authority over the family. For example, when a baby was born into a Roman family it was brought out and
laid before the father. If he picked it up, it meant he was accepting it into the home. But if he did not pick it up, it
meant the child was rejected. It could be sold, given away, or even killed by exposure (Weirsbe commentary). Paul’s
emphasis is not upon the father as supreme, but as a servant to his children and family.
Fathers are not to “provoke” their children, but encourage them!
To provoke a child is to discourage them. For example, by blaming and never praising; by being
inconsistent and unfair in discipline; or showing favoritism at home; or by making light of problems that, to the
Rather, fathers are to nurture their children. The Greek verb for
“bring them up” (v.4) is the same verb used for “nourishes” – “to rear up in maturity
(5:29).” Fathers are also to “train up” their children, physically, intellectually,
spiritually, and socially. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart
from it. Proverbs 22:6 This requires discipline in love, not in anger, as the Lord disciplines
us: “For whom the Lord loves He chastens…” Hebrews 12:6 Consistent loving discipline provides
security for the child. (I know my dad loved me; Germany-arrested/all-star game). Fathers are also
children, are very important.
called to “admonish,” meaning “to instruct and encourage” – according to God’s
word.
Secondly, the apostle addresses our PUBLIC LIFE (our vocation/jobs) – (v.5-8).
Christian Bondservants – literally: slave In Paul’s day, there were an estimated 6
million slaves in the Roman Empire (Weirsbe commentary); slavery was an accepted institution.
By way of application, “bondservants” today might be called “employees.” Despite
being often mistreated, Paul writes, “be obedient to your masters.” (ttt) 1 Peter 2:1823. (1 Peter 2:20a) Being fired for not doing your job because you were praying or
sharing your faith on the job is not persecution; you’re simply a horrible employee! It’s
a shame when a business sign containing the sign of the fish (ixthus) – representative of Christ –
has a poor reputation. We are to be submissive to our masters (employers); even more so
when we are working for a fellow believer. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
We should work with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart (v.5b), knowing our real
boss is a Jewish Carpenter – the Lord! He’s omnipresent; therefore, we serve under His
watchful eye, in His presence, rather than giving “eyeservice,” to men (v.6, 7). Janitor of
the year; get the corners. Notice: (v.8) We serve in hope, rather than hopelessness! The
blessings of the Lord are not limited by your status in life! Slave or free, employed,
unemployed; His blessings are irrefutable! Let the quality of your work be a witness to
the power of the gospel in your life!
Christian Masters – (v.9) Employers, CEOs, bosses, etc.…remember you have a
“Master” too! Therefore, Do not threaten. When a business owner, supervisor, etc.,
trusts the Lord, he/she does not have to threaten. Even when hard choices have to be
made, they can be made with confidence, having a clear conscience before God. Do the same
things to them. in other words, do not exploit people; but as a testament of your
salvation, treat all with equity (v.9b). Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give
half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son
of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:8-10 Christian
masters, understand:
Christ is the primary shareholder (Lord)!
Conclusion: Christian authenticity requires we take Christ home and on our jobs; for if He is not
Lord in our lives there, He will certainly not be Lord here! May this be our prayer: Teach me Your way,
O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11