Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9

The Church: Submitting to One Another

(Ephesians 6:1-9)

Intro.

1. All who possess authority are also under authority, Matt. 8:8-10.

2. The willingness to submit oneself to another person grows out of humility and respect:

a. God, Heb. 12:28.

b. Civil authority, 1 Pet. 2:17 (Rom. 13:1).

c. Employer, cf. Col. 3:22.

d. Wife, Eph. 5:33 (22); 1 Pet. 3:2.

e. One another, 1 Pet. 5:5-6; Eph. 5:21.

3. Eph. 6:1-9: Applications are made that require both the proper use of authority one possesses as well as humble obedience to the one who has been given authority by God.

I. CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS, Eph. 6:1.

A. Children: Those Under the Care of Parents.

1. Habitual and constant submission.

2. Disobedience that refuses correction is rebellion, Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:3; Deut. 21:18-21.

B. Obey: To Hear Under Authority, cf. Lk. 6:46-47; Rom. 10:16-17.

C. Stipulation and Extent of the Child’s Obedience.

1. Condition: In the Lord, Acts 5:29.

2. Extent: In all things, Col. 3:20.

a. Why? This is right (pleases God), 6:1; Col. 3:20.

b. Virtuous, righteous, and so, innocent, approved (acceptable).

II. CHILDREN, HONOR YOUR PARENTS, Eph. 6:2-3.

A. Value them, Showing Respect and Deference, Exo. 21:15-17.

B. Jesus’ Commentary: Responsible Care, Matt. 15:4-6; Mk. 7:9-13.

C. A Promise of Blessing and Security.

1. Israel in Canaan, Exo. 20:12.

2. First: Primary, superlative, foremost, Lev. 19:1-3.

III. FATHERS, DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN, 6:4.

A. Fathers are Providers, not Provocateurs.

1. In teaching them to obey you and God.

2. “To arouse to wrath, enrage, exasperate” (Caldwell, chart)

3. Balance: Fairness, promptness, consistency.

4. By seeing your children as blessings, not burdens, Psa. 127:3-5.

B. Bring Up (Nurture) Your Children to Maturity, 6:4.

1. Training: Chastening, discipline, Heb. 12:5-11. (general)

2. Admonition: Exhort, warn, advise, “putting in mind of right”.

3. Of the Lord: God’s word the source of training, Deut. 6:6-9 (32:46-47).

4. Fulfillment of godly parents: No greater joy, 3 Jno. 4.

IV. SERVANTS, POSSESS THE NATURE OF TRUE OBEDIENCE, 6:5-8.

A. Serve with Fear and Trembling, 6:5.

1. Fear of God and master, 6:5 (5:21); Tit.2:9-10; 1 Tim. 6:1-2.

2. Submissive with fear, 1 Pet. 2:18.

B. Serve with Sincerity of Heart, 6:5.

1. Singleness, without pretense, 6:5.

2. Not with eye service (to please men).

3. As bondservant of Christ: Obey from heart, 6:6.

C. Serve with Goodwill (kindness, benevolence).

1. As to the Lord, 6:7 (Col 3:23).

2. The Lord will recompense both good and evil, 6:8.

V. MASTERS, YOU ARE ALSO UNDER AUTHORITY, Eph. 6:9.

A. Do the Same Things to Those Who are Under Your Authority (respect, sincerity, goodwill), cf. 1 Tim. 6:2.

B. How to Be a Good Master (use the authority you have):

1. Give up threatening: Don’t be a menace, cf. 1 Pet. 2:18.

2. Be just and fair, Col. 4:1. (Just because you are the “master” does not mean you are always right! The wise master listens and learns.)

3. Act in the fear of the Lord, Eph. 6:9. Impartial judge in heaven to whom you will answer.

Conclusion

1. We must learn to submit ourselves...

a. The Son of God teaches children how to obey and honor their parents, Jno. 8:29.

b. Our heavenly Father teaches us how to be good parents (Heb. 12:5-6; 1 Tim. 5:8).

c. The Son teaches servants how to serve, Lk. 19:10.

d. The Son teaches masters how to use authority, Heb. 1:8.

2. Submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: March 21, 2013