God’s household and fight against spiritual darkness (chap.6)
Special instruction to household: (6:1-9): Apostle Paul gives two great examples of obedience.
- The example of Children and parents: (6:1-4): Children should honour their parents even if the parents are demanding and unfair. Parents should care gently for their children, even if the children are disobedient and unpleasant. Christian parents and Christian children must relate to each other with thoughtfulness and love. This can happen only if both parents and children honour and submit themselves first to God. “Honour thy father and mother” is the 5th commandment of 10-commandments.
For a child to have a long life, he must honour his father and mother. A child must learn early to obey father and mother, not only because they are his parents, but also because God has commanded it to be so. Disobedience to parents is rebellion against God. The sad situation in homes today is the result of rejecting God’s Word (Rom.1:28-30; 2 Tim.3:1-5). By nature, a child is selfish, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, a child can learn to obey his parents and glorify God. At the same time, Parents must not infuriate or frustrate their children, instead must train them in the instruction of the Lord.
Ex: The Bible records the sad results of parents neglecting their children, either by being bad examples to them or failing to discipline them properly. David pampered Absalom and set him a bad example, and the results were tragic. Eli failed to discipline his sons and they brought disgrace to his name and defeat to the nation of Israel. In his latter years, even Isaac pampered Esau, while his wife Rachel showed favouritism to Jacob; and the result was a divided home. Paul tells us that the father has several responsibilities toward his children.
- The example of servants and masters: (6:5-9): Slaves were a part of the household in the olden days and even in the days of Roman empire. During Paul’s days, many slaves and owners became Christians (Philemon-Onesimus). Although we do not have slaves at present, we can compare this example to employee and his employer in our work-field or office. Some of the contemporary issues to be dealt in our present day are as follows:
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- When both are Christians: It is no excuse for either one to do less work. Rather, it is a good reason to be more faithful to each other. The employee should show proper respect for employer and not try to take advantage of him. He should devote his full attention and energy to the job at hand. The best way to be a witness on the job is to do a good day’s work.
- Doing a good job is the will of God: Christianity knows nothing of sacred and secular. A Christian can perform any good work as a ministry to Christ to the glory of God.
- We will be rewarded by the Lord (Eph 6:8): In those days, slaves were treated Like pieces of property, no matter how well educated they might be. We are to serve Christ not men. We shall receive our rewards from Christ, not from men.
- We are all equal: (6:9): Christians may be at different levels in earthly society, but we are equal before God. No one is more important than anyone else. Christians must not threat their subordinates or show favouritism since we are all equal before God.