Ephesians 6:1-9

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Sermon Follow Up

Summary

In Ephesians 6:1-9 (and 5:22-33) Paul teaches us how to make our households hum the happy working song of the New Creation as authority and servanthood are reimagined and reshaped by Christ.

Discussion/Reflection Material

-What can we learn about God’s view of children from Ephesians 6:1-4?

-Verse 4 calls fathers not to overreact, gracelessly provoking their children to wrath, but this doesn’t sanction under-reactive or passive fatherhood that fails to discipline and instruct. Which of these two ditches are you most inclined toward?

-How does Paul dignify the slave in this passage and relativize the authority of the master?

-Verse 9 says that God isn’t partial toward the slave or the master. This note on showing no partiality is a big deal in the Bible (Deut. 10:17, Job 34:19, Acts 10:34-35, Rom. 2:11, Jas. 2:1-4). Paul reminds Christians that their status in the social hierarchy is not of primary importance and that it counts for little since our authority is arranged under Christ’s authority and ought only ever be an expression of His care for His world. What are some ways that partiality toward those with high status continues to work itself out in the church?

Family-Friendly Short

Big Idea: God wants to restore harmony to the world. The way that we live in the world either helps or hurts God’s musical mission.

-How is God including kids in His mission to make the world sing when He commands them to obey their parents?

-If you view your parents as a gift from God, how might that change how you treat them?