12For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. Remember that you and your slaves belong to the same Master in heaven, who judges everyone by the same standard.ġ0Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.

8Remember that the Lord will reward each of us, whether slave or free, for the good work we do.ĩ Masters, behave in the same way toward your slaves and stop using threats. 7Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings. 6Do this not only when they are watching you, because you want to gain their approval but with all your heart do what God wants, as slaves of Christ. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.ĥ Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ. 2 “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: 3“so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.”Ĥ Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Scripture Readingġ Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Using the metaphor of armor worn by Roman soldiers, he describes the spiritual armor of God that will help them guard against evil, and he exhorts them to pray continually for one another.

Paul offers encouragement to help the Ephesians remain strong against what he calls “wicked spiritual forces” (verse 12). God’s Renewing Word of Unity in Christ Jesus IntroductionĮphesians 6:1-24: Today’s reading opens with Paul discussing household relationships between children and parents and between slaves and masters.

Bible verse for today january 5 2022