Ephesians 6

Chapter Summary

In Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul instructs believers on how to put on the full armor of God to withstand the spiritual forces of evil. He reminds them that their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Paul also provides guidance on the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. The chapter concludes with a final greeting and a benediction, praying that the believers will be strengthened in the Lord and that the message of the gospel will be spread to all people.

Context for the Chapter

Ephesians 6 is the final chapter of the book of Ephesians, and it provides a conclusion to the apostle Paul's instructions to the believers in Ephesus. The chapter is part of a larger section of the book that emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and it provides guidance on how to put on the full armor of God and how to live in a way that honors God. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, and it reflects the themes of spiritual warfare and the importance of trusting in God's power that are found throughout the Bible.

Heart Application

The chapter provides a number of practical applications for believers, including the importance of putting on the full armor of God and of trusting in His power to overcome the forces of evil. Believers are also to live in a way that honors God, including the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and of seeking God's guidance and power in the midst of spiritual warfare.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ephesians 6 is a chapter that emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to put on the full armor of God. It also emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, including the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. As believers, we must trust in God's power and His armor, and we must be strong in the Lord. We must also be mindful of the spiritual battle that we are fighting, and we must be prepared to stand against the forces of evil. As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10, we must be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Voices from the Church

“The armor of God is not a mere metaphor, but a reality that is essential for the believer's spiritual survival. We must put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The spiritual warfare that we face is not a battle that we can win on our own, but it is a battle that we can win through the power of Christ. We must trust in His power and His armor, and we must be strong in the Lord.”

— John Calvin

“The devil is a powerful enemy, but he is not more powerful than God. We must trust in God's power and His armor, and we must be strong in the Lord. We must also be mindful of the relationships that we have with others, and we must live in a way that honors God.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12) — The chapter begins by introducing the theme of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be strong in the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and His armor, and it provides a foundation for the rest of the chapter.
2. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) — The chapter describes the armor of God in detail, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Each piece of armor is essential for the believer's spiritual survival, and it is essential for believers to understand the significance of each piece.
3. The Importance of Relationships (Ephesians 6:1-4) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, including the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. Believers are to live in a way that honors God and that reflects the love and the character of Christ.
4. The Importance of Prayer (Ephesians 6:18-20) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and of seeking God's guidance and power in the midst of spiritual warfare. Believers are to pray for one another, and they are to seek God's power and His armor in order to stand against the forces of evil.
5. Conclusion (Ephesians 6:21-24) — The chapter concludes with a final greeting and a benediction, praying that the believers will be strengthened in the Lord and that the message of the gospel will be spread to all people.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Spiritual Warfare

The chapter teaches that spiritual warfare is a real and essential part of the believer's life. Believers must be strong in the Lord and trust in His power to overcome the forces of evil.

The Doctrine of the Armor of God

The chapter teaches that the armor of God is essential for the believer's spiritual survival. It includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

The Doctrine of the Importance of Relationships

The chapter teaches that living a life that is pleasing to God includes the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. Believers are to live in a way that honors God and that reflects the love and the character of Christ.

The Doctrine of the Importance of Prayer

The chapter teaches that prayer is essential for the believer's spiritual survival. Believers are to pray for one another, and they are to seek God's power and His armor in order to stand against the forces of evil.

Lessons from Ephesians 6

1. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare — The chapter teaches that spiritual warfare is a real and essential part of the believer's life. Believers must be strong in the Lord and trust in His power to overcome the forces of evil.
2. The Armor of God — The chapter teaches that the armor of God is essential for the believer's spiritual survival. It includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
3. The Importance of Relationships — The chapter teaches that living a life that is pleasing to God includes the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. Believers are to live in a way that honors God and that reflects the love and the character of Christ.
4. The Importance of Prayer — The chapter teaches that prayer is essential for the believer's spiritual survival. Believers are to pray for one another, and they are to seek God's power and His armor in order to stand against the forces of evil.
5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — The chapter teaches that believers must trust in God's power and His armor in order to stand against the forces of evil. This includes trusting in His power to overcome the forces of evil, and trusting in His armor to provide protection and strength.

Themes from Ephesians 6

1. Spiritual Warfare — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be strong in the Lord and to trust in His power.
2. The Armor of God — The chapter describes the armor of God in detail, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
3. The Importance of Relationships — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, including the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves.
4. The Importance of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and of seeking God's guidance and power in the midst of spiritual warfare.
5. The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — The chapter teaches that believers must trust in God's power and His armor in order to stand against the forces of evil.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the main theme of Ephesians 6, and how does it relate to the rest of the book?
2. How does the armor of God provide protection for believers in spiritual warfare?
3. What is the significance of the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves, in the context of spiritual warfare?
4. How does prayer play a role in spiritual warfare, and what are some ways that believers can pray for one another?
5. What are some ways that believers can apply the teachings of Ephesians 6 to their everyday lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ephesians 6

	Sermon	Description
	(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting
	Dating Sermon by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls
	A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and
	Soldiers of Christ Arise by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affec
	A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and
	(Godly Home) Part 1 - the Holy Art of Training Children by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a green thumb and the art of polishing stones. He compares these skills to the art of preaching and teaching the wor
	Power Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom	In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream th
	Authority and God's Word - Part 1 by Derek Prince	This sermon emphasizes the authority of Scripture, highlighting that all Scripture is inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. It discusses the importance of accepting the entire B
	Satan and Endtimes by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He highlights how David, a young boy, faced the giant Goliath with only five stones in his poc
	A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ephesians 6

In his commentary on Ephesians 6, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be strong in the Lord and to trust in His power. He notes that the armor of God is essential for the believer's spiritual survival, and that each piece of armor has a specific purpose in the spiritual battle. Henry also emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, including the relationships between parents and children, and masters and slaves. He notes that believers are to live in a way that honors God and that reflects the love and the character of Christ. Finally, Henry emphasizes the importance of prayer and of seeking God's guidance and power in the midst of spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:18-20. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?