Ephesians 6:1-9
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” – Ephesians 6:2-3
Click to read passage
Yesterday, we reflected on Paul’s call to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph. 5:21). He applied this radical principle to marriage, where husbands and wives are called to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love and the church’s willing devotion. Marriage is no longer merely a social arrangement; it becomes a living picture of the gospel.
In Ephesians 6:1–9, Paul continues this same theme. The gospel not only transforms marriage; it transforms every relationship within the household. Children are called to obey and honour their parents. Parents are instructed not to provoke their children but to nurture them in the Lord. Servants are to work sincerely as though serving Christ Himself, while masters are to treat their servants with fairness and respect.
To modern readers, these instructions may seem ordinary. Yet in Paul’s day, they were remarkably countercultural. The surrounding culture was built upon hierarchy, privilege, and authority. Children, servants, and slaves possessed few rights. Yet Paul addresses each group as people of dignity and responsibility before God. At the same time, he places limits on those who hold authority by reminding them that they, too, are accountable to a higher Master.
The common thread throughout the passage is Christ. Children obey “in the Lord.” Parents raise their children in the Lord’s instruction. Servants work as servants of Christ. Masters remember that they themselves have a Master in heaven. Every relationship is now viewed through the lens of belonging to Christ and living under His lordship.
This is what happens when we become members of God’s household. Our identity is no longer determined primarily by our role, status, or position. We are first and foremost followers of Christ. Therefore, our relationships are no longer driven by power, convenience, or personal gain, but by reverence for Him.
Paul’s vision of the Christian life is remarkably practical. Living a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) is not confined to worship services, ministry activities, or spiritual disciplines. It is revealed in how we speak to our children, how we respond to our parents, how we treat our colleagues, how diligently we work when no one is watching, and how we exercise authority over those entrusted to our care. There is no divide between what is “spiritual” and what is “ordinary”—every responsibility becomes an opportunity to honour Christ.
The gospel does not merely prepare us for heaven someday. It transforms our homes, our workplaces, and our daily relationships today. As members of God’s household, we are called to display the character of our heavenly Father wherever He has placed us. Whether we are under authority or entrusted with authority, our ultimate calling is the same: to honour Christ in the way we relate to others.
Reflection:
1. How has my relationship with Christ transformed the way I relate to family members and colleagues? 2. Am I using my position, authority, or influence to serve others or primarily to serve myself?
Prayer：
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your household through Christ. Help us to live worthy of the calling we have received. Transform our homes, workplaces, and daily relationships so that they reflect the character of Jesus. Teach us to submit, serve, lead, and love in ways that honour You. May those around us see the reality of the gospel through the way we relate to one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
Yesterday, we reflected on Paul’s call to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph. 5:21). He applied this radical principle to marriage, where husbands and wives are called to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love and the church’s willing devotion. Marriage is no longer merely a social arrangement; it becomes a living picture of the gospel.
In Ephesians 6:1–9, Paul continues this same theme. The gospel not only transforms marriage; it transforms every relationship within the household. Children are called to obey and honour their parents. Parents are instructed not to provoke their children but to nurture them in the Lord. Servants are to work sincerely as though serving Christ Himself, while masters are to treat their servants with fairness and respect.
To modern readers, these instructions may seem ordinary. Yet in Paul’s day, they were remarkably countercultural. The surrounding culture was built upon hierarchy, privilege, and authority. Children, servants, and slaves possessed few rights. Yet Paul addresses each group as people of dignity and responsibility before God. At the same time, he places limits on those who hold authority by reminding them that they, too, are accountable to a higher Master.
The common thread throughout the passage is Christ. Children obey “in the Lord.” Parents raise their children in the Lord’s instruction. Servants work as servants of Christ. Masters remember that they themselves have a Master in heaven. Every relationship is now viewed through the lens of belonging to Christ and living under His lordship.
This is what happens when we become members of God’s household. Our identity is no longer determined primarily by our role, status, or position. We are first and foremost followers of Christ. Therefore, our relationships are no longer driven by power, convenience, or personal gain, but by reverence for Him.
Paul’s vision of the Christian life is remarkably practical. Living a life worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1) is not confined to worship services, ministry activities, or spiritual disciplines. It is revealed in how we speak to our children, how we respond to our parents, how we treat our colleagues, how diligently we work when no one is watching, and how we exercise authority over those entrusted to our care. There is no divide between what is “spiritual” and what is “ordinary”—every responsibility becomes an opportunity to honour Christ.
The gospel does not merely prepare us for heaven someday. It transforms our homes, our workplaces, and our daily relationships today. As members of God’s household, we are called to display the character of our heavenly Father wherever He has placed us. Whether we are under authority or entrusted with authority, our ultimate calling is the same: to honour Christ in the way we relate to others.
Reflection:
1. How has my relationship with Christ transformed the way I relate to family members and colleagues? 2. Am I using my position, authority, or influence to serve others or primarily to serve myself?
Prayer：
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your household through Christ. Help us to live worthy of the calling we have received. Transform our homes, workplaces, and daily relationships so that they reflect the character of Jesus. Teach us to submit, serve, lead, and love in ways that honour You. May those around us see the reality of the gospel through the way we relate to one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.