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The Servant's Obedience

Isaiah 50:4-9

Richard Rorty, postmodernist extraordinaire, in his book Achieving Our Country: Leftist Thought in Twentieth-Century America (1998) quotes a stanza of Walt Whitman's (1819-1892) poem Song of Myself (in 52 parts) and then comments on it.

And I call to mankind,
Be not curious about God.
For I who am curious about each
am not curious about God.

Rorty comments: "Whitman thought there was no need to be curious about God because there is no standard, not even a divine one, against which the decisions of a free people can be measured. Americans, [Whitman] hoped, would spend the energy that past human societies had spent on discovering God's desires on discovering one another's desires. ...[there is] no room for obedience to a non-human authority."

"Whitman and Dewey ..wanted to put shared utopian dreams - dreams of an ideally decent and civilized society - in the place of knowledge of God's Will, Moral Law, the Laws of History, or the Facts of Science." Rorty

"...universal moral principles must be eradicated and reverence for individual and cultural uniqueness inculcated." Mental Health, by Algis Valiunas; (review of Going Sane: Maps of Happiness by Adam Phillips); The Weekly Standard, 11/14/05, p.41

"Salvation now lies in the latest psychopharmacology, coupled with talk therapy." Valiunas

Standing in stark contrast to these ideas is the Servant, his full attention focused on the Lord Jehovah. We know he is the Servant since Jesus applied this text to himself when conversing with his disciples: Luk_18:31-32 "we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon."

In giving a portion of his personal testimony here, the Servant describes for us what he received for training to prepare him for ministry, how he was treated at the nadir of his ministry, and his ultimate triumph over his adversaries. As we consider these truths, may it stir us to greater love for Christ and determination to be conformed to his image.

A. His training v.4-5

1. a ready, expert tongue

• the ability to instruct others
• given by the covenant God who sovereignly rules his creation
• the tongue of one instructed and illumined by the Spirit of God
• his words have the weight and authority of God behind them
• abundantly equipped for his prophetic office - so as to speak plainly, convincingly, evangelically

2. tender words for the weary

• words of compassion and hope for those weary of sin: see Mat_11:28-30
  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
• words for both the believer and the seeker
• Nothing indicates a tongue befitting the disciples of God, so much as the gift of administering consolation; and such a gift is possessed by the speaker here. K&D

3. disciplined life

• an early riser - awakened at dawn
• ready to receive instruction
• open and receptive ears
• for instruction
• for command

4. obedient disposition

• to Mary and Joseph
• to the Law
• to his Father
• without delay or disagreement

B. His treatment v.6

• There are many varieties of "stop global whining" bumper stickers!
• willingly, obediently, meekly, with no spirit of seeking revenge, not as a victim
  1. gave his back to be scourged
  2. gave his cheeks to those who would pluck out his beard
  3. remained steadfast before those who would spit on him
  Summary: Isa_53:3-10
  

4. "volunteered" for the most shameful and degrading treatment imaginable

There is majesty in the description, as though the servant were in full control of the situation. He sets himself forth as one who acts. E. J. Young

I was willing not only to do, but to suffer, the will of God, and the injuries of men. Matthew Poole

• Three times in the Garden - "If it be possible ..., yet not my will but Thine". Mat_26:39-44

C. His triumph v.7-9

my master, the self-existent one

1. is my help

• in the midst of despicable treatment
• that results in success

2. is my strength

• who gives determination to face the ultimate test of faithfulness
  Luk_9:51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,
  

who ensures that "the shame and reproach heaped upon him will only lead to greater glory and honor for him." E. J. Young

3. is my justifier

• NEAR is my justifier - close by, ready to act
• declaring the Servant righteous, innocent, in right relationship to the law
• pronouncement of the sovereign Lord fully vindicates the Servant
• will effectively answer any (false) charges that might be brought against the Servant

4. is my defender

• if God is on my side, who can possibly stand against me?
• all my adversaries will fail
• because of my defender I will prevail

The Servant has set the perfect example of one who can effectively engage the culture, bringing a message of compassion and hope to those who are weary and burdened. Like him we must be prepared, trained in God's school and Word, determined to obey him at all costs, depending on our Lord, the sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe for our help and strength. The Servant's going before us enables us, gives us courage to follow after in his footprints.

In our interaction with co-workers, friends, and neighbors may we exemplify the qualities prayed for in:

Valley of Vision, Christlikeness

The Servant's Grandeur

Isaiah 49:1-7

We live in a society/culture that caters to self. Read articles from SELF magazine at self.com Start your own community at me.com And then, of course, there's myspace.com That way of thinking has even infected the church! In the popular song Breathe 1st person pronouns (I, I'm, me, my) are used 40 times out of a total word count of 171 while 2nd person pronouns (you, your) appear only 18 times. 1 out of 4 words refer to me, 1 out of 10 to the object of adoration.

A report in the London Telegraph describes a study conducted by "Dr Vasudevi Reddy, of the University of Portsmouth's psychology department, says she has identified seven categories of deception used between six months and three-years-old. Infants quickly learnt that using tactics such as fake crying and pretend laughing could win them attention. By eight months, more difficult deceptions became apparent, such as concealing forbidden activities or trying to distract parents' attention."

Yet even though it is perfectly natural for people to focus on self corporations and businesses of all types have learned, some to their hurt, that focus on others is a big deal. They have discovered that how well they focus on others, that is, the quality of their customer service can be what differentiates them from their competition, earns them repeat business, and thus influences profitability.

In spite of our natural proclivities, we find that in order to be well-liked and successful, we must concentrate on the needs of others; we must serve in order to be well-served. Is it any surprise, then, that our great God should take pains to elaborate for us the grandeur of his Servant, the one who is his emissary to us? In our text we see displayed the grandeur of the Servant's character, the grandeur of his task, and the grandeur of his honor.

A. The grandeur of His character v.1-3

1. voice of authority

• Listen, ...take heed - listen up, pay attention
  (Chief Straight Arrow - sit up straight, eyes front!)
  see also Luk_4:36 "For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."
  Mat_7:29 "he taught them as one having authority, not as the scribes."
  

2. appointed before birth

Moreover, what the speaker in this case (Isa_49:1-2) says of himself is so unique, so glorious, that it reaches far beyond the vocation and performance of any single prophet, or, in fact, of any individual man subject to the limitations of human life and human strength. K&D

• Named before birth to a task, divinely called to the office and vocation of a servant - see Mat_1:21
• Given a name above every names, that of Lord - "every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." Php_2:11

3. gifted speaker

• major component of ministry - teaching

4. penetrating discernment

• his words, the expression of his divine wisdom, cut right to the heart of the matter
• consider the rich young ruler, Samaritan woman, Simon the leper

5. glorifying to God

• Yahweh, the one who had called the Servant, speaks, declaring that he will be glorified in the Servant.
  "in whom I will display my splendor" NIV
  "in whom I will show my glory" NAS
  "through whom I will reveal my splendor" NET
  

• tangible manifestation of his splendor revealed on the Mount of Transfiguration as the God who had taken on the tent of humanity allowed the radiance of his glory to shine through
  See Joh_13:31-32
  

[T]he Lord, in the act of dismissing Judas, reflects glory on himself; for in doing this he allows the storm, not of rain but of wrath, to descend upon himself, while he shelters his own. This was his glory. See on 1:14. Hence, just now, at this very moment which seems to spell defeat, dishonor, and disaster for him, the Son of man is in reality glorified!

And, due to the infinite closeness existing between the Sender and the One Sent, God was glorified in him. The two are inseparable. Whenever we think of Christ’s suffering, we never know what to admire most: whether it be the voluntary self-surrender of the Son to such a death for such people, or the willingness of the Father to give up such a Son to such a death for such people. Wm. Hendriksen

The Father was not only willing to send his Servant for such a task, he expresses here absolute confidence in the Servant - that God's splendor and grandeur will be displayed in and through the Servant is an immutable certainty since he has been chosen, appointed and equipped for that very purpose.

B. The grandeur of His task v.4-6

1. personal ministry only to "house of Israel" Mat_15:24

• “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
• Servant expresses opinion about apparent fruit of labors while acknowledging there must be a bigger picture. Yet he remained faithful to his task in spite of failing to see positive results.
• It was not results but confidence in the Father that motivated the Servant. He knew that it would be through an apparently barren ministry to his own people that God would accomplish breath-taking results far beyond the boundaries of Israel.
• Parenthetically in verse 5 the Servant finds strength to persevere in God, his calling, and his promises.

2. wider scope to include all nations

• In order for the immense and majestic Sovereign Lord to be thoroughly and properly glorified, an immense and awe-inspiring work must be accomplished by the Servant.

The true meaning of the Prophet is, “This work in itself indeed is magnificent and glorious, to raise up and restore the tribes of Israel, which had fallen very low; for he will add the Gentiles to the Jews, that they may be united as one people, and may be acknowledged to belong to Christ.” Nor does this passage relate to the rejection of the ancient people, but to the increase of the Church, that the Gentiles may be associated with the Jews. It is true, indeed, that when the Jews revolted from the covenant, the Gentiles entered, as it were, into that place which they had left vacant; and thus their revolt was the reason why those who had formerly been aliens were admitted to be sons. But in this, as well as in other passages, Isaiah foretells that the Church will be greatly extended, when the Gentiles shall be received and united to the Jews in the unity of faith. Calvin

• While the nearly exclusive focus of the Servant's ministry was his own people, the Jews, ultimately his ministry would extend to the Gentiles.
• It is also important to remember that the greater extent of the Servant's ministry in no way excludes the lesser - the Jews' rejection of their Messiah did not make them second-class citizens; it merely put them in the same boat redemptively as everyone else.

3. salvation to reach every corner of the earth

• the concept repeated from Isa_42:6 of a light to the nations
• additional statement to provide further description and application

1. "that you should be my salvation"
2. the Servant would be the instrument of salvation, of deliverance, not only for the Jewish people, but for "a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes" Rev_7:9
3. One religion is not as good as another. It is only in the Servant that the world finds deliverance.

• When it comes to delivering people from the power of darkness and conveying them into the kingdom of his dear Son ( Col_1:13 ) God has always had more than just the Jewish people in mind. Clearly, from this point in history 700 years before the birth of Christ, salvation of the Gentiles was in God's mind.

C. The grandeur of His honor v.7

1. despised, viewed as repulsive by the nation

• held in contempt, esteemed of little worth

"No being ever excited more abhorrence [loathing]; no man was ever regarded with so much abomination [extreme hatred] by any people as Jesus of Nazareth was, and still is, by the Jewish people. He was condemned by the Sanhedrim; publicly rejected by the nation; and at the instigation and by the desire of the assembled people at Jerusalem, he was executed as a malefactor in the most shameful and ignominious manner then known." Albert Barnes

2. kings will see his dignity

• The time will come that even rulers will see the Servant as he truly is and his true dignity becomes apparent to those who previously despised him.
• Kings and their attendant nations will see the glory and majesty of the Servant; they will acknowledge his worth, they will fall on their faces in worship.
• This Servant will be a light to people from all walks of life, from the lowliest to the most dignified

3. the ultimate sovereign will magnify him

• the Servant will be honored because the Father kept his promises
• God will raise him from the absolute lowest depths of humiliation possible to the highest place of honor
• From our perspective this took place at Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and ascension.
• God's eternal purpose is to gather into one the whole created universe by reconciling His creatures to Himself and to each other, a purpose He is working out through Christ in the church and ultimately to the praise of His glory.

Bob Kauflin, Let Your Kingdom Come

Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts
May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are
We ask not for ourselves but for Your renown
The cross has saved us so we pray,

Your kingdom come
Let Your kingdom come
Let Your will be done
So that everyone might know Your Name
Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth
Till Your sovereign work on earth is done
Let Your kingdom come.

The Servant and His Commission

Isaiah 42:1-7

According to all the experts we live in a postmodern culture, one that has its own ideas about what is true and what is real.

To the post-modernist, reality is whatever the individual imagines it to be. That means what is “true” is determined subjectively by each person, and there is no such thing as objective, authoritative truth that governs or applies to all humanity universally. The post-modernist naturally believes it is pointless to argue whether opinion A is superior to opinion B. After all, if reality is merely a construct of the human mind, one person’s perspective of truth is ultimately just as good as another’s. John MacArthur (Read the entire article here)

Yet every postmodernist behaves, at least a large part of the time, as though there is objective reality and objective truth. You get the idea that there is some innate sense of truth possessed by every individual. That is exactly what we should expect from Paul's statement to the church at Rome in Rom_1:18-23, where he refers to those "who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth"; having known God they did not honor him as God but turned instead to idols.
In Isa_41:21-24 God offers up a challenge to the idols whom Israel has been worshiping and taunts them to do something, anything, knowing all the while there will be no response. Again in Isa_41:28-29 God declares he has searched for one among the pagan pantheon who will respond to his questioning, concluding his remarks with the assessment that "they are all a delusion; their works are nothing; their metal images are empty wind." ESV

On the other hand, God says "look at MY SERVANT!" He is not a pretender, a charlatan, a wind-bag; he's the real thing. He is qualified for his task, he has the conduct proper to one called "my servant" and he has been commissioned to do something world-shaking and life-changing. Those who are seeking for real answers to life's questions (albeit mostly in the wrong places) will recognize the genuine when they see it. Thus, it is absolutely vital we point them to the one who is the real thing.

A. His qualifications v.1, 4-6a

1. chosen

particularly

the one who is held securely

the one who completely satisfies

for a purpose

the word is used to express that choosing which has ultimate and eternal significance

2. endued

furnished with everything necessary to complete his assigned task

a. graced with the Spirit

"filled without measure at his incarnation, and which rested upon him, and qualified him for his work and office, as Prophet, Priest, and King" Gill

3. called

officially commissioned - called to a righteous task

providentially prepared for the work of a servant

4. sustained

ensuring his success

a. he will not run out of gas (be darkened) nor will he crack under pressure; in fact, those whom God has prepared to hear his message are waiting expectantly for it, a fact which encourages him

b. held by the hand - to guide and strengthen

c. guarded by the Father

B. His conduct v.2-3

1. humble

unostentatious, unobtrusive - will not advertise or draw attention to himself

2. gentle

contrasting to earthly conquerors

patiently, gently raises up the hurting and broken

supports the weak, tenderly leads them in the right way

3. faithful

he will stay focused on his God-given task

he will use resources approved by God - the truth

it is the truth that has victory over all other things

4. diligent

truth and justice will eventually conquer

true religion will ultimately reach all corners of the earth

C. His commission v.6b-7

1. be a covenant

not merely the mediator of the new covenant

the embodiment of the new covenant

all the blessings of the covenant are embodied in, have their root and origin in, and are dispensed by him

he is at the center of all the blessings

to receive the blessings is to receive him

those to whom God gives the grace of salvation, receive the Servant

Christ is a covenantee, a party concerned in the covenant of grace; the representative of his people in it; the surety, Mediator, messenger, and ratifier of it; the great blessing in it; the sum and substance of it; all the blessings and promises of it are in him, and as such he is "given"; it is of God's free grace that he was appointed and intrusted with all this in eternity, and was sent in time to confirm and secure it for "the people"; given him of his Father, redeemed by him and to whom the Spirit applies the blessings and promises of the covenant; Gill

2. be a light

to the nations

to sit in darkness is to be bound in sin Psa_107:10-12

only the light of salvation relieves the darkness of sin

the Servant is a Savior to the nations, not merely Israel

3. the specific tasks

to open blind eyes

"all sinners are blind in that they cannot see reality as it is." E. J. Young

it is the light of the Gospel accompanied by the working of the Holy Spirit that opens mens' eyes to perceive their true condition.

to deliver prisoners

God in his bestowal of saving grace is the only one able to deliver those imprisoned in sin.

"Man's normal condition is not really normal. Because of sin he is bound and not free. Freedom comes only when the Servant sets men free." E. J. Young

Lyrics to the popular song by Hal David from 1965 go:

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need another mountain,
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross,
Enough to last till the end of time.

What the world truly needs now as it has since Adam's Fall is not the freedom found in "love, sweet love" but Christ; He is the one of whom there is plenty - plenty to deliver all who come to him by faith, plenty to comfort all who come to him in need.

The Servant has commissioned his followers to labor with him to carry on the work he began during his incarnation. We are to be witnesses to him, make followers of him, point others to him, teach them about him first by our lives, then by our words. In His absence we must carry on the work He began 2000 years ago and entrusted to his disciples. We must take the truth of Christ to a dying world.

Equipped for War - Part 2

Ephesians 6:17-18a

It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

1. Truth - more than honesty, sincerity of heart; confident belief in absolute truth of God

2. Righteousness - the imputed righteousness of Christ

3. Preparedness - readiness that comes from the Gospel

4. Faith - objective, justifying and saving

5. Salvation - more properly, the hope of salvation

take - to receive or accept an object or benefit for which the initiative rests with the giver, but the focus of attention in the transfer is upon the receiver. Louw-Nida

The verb thus expresses the "reaction to action on the other side." TDNT

His joyful salvation, [compared] to a helmet which glitters from afar Isa_59:17 K&D
Signifying that God has all means at hand to deliver his Church and to punish their enemies. Geneva Notes on Isa 59:17

Hope of salvation is of great use to a Christian many ways: it is a cordial to comfort him, a spur to quicken him, a staff to support him, a bridle to restrain him, and so also a helmet to defend him: and therefore no wonder that the apostle calls true hope a lively hope, 1Pe_1:3. And as itself is lively, so it is a defence to the life of the soul, as a helmet is to the life of the body. Poole on 1Th 5:8

Most importantly, we must remember Psa_68:20 "Our God is the God of salvation" and Jon_2:9 "Salvation is of the Lord". Salvation does not begin with us, it does not depend on us in any way, it is not something we can gain or lose except by God's fiat. It began with God, all the conditions were met by God, it is bestowed by God, and its culmination belongs only to God.

Our salvation is both present and future - we are saved and are being saved. We are saved from condemnation but not from all the consequences. We have been regenerated, pardoned, justified and adopted, we are being sanctified and we will be glorified. We have the indwelling Holy Spirit as a surety or guarantee of our complete salvation as also the promise that "he who has begun a good work in [us] will carry it out until the day of Jesus Christ". Php_1:6

Our hope of salvation is a confident expectation that God will finish in us what he has begun. That hope has for its foundation the internal witness of the Holy Spirit Rom_8:16-17, the historical fact of the resurrection 1Pe_1:3 and 1Co_15:12-18, and the ongoing evidence of our sanctification 1Jn_1:7 1Jn_2:3 etc. It is a hope based on objective truth, not subjective feelings, and gives us assurance that we will not be defeated in battle but will persevere until the end. That confidence is also "contagious", inspiring and encouraging those near us to keep their attention properly fixed on Christ and their hope in him Php_3:13-14.

6. Word - the uttered word of the Gospel

See Joh_3:34 Joh_8:47 Rom_10:17 Heb_11:3

This sword, the only weapon provided for the Christian warrior, is the “proclaimed word” (ῥῆμα) of God, the gospel. By using ῥῆμα instead of λόγος, Paul calls attention to the word of God in proclamation, not just to a written word lying on the shelf. College Press NT Commentary

Here we have the phrase ῥῆμα θεου which is to be understood in accordance with the proper sense of ῥῆμα as the spoken Word, the preached Gospel, and this in its length and breadth – not in the commandments of God only, nor in His threatenings alone, nor even yet in the sense of the written Word, the Scriptures. The sword is the only offensive weapon in the panoply. But it is indispensable. For while the Christian soldier is exhibited here mainly in the attitude of defence, as one who stands, in order to take his position and keep his ground, thrust and cut will be required. The preached Gospel, “the power of God” (Rom_1:16; 1Co_1:18) is the weapon provided by the Spirit for meeting the lunge of the assailant and beating him back. Expositor's Greek Testament

The answer which would most commonly and almost unthinkingly be given is, I suppose, the Scriptures; but while this is on the whole true, it is to be noted that the expression employed here properly means a word spoken, and not the written record. Both in the Old and in the New Testaments the word of God means more than the Bible; it is the authentic utterance of His will in all shapes and applying to all the facets of His creation...

The early Christian teachers and apostles had no hesitation in taking that sacred name — the word of the Lord — to describe the message which they spoke. One of their earliest prayers when they were left alone was, that with all boldness they might speak Thy word; and throughout the whole of the Acts of the Apostles the preached Gospel is designated as the word of God, even as Peter in his epistle quotes one of the noblest of the Old Testament sayings, and declares that the ‘word of the Lord’ which ‘abideth for ever’ is ‘the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’ Alexander MacLaren (19th c. Scottish Baptist), Exposition on Ephesians

In Ephesians, however, when the Christian soldier wields the sword of the word, it is not first of all the word of judgment but the good news of salvation. r`h/ma here, not λόγος, refers to the gospel (cf. also Eph_5:26; Rom_10:18; 1Pe_1:25). This is “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph_1:13), “the gospel of peace” (Eph_6:15). This form of the word of God is also a sharp sword (cf. Heb_4:12), and the Spirit gives it its power and penetration (cf. 1Th_1:5). As believers take hold of and proclaim the gospel, they are enabled to overcome in the battle. And as regards the powers, that gospel does sound a note of judgment, for it announces their defeat. The paradox again is that it is the gospel of peace and reconciliation that is the sword that enables the militia Christi to advance. As the Church continues to be the reconciled and reconciling community, the gospel conquers the alienating hostile powers and brings about God’s saving purposes. Word Biblical Commentary

...this sword is the gospel (cf. 1Pe_1:25), God’s utterance; if you wish, the Bible, the entire Word of God. First it was spoken by him, and now his servants proclaim it to others.

...Soldiers for Christ handle the word, heed it, hide it in their hearts, and hold it forth among the nations. The sword, thus wielded, is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb_4:12). By using this powerful sword Paul and his associates had won amazing victories. And any victory that is being won today either at home or abroad is the result of the wielding of this sword. God is not dead! He lives and speaks in and through his message.

It is by means of it that man’s state of guilt before God is revealed, his sinful condition exposed. Through it, too, when applied to the heart by the Spirit, man is led to the Savior from sin, and to thanksgiving and praise. Through it doubts are dispelled, fears driven away, assurance of salvation given, and Satan put to flight. Hendriksen - Kistemaker, NT Commentary

Only God's Word is effective against Satan; human reasoning and language will be torn to shreds by the devil's subtleties. It is the absolute truth found in the Word that can conquer deception and falsehood. It is through the preaching of the Gospel of Christ found in the Word of God and accompanied by the Spirit that the greatest victories are won against Satan. God has promised that his "Word that goes forth out of his mouth" will accomplish his purpose Isa_55:11. He has entrusted this weapon to the church 1Ti_3:15 not merely to preserve in its manuscript form but to commit it to faithful men who will in turn commit it to others and thus rescue those whom Satan has held hostage.

The reason why the Church is called the “pillar of truth” is, that she defends and spreads it by her agency. God does not himself come down from heaven to us, nor does he daily send angels to make known his truth; but he employs pastors, whom he has appointed for that purpose. To express it in a more homely manner, is not the Church the mother of all believers? Does she not regenerate them by the word of God, educate and nourish them through their whole life, strengthen, and bring them at length to absolute perfection? For the same reason, also, she is called “the pillar of truth;” because the office of administering doctrine, which God hath placed in her hands, is the only instrument of preserving the truth, that it may not perish from the remembrance of men. Calvin on 1Ti 3:15

7. Prayer

The effectiveness of the armor is dependent largely on the supplier; yes, we have our responsibilities, but we are still totally dependent on God and his resources in order to wage war successfully. True, God has committed himself to provide for our needs but he has chosen to do so largely through the means of prayer.

See Mat_7:11 Joh_14:13-14 Joh_15:7 Joh_15:16 Joh_16:23-24 Jas_4:2-3 1Jn_5:14-15

God expects us to use the means he has provided to acquire the supplies we need; after all he has given us both command and example - example prayer Mat_6:9-13 and example practice Joh_11:21-22. For us to simply expect God to provide for us because he knows what we need before we ask it is presumption. Jesus charged his disciples not to babble in prayer since endless repetition will only make God's ears tired Mat_6:8; that does not relieve us from the duty to ask him to meet our needs.

No matter how complete the armor; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph. Barnes

About the midst of this valley [of the shadow of death] I perceived the mouth of hell to be, and it stood also hard by the wayside. Now, thought Christian, what shall I do? And ever and anon the flame and smoke would come out in such abundance, with sparks and hideous noises, (things that cared not for Christian’s sword, as did Apollyon before,) that he was forced to put up his sword, and betake himself to another weapon, called All-prayer, Eph_6:18; so he cried, in my hearing, O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Psa_116:4. Thus he went on a great while, yet still the flames would be reaching towards him; also he heard doleful voices, and rushings to and fro, so that sometimes he thought he should be torn in pieces, or trodden down like mire in the streets. This frightful sight was seen, and these dreadful noises were heard by him for several miles together; and coming to a place where he thought he heard a company of fiends coming forward to meet him, he stopped, and began to muse what he had best to do. Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then again he thought he might be half-way through the valley. He remembered also, how he had already vanquished many a danger; and that the danger of going back might be much more than for to go forward. So he resolved to go on; yet the fiends seemed to come nearer and nearer. But when they were come even almost at him, he cried out with a most vehement voice, I will walk in the strength of the Lord God. So they gave back, and came no farther. Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress, The Fourth Stage

In order for us individually and corporately to be successful in the spiritual warfare we must wage, it is imperative that we remember:

1. the protective equipment God has provided to us
2. to faithfully and wisely use the offensive equipment God has provided to us
3. to constantly and in every situation acknowledge our utter dependence on Him
4. our brothers and sisters (the church) depend on our help in advancing the kingdom against its foes

Reprise - It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

Equipped for War - Part 1

Ephesians 6:14-16

See parallel figures in Isa_11:5 and Isa_59:17

This is how things are: moral absolutes have disappeared (14ab), public morality has collapsed (14cd) and individual moral character is under threat (15ab). Justice and righteousness is moral practice arising out of moral principle. The initial ‘For’ before truth, introducing evidence substantiating the foregoing, should be restored. Truth/‘integrity, trust, probity’ has stumbled in the streets, i.e. has collapsed in public life. Honesty is straightforwardness, straight dealing. Truth is nowhere to be found possibly means ‘integrity/personal probity has gone missing’. There are forces of immorality at work constituting a threat to those who would even as much as stand aloof from what is wrong (cf. Am. 5:13). J. Alec Motyer, Introduction & Commentary on Isaiah

It is of vital importance to remember that none of these articles of military clothing and equipment are of human manufacture; such would be powerless against the "wiles of the devil". Each piece has its source in and focus on God alone.

1. Truth - more than honesty, sincerity of heart; confident belief in absolute truth of God

It is not simply integrity or sincerity, but the assured conviction that you believe, and that it is God's truth you believe. Such a sincere persuasion binds tightly the other pieces of armor; and "trussing up his loins" gives the combatant alertness and buoyancy in the battle, enabling him to "endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ". He feels supported and braced by his conscious knowledge and reception of the truth. Eadie

The state of the heart answering to God's truth; inward, practical acknowledgment of the truth as it is in Him: the agreement of our convictions with God's revelation. Vincent

See Joh_8:31-32 Joh_8:36 Gal_3:1 absolute truth, the truth, God's truth. Remember Satan's #1 tool - deception: he will use some of the truth in order to deceive. Our only hope is a knowledge of and confidence in pure truth, such a firm confidence even in the face of minimal understanding that it will not be shaken.

5. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church of God, to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the Doctrine, and the Majesty of the stile, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God) the full discovery it makes of the only way of mans salvation, and many other incomparable Excellencies, and intire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence it self to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding; our (h) full perswasion, and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our Hearts. LBCF, Chapter 1
Joh_16:13-14 This confidence of the truth is not something God expects us to come up with on our own; as the Confession states, it is an inward work of the Holy Spirit that produces it. The Spirit accomplishes it by removing the blindness of our minds resulting from sin and Satan's efforts 2Co_4:3-4 and renewing our minds so they function and reason clearly and correctly Rom_12:1-2. 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith

2. Righteousness - Integrity, holiness, purity of life, sincerity of piety. Barnes

What is that righteousness, which in the spiritual armour answers to the cuirass? Many say it is our own righteousness, integrity, or rectitude of mind. But this is no protection. It cannot resist the accusations of conscience, the whispers of despondency, the power of temptation, much less the severity of the law, or the assaults of Satan. What Paul desired for himself was not to have on his own righteousness, but the righteousness which is of God by faith; Phil. 3, 8. 9. And this, doubtless, is the righteousness which he here urges believers to put on as a breast-plate. It is an infinitely perfect righteousness, consisting in the obedience and sufferings of the Son of God, which satisfies all the demands of the divine law and justice; and which is a sure defence against all assaults whether from within or from without. Hodge

But when the justifying righteousness of Christ is assumed as a breastplate by sinners, they can defy the assaults of the tempter. To every insinuation that they are so vile, guilty, worthless, and perverse - so beset with sin and under such wrath that God will repulse them - they oppose the free and perfect righteousness of their Redeemer, which is upon them. Eadie

See Zec_1:1-5 What better defense can we have when in the presence of Satan than that which Joshua had! Even before the accuser could speak, God rebuked him on behalf of Joshua and demonstrated why Satan's silence was necessary. Joshua was by no means innocent, Satan had much of which to accuse him; but once Joshua was clothed with imputed righteousness, all basis for accusation was removed.

1. Those whom God Effectually calleth, he also freely (a) justifieth, not by infusing Righteousness into them, but by (b) pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their Persons as (c) Righteous; not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone, not by imputing faith it self, the act of beleiving, or any other (d) evangelical obedience to them, as their Righteousness; but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole Law, and passive obedience in his death, for their whole and sole Righteousness, they (e) receiving, and resting on him, and his Righteousness, by Faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God. LBCF, Chapter 11

The devil ( διάβολος ) is the master slanderer, accusing us falsely but with elements of truth - regurgitating our failures but with the insinuation that they haven't been or cannot be forgiven. The devil will remind us of legitimate weaknesses or offenses and at the same time minimize or ignore God's grace and power to forgive. These weaknesses/offenses can just as easily be corporate as individual; further, they could be entirely wrong. For example, reformed churches aren't evangelistic; if they were true churches, people would be getting saved there; how many converts/baptisms have you had this year?

3. Preparedness - readiness that comes from the Gospel

Four times Paul has exhorted his hearers to stand - v. 11, 13 and 14. We are to stand against the wiles of the devil, against the forces of spiritual wickedness.

The reference is, therefore, not to readiness to proclaim the gospel but to the readiness or preparedness for combat and for standing in the battle that is bestowed by the gospel of peace. The writer’s emphasis is paradoxical. It is the appropriation of the gospel of peace that makes one ready for war. As we have seen from Eph_2:14-18, the gospel of peace is embodied in Christ who “is our peace,” and this is a peace with both vertical and horizontal axes: peace with God the Father and peace between human beings, Jews and Gentiles, who were formerly at enmity. Since such peace is the pledge of future cosmic harmony (cf. Eph_1:10; Eph_3:10), its realization in the Church not only sounds the death knell for opposing cosmic powers but also, in the meantime, leads to the intensification of their opposition. A continuing preservation and appropriation of the gospel of peace is, therefore, necessary if the powers are to be resisted and if believers are to be ready to make their stand in the world, the stand that is in line with their calling. Believers’ preparation for standing firm and prevailing against the alienating and fragmenting powers of evil is the harmony produced by the gospel. Word Biblical Commentary

The only way we as individuals can effectively stand against the sinister forces of evil that surround us if if we are united, at peace, with both God and men. The church cannot do its job (corporately) if it is in turmoil, in conflict with itself. In fact, the devil has won if he can persuade the church to fight itself rather than against the advance of evil in the world. Conflict with others is a natural outworking of the selfish sinful tendencies of the natural man and it requires Gospel power and effects to change that. The result of Gospel work is that the real enemy - Satan and his minions - can be clearly perceived and resisted.

4. Faith - objective, justifying and saving

The faith here intended is that by which we are justified, and reconciled to God through the blood of Christ. It is that faith of which Christ is the object; which receives him as the Son of God and the Saviour of men. It is the faith which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen; which at once apprehends or discerns, and receives the things of the Spirit. it overcomes the world, as is proved by so many examples in the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Hodge

Such a large and powerful shield is faith - that unwavering confidence in God and His grace which guards the mind from aberration and despondency, and easily wards off such assaults as are made upon it. Eadie

1Jn_5:4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Eph_2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

The shield was used by heavy infantry and was approximately 2-1/2 feet wide by 4 feet high, sufficient to cover nearly the entire body. When the outer ranks held their shields to the outside and the rest held their's over their heads, the entire formation would be protected from enemy missiles. The shield also provided a second layer of defense against attack, covering over the belt, breastplate and helmet.

But you notice that there is no protection for the back, a fact often understood as an indication that running from battle is not an option. However, if the armor is intended to be used by an army unit and not by a sole individual, there is great protection on all sides from fellow soldiers. This should impress on all Christians the vital necessity of being joined to a local church - not merely for the safety of the individual, but for the cohesiveness of the unit as a whole.
Remember this provision of armor and protection is an integral part of God's purpose that he is working out through Christ in the church. Christ died for the church, he gifted the church with leaders, he has provided equipment to the church for her protection and advancement in the world as he builds her up in spite of all opposition.

Preparation for War

Ephesians 6:10-13

How often do you think "life shouldn't be like this; it shouldn't be this hard, hurt this much, be this much hassle..." You're right; there's a sense in which it shouldn't; and it hasn't always been like this. In the beginning it was different, and in the end it will be different still; in the beginning it was perfect, in the end it will be more perfect. But here in the middle, it's war.

What I just articulated structures a biblical view of history, diametrically opposed to the majority view the culture holds of history. God began it and he has a goal in view. The first few days of human existence form the basis for that nagging feeling that "it shouldn't be like this"; the rest of history is the unfolding of God's plan to redeem and reconcile his people and then bring them to glory. But God isn't the only one with a plan - Satan and the forces of evil have a plan as well, to oppose God in all his acts.

At the Fall all the world came under the dominion of sin; that was the darkest day the world has ever known, darker even than Crucifixion Day. At the moment of the fall there were no saints, all of the world was corrupted and under the curse and slavery to sin and Satan. But also from that moment, God has been working his plan forward, recovering the ground that was lost one regenerated soul at a time. And at each step of the way he has been violently resisted by the forces of evil, forces at work in the world and within each individual.

The conflict is a cosmic one, extending to dimensions we are unable to perceive. It is not a physical but a spiritual conflict, waged in the spiritual realm but with temporal and earthly consequences. We must take heart, though; we are not alone in the conflict. The holy angels and even the very Son of God are engaged in the battle - see Dan_10:13-21

The conflict is not simply defensive - we are not to merely attempt to hold ground against the onslaught of evil and its agents. We are to be actively engaged in taking ground away from the forces of evil within ourselves and in the world.

1. be empowered (10)

a. this is a war that requires power

The opposition is real, it is widespread and it is powerful.

i. It has power over nature - Jesus stills the storm Mar_4:39
ii. It has power over creatures - the herd of swine Mat_8:32
iii. It has power over people - the demon-possessed boy Mar_9:22 Act_19:16

b. the power only comes from the Lord

i. empowered by the Lord
ii. strong in the Lord
iii. strong in his mighty power

c. it is a power that has already defeated the opposition

Eph 1:19-20 according to the working of His mighty (ischus) power (kratos) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong (endunamoo) in the Lord and in the power (kratos) of His might (ischus).

2. put on (11)/take up (13a)

a. requires action and effort

i. we aren't naturally armored or disciplined or spiritually fit (in shape)
ii. God doesn't automatically equip us

b. requires all the pieces of equipment

i. we can't pick and choose what we want - it's all or nothing
ii. the opposition is wily enough to seek out any unprotected/vulnerable area

c. as power, only comes from God; other "brands" will not protect

i. we can't substitute third-party items
ii. other tactics or protection are not sanctioned by God
iii. as the designer of all things He knows what will suit the soldier best

3. stand (11)/withstand (13b)/stand (13c)

a. implies opposition - not merely to slow forward progress but to force retreat

i. Satan and agents will not be satisfied to slow expansion of the church
ii. the pride that powered his fall continues to power his quest for total dominion
iii. accomplishing the goal means routing the church and her Commander

b. requires holding ground - can't run out of strength

i. to stand requires stability
ii. requires good footing
iii. it's a marathon, not a sprint
iv. will also necessitate re-supply

c. requires discipline - can't cave under pressure; must follow orders

War is a "team effort, wrestling is individual. All are involved in the conflict but each has his own struggle within the larger conflict. Each is there to support and encourage the others but they cannot fight for each other. The struggle has multiple elements - internal and external, individual and corporate. We can fight with one another in the larger conflict, encourage one another in the individual conflict. In the context of military action, we are soldiers, not the commander; thus, we must follow his leadership.

4. wrestle/struggle/fight (12)

a. close-in combat - not remote control!

i. it's not a simulator, a game, or computer-guided ordnance
ii. it's the real thing
iii. involves real commitment, real danger

b. the enemy is spiritual, not physical

i. a spiritual enemy requires spiritual detection/discernment
ii. will only be resisted with spiritual weapons
iii. the real enemy is the force behind the person
* the individual is Satan's agent
* we must direct our fire at the real enemy - no "friendly fire" casualties!!

c. his weapons are deception, seduction and false accusation

i. starts with the truth and poisons it, corrupts it without obliterating it Joh_8:44
ii. spins partial truths into what is desirable Gen_3:4-5
iii. brings false charges against the saints Zec_3:1-2
* guilt, discouragement, depression

d. his target is individual and corporate

i. his goal is to destroy the Church Mat_16:18
ii. he uses individuals to try to accomplish his purpose Act_22:4
iii. his ultimate goal is Christ Himself Luk_4:13

Let me get this right: we're supposed to be engaged in a warfare using invisible weapons against an invisible adversary who also uses invisible weapons. Yup. But invisible doesn't mean non-existent 'cause if it did then God doesn't exist either! If we can trust Him with our immortal souls, we can surely trust Him to equip us for a temporal conflict and be a good Commander. In fact, He's the only Commander who has no casualties to report.

So how does it work? It is God acting on individuals that releases them from the adversary's grip. But He uses means - the preached Word and prayer, both to be used in the context of the church, as God reconciles men to Himself and each other through Christ in the church. God requires those means to be ready and at His disposal, not because He needs them to fill up His lack but because that is how He has purposed to accomplish His plan.

Others Minded - Workplace

Ephesians 6:5-9

"Work is not, primarily, something one does to live, but the thing one lives to do." Dorothy Sayers, British author and Christian humanist, 1893-1957 (Lord Peter Wimsey detective stories)

Doctrines: vocation, providence, decrees of God, eighth command, 2nd greatest command (love your neighbor)

A. Employees

1. Action

a. obey - same instruction as to children: listen with the intent of following orders 5a

b. do well - for fear of displeasing either employer or Heavenly Father (Col_3:22) 5b

With fear and trembling - That is, with that kind of anxiety which one has who feels that he has an important interest at stake, and that he is in danger of losing it. The reason or the ground for “fear” in this case is in general this: there is danger of losing the soul. Barnes, Php_2:12

c. be loyal - singleness ( ἁπλότης ) of heart 5c

d. be consistent - work diligently whether or not the boss is looking 6a

e. be exemplary - work wholeheartedly 6c

2. Attitude

a. be positive - serve gladly, enthusiastically 7a

b. be humble - as a servant of Christ, as serving Christ 6b, 7b

3. Advantage

a. Christ is the real paymaster 8b

b. The reward is the inheritance of a (full) son, not a slave 8c & Col_3:24

B. Employers

1. Responsibility

a. treat them well - to avoid displeasing either employee or Heavenly Father 9a

b. be loyal - singleness ( ἁπλότης ) of heart 9a

c. be just and equitable, giving each his due; see Col_4:1
d. don't be abusive - using employment as a weapon 9b

“Perform the duty which on your part you owe to them.” What he calls in another Epistle, that which is just and equal, is precisely what, in this passage, he calls the same things. And what is this but the law of analogy? Masters and servants are not indeed on the same level; but there is a mutual law which binds them. By this law, servants are placed under the authority of their masters; and, by the same law, due regard being had to the difference of their station, masters lie under certain obligations to their servants. This analogy is greatly misunderstood; because men do not try it by the law of love, which is the only true standard. Such is the import of Paul’s phrase, the same things; for we are all ready enough to demand what is due to ourselves; but, when our own duty comes to be performed, every one attempts to plead exemption. Calvin on Eph_6:9

2. Accountability

a. Employers serve a higher Master 9c

i. they are not a law to themselves

ii. Their responsibility is also bi-directional

b. their Master doesn't show favoritism 9d

c. Remember what Jesus promised:

NAU Mat_7:2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

3. Rabbit trail

a. The same principles apply to other "transactions" as well

b. Stewardship and generosity

C. Employment

1. Be "others minded".

a. It's what God requires. Mic_6:8

b. Employees - consider the best interests of your employer

c. Employers - consider the best interests of your employee

d. Bottom line - you can't expect better treatment from God than you extend to others

2. All is sacred!

a. Ministry isn't a higher calling.

b. All is service - to God and man. Mar_12:30-31

“God is present in all life, with the influence of His omnipresent and almighty power, and no sphere of human life is conceivable in which religion does not maintain its demands that God shall be praised, that God's ordinances shall be observed...
Wherever man may stand, whatever he may do, to whatever he may apply his hand, in agriculture, in commerce, and in industry, or his mind, in the world of art, and science, he is, in whatsoever it may be, constantly standing before the face of his God, he is employed in the service of his God, he has strictly to obey his God, and above all, he has to aim at the glory of his God. Consequently, it is impossible for a Calvinist to confine religion to a single group, or to some circles among men...

To be sure, there is a concentration of religious light and life in the Church, but then in the walls of this church there are wide open windows, and through these spacious windows the light of the Eternal has to radiate over the whole world. Here is a city, set upon a hill, which every man can see afar off. Here is a holy salt that penetrates in every direction, checking all corruption. And even he who does not yet imbibe the higher light, or maybe shuts his eyes to it, is nevertheless admonished, with equal emphasis, and in all things, to give glory to the name of God.” Abraham Kuyper, Calvinism and Religion, p. 53

“But it remained the special trait of Calvinism that it placed the believer before the face of God, not only in His church, but also in his personal, family, social, and political life. The majesty of God and the authority of God press upon the Calvinist in the whole of his human existence. He is a pilgrim... [who] must remember his responsibility to that God so full of majesty, who awaits him at his journey's end. In front of the Portal which opens for him, on the entrance into Eternity, stands the Last Judgment; and that judgment shall be one broad and comprehensive test, to ascertain whether the long pilgrimage has been accomplished with a heart that aimed at God's glory, and in accordance with the ordinances of the Most High.” Abraham Kuyper, Calvinism and Religion, p. 69-70

3. Work isn't a curse!


a. God ordained it as the means he would use to provide for our needs and those of others.

i. God worked and then rested Gen_2:2-3

* We are made in His image Gen_1:26-27

ii. Jesus worked the works of His Father Joh_4:34 Joh_9:4 Joh_17:4

* We are being conformed to His image Rom_8:29

Kirsten Birkett concludes her excellent study “The Essence of the Reformation” (ISBN-10: 1876326093) with these thought provoking words:

“The Reformation was more than an alteration of liturgical and ceremonial practice; it was a new way of looking at the world, which invaded the parish church and the daily life of every parishioner. There was more than a change in ‘religion’; it was a change in thought, in life, and what it meant to be a human being in God’s World.

It was a world in which we can have confidence in God and hope for the future, based on his grace to us in the Christ of the Scriptures, which we receive through faith alone.

Too often since then, these certainties have been attacked and eroded, and continue to be attacked today. Indeed, many Christians are ignorant of the issues, and do not realise that the truths for which the Reformers fought and died are as much under threat now as they were then. Many errors of Roman Catholicism remain uncorrected. Mystical, magical and superstitious versions of Christianity keep re-emerging in different forms.

We do not need to copy the Reformers out of love for history or tradition. Yet we need to learn the lessons of the Reformation, and be reminded that the truth that inspired that generation to protest, and to reform, is still true today.”

Others Minded - Families

Ephesians 6:1-4

Consider how the contemporary understanding of family and roles within the family have changed.

Definition of Family (Webster 1918)

1. The collective body of persons who live in one house, and under one head or manager; a household, including parents, children, and servants, and, as the case may be, lodgers or boarders.
2. The group comprising a husband and wife and their dependent children, constituting a fundamental unit in the organization of society.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

1 : a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head
5 a : the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children; also : any of various social units differing from but regarded as equivalent to the traditional family

For something to "make your hair curl" see:
UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child

Just as God designed roles of elders and deacons, husbands and wives, so he also designed and defined the roles of parents and children. Here Paul deals with those roles as well as the spirit in which they are to be lived out.

1. The Context

The big context is: "to the saints who are ...faithful in Christ Jesus" (Eph_1:1), "to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ" (Col_1:2). The closer context is "submitting to one another in the fear of God" (Eph_5:21) and "whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord" (Col_3:17)

Paul first addresses wives, then husbands, then children in his letter to the church!

So these children ( te,knon ) are seen as fully part of the Christian community, able to exercise their Christian obedience in this way and to view their conduct as determined not just by social convention but in the light of their Lord’s will (cf. also 5:10, 17). They are addressed as among those who would hear the letter as it was read at meetings of believers for worship in various households. The text is, however, irrelevant for discussion of the issue of whether infants were baptized as part of households in the early church (cf. also Meyer, 314; Abbott, 176; Gnilka, 295 n. 6). τέκνον, “child,” primarily denotes relationship rather than age and can be used of adults as well as small children. From the context, the children in view here have to be old enough to be conscious of a relationship to their Lord and to be appealed to on the basis of it, but young enough still to be in the process of being brought up (cf. 6:4). Word Biblical Commentary

The children here are presumed to be believers, the offspring of believing parents, all of whom are under the protection of a local church and its elders. This largely answers the question of "what are the limits of obedience? What if parents require ......?" Paul does not teach slavish obedience in all respects at all costs ("in the Lord", "this is right") and he expects children to develop discernment. BUT, a child's first response should be obedience, not questioning of the parent.

2. Filial responsibility

a. hear under - listen attentively with the intent to conform to authority; obey on the basis of having paid attention to

b. the reasons

i. it is what God considers right; it is consistent with what He expects as proved by the fifth command to honor mom and dad. Exo_20:12 Deu_5:16 Mat_15:4 Mat_19:18-19 Mar_7:10 Mar_10:19 Luk_18:20

ii. it is honoring of parents - "It is significant to remind oneself that giving honor or glory is to say that someone is deserving of respect, attention and obedience." TDNT

iii. it is consistent with Jesus' example

The love which Jesus showed to children, when he took them in his arms and blessed them, should induce them, in a spirit of filial faith and fondness, to obey their parents, and to regard with special sacredness every parental injunction. And that obedience, if prompted, regulated, and bounded by a sense of religious obligation, will be cheerful and not sullen; prompt and not dilatory; uniform and not occasional; universal and not capricious in its choice of parental precepts. Eadie

iv. God gave specific children to specific parents

The concept is not included in this text but it still applies. Job_10:10-11 Psa_139:13 To fail to honor parents is to question God's providential care of his creation. To dishonor parents is to dishonor God. God's most wise, loving and good purpose for a child is his parents; the same is true for parents.

"The love of parents to their children is mysterious and immutable, as well as self-sacrificing. It is a form of love which none but a parent can know. A mother’s love is a mystery and a wonder. It is the most perfect analogue of the love of God. As the relation in which parents stand to their children has this close analogy to the relation in which God stands to his rational creatures, and especially to his own people, so the duties resulting from that relation are analogous. They are expressed by the same word. Filial piety is as correct an expression as it is common. Parents stand to their dependent children, so to speak, in the place of God. They are the natural objects of the child’s love, reverence, gratitude, confidence, and devotion. These are the sentiments which naturally flow out of the relation; and which in all ordinary cases do flow from it; so that Calvin is justified in saying that children destitute of these feelings, "monstra sunt non homines." This endearing and intimate relation between parents and, children (which cannot exist where monogamy is not the law), binding all in the closest union which can exist among men, makes the family the corner-stone of the well-being of society on earth, and the type of the blessedness of heaven. The Church is the family of God. He is the Father, its members are brethren." Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology

Side note: disobedience is a mark of the rebellious unregenerate according to Rom_1:28-30: 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

3. Parental responsibility

a. Act as parents - if children are to hear, there must be something of subsance to hear

i. First priority is to be the parent not the buddy

b. Fill the role, carry out the responsibility given by God to parents

i. provide for physical needs - 1Ti_5:8

ii. teach them the ways of God - Deu_6:6-9 Psa_78:4

iii. point them to Christ - Pro_22:6 Mat_19:13-14

c. Work together - mom, dad, the Lord

Along with both the Greco-Roman world and Judaism, it makes fathers ultimately responsible for the religious upbringing of their children. In its exhortation to fathers, Ephesians provides restraints on paternal authority, guarding against its abuse, and focuses instead on the Christian training fathers are to provide. Word Biblical Commentary

4. Specific requirements

a. Do not provoke to discouragement Eph_6:4 Col_3:21

i. provoking to anger, frustration or resentment

ii. common sources:

a) abuse of authority (injustice)

b) unreasonable expectations

c) favoritism

iii. repeated failure to satisfy/please results in absence of motivation, lack of spirit

b. Nourish them (bring them up)

i. training ( παιδεία )

a) the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and
morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body Thayer

ii. admonition ( νουθεσία )

a) to provide instruction as to correct behavior and belief Louw-Nida

b) ethical and corrective instruction in regard to belief or behavior Friberg Lexicon

c) both terms include both positive and negative - what is proper and consequences for what is improper