I Therefore...Beseech You #11

By Oscar M. Baker

"And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:  knowing that your Master is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him" (Eph. 6:9). Note that the masters are to do the same things to the servants that the servants do are to do to the masters. Their work is not to be of eye service, as men pleasers. They are to do the will of God from the heart, doing service as unto the Lord, and not as unto man. For whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether bond or free.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" (Eph. 6:10). This is directed to all the members of the church. It is a timely warning, for evil days come. And our only strength is in the Lord.

"Put on the whole armour of God" (Eph. 6:11-17). Purpose; to stand against the wiles of the devil. We do not wrestle in the heavenly places. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood. Our warfare is with principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of the age, against spiritual wickedness. This takes the whole armour of God, not to march out against the foe, but to stand and to withstand in the evil day. Put on the girdle of truth, the breast plate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Putting on this armour is putting on Christ, our sufficiency. There are six pieces, none for the back. We are to stand, not turn our backs and run.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching there unto with all perserverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6:18-20). We have prayer in the beginning of this epistle, in the middle, and now at the end. Prayer is important. All the members of the body should be on speaking terms with the Head. Note the words supplication, watching, supplication. This one time Paul leaves out thanksgiving in the prayer. Why? There is danger, there is urgency, the believer cannot be lost, but he can lose about everything but his life. Over and above salvation is the reward, the prize, the crown. Look up the word ashamed and note how that workmen can be ashamed. And Paul asks that they pray for him. He wants the strength to open his mouth boldly to preach the mystery, even though in bonds. All members should pray for each other.

Here ends 30 items we have taken up in the practical section of Ephesians, chapters 4-6. All too often these chapters are taken too lightly or entirely ignored. What use is the doctrinal section (chapters 1-3) going to be if one does not intend to work it out? We are to work out this great salvation with fear and trembling. We are here for a purpose. We have been chosen before the overthrow as a part of the plan and purpose of the ages.

(Reprinted from Truth For Today, Vol. 31, No. 9)