Principles of Faith: Obedience, Relationships, and Spiritual Armor

Living Out Faith

Ephesians 6 brings the conclusion to Paul’s letter, emphasizing obedience, respect, and spiritual preparedness. The chapter begins with a timeless principle: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. More than just a command, Paul reinforces the wisdom behind honoring parents—doing so leads to a long, well-lived life. This reflects a broader truth: biblical principles aren’t arbitrary rules, but insights into how to navigate human nature wisely. When followed, they foster order, peace, and a life of stability and fulfillment. The same can be said about Paul’s teachings on marriage, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, and wives are encouraged to respect their husbands. These dynamics aren’t about power struggles but about understanding human nature and how love and respect complement each other in a relationship.

Paul then shifts focus to relationships between masters and servants, instructing both to act with integrity. Though written in a historical context where servitude was common, the principle still applies today. Employees and employers, leaders and followers—everyone is called to act with fairness, humility, and service to others as unto Christ. This challenges modern ideas about authority and submission, inviting us to approach our responsibilities with a mindset of faith rather than mere obligation. It’s not about blind obedience but about choosing righteousness even in difficult situations.

Perhaps the most well-known section of this chapter is Paul’s teaching on the armor of God. He makes it clear: We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. This verse is often cited but rarely understood in full. It’s not a call to wage war against people or systems, but a reminder that our battle is spiritual. Instead of engaging in political fights or earthly conflicts, believers are called to stand firm in faith, clothed in truth, righteousness, and peace. The armor of God isn’t for attacking—it’s for protecting against deception, fear, and the spiritual forces that seek to divide and destroy.

Paul’s final exhortation is simple yet profound: pray. Stand firm in faith, not through aggression but through dependence on God. His words challenge many modern Christian movements that prioritize physical battles over spiritual endurance. Paul, Jesus, and the apostles never led protests, revolts, or political takeovers. They focused on inner transformation, trusting that truth itself would change the world. Their fight wasn’t against Rome—it was against the darkness behind earthly powers.

As we move into Philippians next, the conversation continues: What does it truly mean to live as a follower of Christ? How do we engage with the world without becoming consumed by it? Paul’s letters give us more than doctrines—they give us a framework for faith that transcends culture, time, and personal struggles. We’re excited to keep reading, learning, and discovering together.