"Relationships: A Matter of Spiritual Warfare
Pt. 6"

In this series we have concentrated on one of the most essential components of spiritual warfare, preserving relationships. All who are in Christ are a part of a new nation, unified by His redeeming work regardless of ethnic origins. However, Satan seeks to disrupt the unity of God’s people. In Ephesians we find that the work of the Spirit is required to maintain the unity afforded by the saving work of Christ. We are corporately commanded to be “filled with the Spirit,” i.e., controlled by the Spirit. With our attention drawn to God rather than ourselves, we will enjoy true unity.

The Relational Effects of Spirit’s Filling

According to verse 21, this filling of the Spirit is relational. It has a very specific purpose. Through the governing influence of the Spirit we are empowered to do that which is impossible in our own strength, to maintain the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” by submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord. Mutual submission requires placing ourselves at the disposal of others and preferring them over ourselves out of reverence and respect for Christ. This posture of humility is essential to genuinely harmonious relationships.

From this simple admonition we learn that we cannot maintain the Spirit’s unity by our own efforts. We must yield ourselves to His governing influence. Then our eyes will be turned heavenward, we will collectively declare God’s glory to one another in worship, and we will be granted the capacity for giving first place to God and our brethren, instead of ourselves.

Unity and Divine Order

Thus far in Ephesians, Paul has been discussing relational unity in the life of the church. Now he turns his attention to specific relationships that are critical for maintaining the Spirit’s unity. Not surprisingly, these relationships provide the greatest testing ground for the Christian’s obedience. These are the relational spheres of the home and work, which, at least in principle, reflect God’s divine order.

When we think of submission, the biblical duty of the wife often comes to mind. However, Paul prefaces his treatment of these relational spheres by pointing out that there is a mutual submission that belongs to all believers. In other words, everyone is called to defer to others in some way. How that submission displays itself depends upon the role in which it is exercised. For example, a student submits himself to his teacher by paying attention and applying himself to the lesson. Yet, the teacher submits himself to his student when he endeavors to communicate his knowledge to him in a way that is effective for that student. The teacher maintains a role of authority in this relationship, but there is mutual submission that each member exercises as he fulfills his place. Elaborating on this mutual submission, the Apostle mentions three particular relationships and six specific ways in which this submission is made manifest. We would do well to remember that the phrase, “in the fear of the Lord” governs each and every aspect of this mutual submission. We must carry out our duties in reverence and respect for our Sovereign God who has ordained our various roles.

The first relationship to occupy the Apostle’s attention is that of the husband and wife. This relationship is given special attention for it models the relationship between Christ and His church. Despite what modern society may claim, these roles are rooted in God’s design. The wife is to voluntarily submit to her husband as unto the Lord. She is to show him respect and yield to his leadership. The wife prefers her husband by recognizing his God ordained headship.

The husband exhibits a form of submission to his wife by assuming the responsibility of his leadership role and loving her as Christ loved the church. He prefers her by being considerate of her, even above himself.

Children submit to their parents through godly obedience. They render proper preference for their God-ordained parentage by showing honor. The Apostle adds that this is right in the Lord and that obedience to this command is accompanied by a special promise.

Parents show godly submission to their children by not abusing their parental authority. They are called to refrain from tormenting and provoking their children. They show preference to their children by raising them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The next two injunctions are directed to slaves and their masters. In our culture, we may draw certain parallels with employees and their employers. Slaves submit to their masters by obeying them with respect. They prefer their masters when they serve them in sincerity and with integrity. Paul adds that this service is to be rendered as unto the Lord.

Masters submit to their slaves by showing them respect as well. They prefer their slaves when they treat them in the same manner that they would want to be treated by their Master in heaven.

In each of these domestic relationships, contention and division are just one act of selfishness away. All that is required to disrupt unity is to focus on oneself and disregard God’s ordained order. When authority is undermined, anarchy is never far behind. Peace and harmony are far too often sacrificed to the idol of ego-centricism and self-indulgence. But, when husbands and wives, children and parents, slaves and masters prefer one another, unity and harmony are fostered. As we have seen, this preference may look different from one relationship to another depending upon one’s role. However, the fulfillment of God’s purpose is an expression of the mutual submission to which we are called.

Conclusion

After completing these domestic instructions, Paul moves immediately to the issue of spiritual warfare. One naturally follows the other. It should come as little surprise that the domestic sphere is a favorite target of the enemy. Satan wages war against the people of God by stirring up strife and division and nowhere are we more vulnerable than in the closest human relationships that God has designed. As Christians, we should be on our guard against the schemes of the enemy. Yet, we must also keep in mind that maintaining this unity will not be the result of our own strength and initiative. The only way we will be able to properly fulfill our roles and defend them through spiritual warfare is if we are continually filled with the Spirit. Therefore, true preparation for this kind of spiritual warfare has nothing to do the melodramatic gymnastics so popular today. We achieve victory, not through distinctive prayers, the recitation of specialized verses, or a war of words with Satan. In fact, victory does not come by focusing on the enemy at all. If we are strong we are “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph 6:10).

Next month we will begin considering the particulars of battle described by Paul in chapter six.

- Stan McGehee Jr