Step by Step in Relationships

Ephesians 1 + 2 + 3 = In Christ

Ephesians 4 + 5 + 6 = Our response

Important to read the entire letter in context

Ephesians 6:1-9

The Culture behind the letter of Ephesians:

• The Greco-Roman household codes
• The structure of Roman society:
• Husbands and wives
• Parents and Children
• Slaves and Masters
• Honor and Shame culture

…be filled with the Spirit, - Ephesians 5:18

• in the way we speak to each other - vs. 19
• by singing from our heart - vs. 19
• by giving thanks to God for everything - vs. 20 
• by submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ - vs. 21

Children - two commands and two reasons - vs. 1-3:

• obey your parents in the Lord
• this is right
• actions / behavior
• Luke 2:51
• John 2

• honor your father and mother
• go well / enjoy long life
• attitude

• children = τέκνα
• honor = τίμα = assign or fix value to something as being worthy
• John 19:26-27

Fathers - vs. 4:

• authority with restraint
• how do we exasperate or provoke our children?
• 1. Selfishness
• 2. Inconsistency
• 3. Unreasonable 
• 4. Unable to distinguish between immaturity and defiance
• 5. Fail to acknowledge growth

• train = παιδείᾳ = birth to adulthood
• instruction = νουθεσίᾳ = both body and soul

Slaves - vs. 5-8:

• Paul is not endorsing slavery
• Paul is not directly addressing employee / employer
• 25% + were slaves in Roman empire
• people had no voice in public policy

Masters - vs. 9:

• in the same way / do the same thing
• a call for the one in position of power to serve

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The Life-Changing Love of Christ can change our family, our community, our culture - one person at a time.

Key Thought:
Being filled with the Spirit changes how we relate to others. Paul teaches that following Jesus is not just about beliefs—it transforms the way we live in our homes, families, and everyday relationships through humility, honor, and serving one another out of reverence for Christ.

Application:
This week, identify one relationship where you can intentionally reflect Christ more clearly. Ask yourself: Am I building up or exasperating? Serving or demanding? Honoring or overlooking? 

Choose one practical action—offer encouragement, show patience, express gratitude, or have a meaningful conversation—and allow the love of Christ to shape the way you engage with others.