“hypakouó” = obey

(hoop-ak-oo’-o)

Study of Ephesians

Week 20

Ephesians 6:1-9   

The word, obey, can evoke powerful feelings sometimes. It can call to mind childhood memories, possibly good or bad, stemming from circumstances where we were called to obey.  At least it does for me.

 

Obey in the Greek is pronounced hoop-ak-oo’-o, and means to act under the authority of the one who is speaking with the intent to be fully compliant.

Webster Dictionary defines the word, obey, as “to follow the commands or guidance of” or “to conform to or comply with.”

 

Whether in the Greek or in today’s translation, the word, “obey” has clear implications for our lives.

 

In our focus passage today, Ephesians 6:1-9, Paul uses the same word, obey, in two different contexts. Let’s take a look.

 

First, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right, honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

 

In the previous chapter, Paul had just given explicit instruction to both husbands and wives as to how they should walk out their faith in Christ.  Now, Paul provides teaching for their children.  

 

His call to “obey your parents in the Lord” provides not just the imperative, obey, but the framework for his instruction. “In the Lord” is just that. Paul uses this phrase more than twenty other times in his writings. In each case, “in the Lord,” redirects the heart of the believer to Christ. 

 

Let’s remember, to “obey” when we agree with someone is easy, isn’t it? But what about when we question the request? What about when we don’t agree? That is where our life in Christ intersects our life on earth. To obey in the Lord is really submitting to the Lord first, then obeying in action.

 

Just as parents must rely on the Lord to function in their roles, so must children.

 

But Paul follows up with this, “And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” 

This one verse provides the spiritual context for the last three verses.

Paul addresses both fathers and mothers by admonishing them to “not provoke their children to anger.” 

 

In Christ, the use of abusive or harsh treatment was not endorsed nor was it beneficial for a child.

“Discipline and instruction” entail the rearing of a child in such a manner as to encourage a child to ultimately receive God’s thoughts and solutions in his/her renewed heart and mind.   

 

There is a direct correlation in these crucial relationships.

The Father teaches the father so that the father might teach the son.

And how does the Father teach?  In love. John 15:9

 

 

The second context for the word obey is found in the next few verses.

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, not by way of eyeservice as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will render service, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is not partiality with Him.” Ephesians 6:5-9

 

Being a slave in this time had nothing to do with the abusive practices of owning other people for personal gain that is a painful part of our history. To be a slave in Paul’s time was to work for someone with the intent of getting ahead, possibly being promoted within the household. This is who Paul is addressing.

 

Obey with fear and trembling. This implies respect and reverence, not threat. 

 

Obey in the sincerity of your heart. Don’t look for a constant pat on the back or for validation from man, but unto the Lord for approval and assurance.

 

Obey with good will. Doing the will of God from the heart, trusting in Him for ultimate compensation, both physically and spiritually.

 

Paul ends these verses addressing the owners, masters, just as he did with the parents.

“And masters, do the same things to them…”

 

And at the heart of the matter, obedience calls for mutual respect, mutual purpose, and mutual love in Christ.