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Paul brings his teaching into everyday life, beginning with families. Children are called to obey their parents because they belong to the Lord, honoring them as the first commandment with a promise—that things will go well and they will have a long life on the earth. Fathers are warned not to provoke their children to anger, but to raise them with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

He then speaks to servants and masters. Those who serve are to obey with respect and sincerity, as they would obey Christ—not just to please others, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. Their work is to be done with enthusiasm, as though they are serving the Lord himself. Masters, in turn, must treat those under them with the same respect, remembering that both master and servant have the same Master in heaven, who shows no favoritism.

Finally, Paul calls believers to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. They are to put on all of God’s armor so they can stand firm against every strategy of the devil. This is not a struggle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

So Paul urges them to put on every piece of God’s armor: the belt of truth, the body armor of God’s righteousness, the shoes of peace that come from the Good News, the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all of this, they are to pray at all times and on every occasion, staying alert and being persistent in their prayers for all believers everywhere. Paul asks for prayer as well—that he will boldly explain God’s mysterious plan, the Good News, even while in chains.

He closes with encouragement, sending Ti-chee-yus (Tychicus) to give them an update and to comfort them. And with a final blessing, Paul leaves them with peace, love with faith, and grace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for all who love him with an undying love.

Verse of the Day:1 Corinthians 10:13

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so you can endure.

Question of the Day:

What temptations are you fighting? Don't let attempt to battle it alone.