For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 6

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

I continue my study of Ephesians via my participation in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. For this morning, I look deeper at Ephesians 6:1-9, leaning on commentary from John Piper from this video, which focuses on fatherhood - Paul's subject in v4:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

First John Piper indicates how Paul is writing specifically to fathers here in v4a, and only excluding mothers because there is deference to the father as the spiritual leader of the household (see Ephesians 5), and because v1-3 speak to how mothers and fathers work together to raise Godly children given Paul's instruction in those verses refer to "parents" and there is an implied agreement between mom and dad.  Piper also refers us to Proverbs 1:8 and 6:20 where scripture reinforces how mothers are of course involved (heavily) - but there is deference from mom to dad as dad takes primary responsibility for raising Godly children.  Piper then moves on to 4b where the focus is how father's must "bring [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."  This provision is more important than food or other physical provision.  Piper points to Hebrews 12:5-11 where discipline is emphasized in its importance.  Instruction is broken down as both an affirmative but also with qualification in that if you don't do it - harsh consequences await (a warning), and in this case the consequences are eternal damnation.  Fathers are also urged to know their children and their inclinations, and based on this model Godly behavior and Piper uses Psalm 103:13-14 and Colossians 3:20-21 to help guide fathers - and finally to aim at holiness and joy.  See below for a summary from the video.

 

 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who gave me incredible children - I am not deserving of the blessings they are - my sin is great and it continues, particularly in how I have left my children down with respect to raising them according to Your design and intent.  I am grateful for how You have forgiven this and redeemed much of it but there is more to be done - continue to work in my heart and life - please!  Help me turn from my sin, overcome it, and turn towards You. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.