Ephesians 6:1-9: Gospel Shaped Authority

Authority carries emotional weight for many of us, but the gospel completely transforms how we understand and exercise it. Paul's instructions in Ephesians 6 flow from his command to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Children are called to honor their parents, recognizing God's wisdom in authority structures, while parents must avoid crushing their children's spirits and instead raise them with grace. In work relationships, we're reminded that we ultimately serve Christ, not earthly masters. The way we respond to and use authority reveals what we believe about Jesus and transforms ordinary relationships into opportunities to reflect His character.