Pastor's Connect Blog
Connect Blog
Ephesians 6:18-24
February 25, 2018
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
Ephesians 6:18-24
Here are just a few closing thoughts from Paul as they apply to the Christian life; living victoriously as believers in the world.
Be Prayerful
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Prayer is a conversation with God. Communicating with the Father through the Spirit praise and thanksgiving … praising God for Who He is; thanking God for what He has done ….confession and commitment …. Admitting your failures and turning from them, accepting God’s forgiveness and restoration Intercession for others ... praying for the sick, praying for the salvation of others, praying for ministers and ministry … and personal request … this can be both an I need list and an I wanna list …
Prayer should be a constant in your life (I think somehow we have limited prayer to a specific time and place and fail to realize that we should “pray without ceasing.”
Prayer should be conducted by the Spirit (See: Romans 8:26-27)
Prayer should be characterized by confidence “perseverance” don’t get discouraged and quit … -OR- don’t get distracted and quit
Prayer should be characterized by inclusion (“for all saints”). Prayer should be less about you and more about others
Prayer should be characterized by observation “watching.” While there are our “generalities” in our prayers, God will often show us what we should be praying for if we are listening and looking.
Be Sharing
“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Paul requested intercessory prayer for boldness to do that for which he was called, proclaiming the Gospel, no matter the situation.
We need to see every set of circumstances as an opportunity to share the Good News, the love of God, the life of Christ
You have to have experienced the Gospel to want to share the Gospel
You have to believe the Gospel to want to share the Gospel
Be Transparent
“But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.”
Paul was entrusting Tychicus, because of their mutual relationship with God, and because Tychicus was faithful to the Lord to share his situation.
No, I’m not saying hang out your dirty laundry for everyone to see … no … sad to say that would be like jumping into shark infested waters while bleeding, you probably wouldn’t survive …. I don’t want to know what you have hidden in your closet … what I am saying, is be willing to be open about your life, your successes and your failures, among the faithful in Christ, so that you can be encouraged and an encourager
See James 5:16 “Confess your faults to one another…”
Transparency will help to defeat pride … promotes humility … and create an environment of equality
Be Peaceful
“Peace be to the brethren… from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is both contentment and confidence ….
1) There is “peace with God” (Romans 5:1).
2) There is “peace from God” (Contentment and confidence that comes as we trust the promises and provisions of God for our lives).
3) There is “peace of God” which is shared among believers; peace with one another (not at odds, but existing in unity).
Be Loving
“and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“love” (agape) … unconditional love …. doing with intent, purpose … doing for someone what they can’t do for themselves or deserve. Love is sacrificial service.
If it doesn’t cost you something, is it love?
Paul further defines this love as “with faith.” Knowing God’s love allows us to love others as we are loved …. Understanding God’s love for you is the inspiration and instructions for loving others. God’s love is the example for our love.
Be Grace-Blessed
“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”
The word “grace” in this passage refers to God’s blessing and bestowment
Paul is praying that the believer will not only be blessed by God, but will accept God’s bestowment of His enabling in their lives to accomplish His will.
How do the “fruit of the Spirit” and the “gifts of the Spirit” apply to this passage?
Answer- Our character/conduct and our ministry is tied to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is why Paul encouraged the believer in 5:18 to be filled with the Spirit.
“sincerity” – uncompromising love … singularly devoted to Christ.