Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:21-24

The Church: Bless be the Tie that Binds

(Ephesians 6:21-24)

Intro.

1. Review: The armor of God, Eph. 6:10-17.

2. Pray for yourself, your brethren and Paul, Eph. 6:18-20.

3. Pray for Paul...for preachers and preaching: (6:20)

a. To speak the right words, 6:19 (logos, word, speech, discourse, utterance).

b. To have the right deportment, 6:19 (Boldly: Assurance, confidence).

c. To achieve the right purpose, 6:19 (to make known the mystery of the gospel).

d. To fulfill his moral obligation, 6:20 (cf. 1 Cor. 9:16).

-Apostles: Ambassadors (chosen representatives), 2 Cor. 5:20.

I. BLESS BE THE TIE THAT BINDS, 6:21-22.

A. Knowing about Each Other Provides Blessings to Occur, 6:21.

1. Rejoice in the work and progress of the gospel.

2. Prayer becomes more effective, comfort more reassuring, encouragement more personal, rebuke more helpful, cf. Rom. 12:15-16.

3. This is not meddling busybodies, which is sin, 1 Pet. 4:15.

4. This is each member of the body being affected by the other – because we are united in Christ, 1 Cor. 12:25-27.

B. The Reasons Paul Sent Tychicus to Ephesus Reinforce this Principle:

1. So they could know Paul’s situation, 6:21-22; Col. 4:7, 9.

2. So they could be comforted, 6:22; Col. 4:8.

a. Comforted by Paul’s faithfulness under present trials (cf. 3:13).

b. Comforted by this epistle, assuring them God has fulfilled His purpose of their redemption in Christ, 3:11-12.

3. Let us follow this example of care for the spiritual welfare of our brethren. Be instruments of blessing to each other in the body of Christ.

C. The Example of Tychicus: Beloved and Faithful, 6:21.

1. Beloved brother: He was loveable.

a. Yes, we are obliged to love each other, 1 Jno. 4:7-11.

b. We should make it easy to be loved! cf. Prov. 18:24

c. Sympathetic, friendly, tenderhearted – able to comfort, 6:22.

2. Faithful minister: He was loyal, trustworthy and dependable, Col. 4:7. We safely conclude he was a preacher of the gospel.

3. He had Paul’s full confidence to deliver the epistle, to accurately tell them about his circumstance and to accurately report on their spiritual condition to Paul.

a. He had earlier shown his trustworthiness while traveling with Paul (most likely as a messenger in the matter of the Gentile contribution), cf. Acts 20:4; 2 Cor. 8:23.

b. Such faithfulness is a rare commodity, and one for which we should strive! Timothy shared this trait, Phil. 2:20-23

II. CLOSING SALUTATION, 6:23-24.

A. The Substance of Blessings, 6:23.

1. Peace to the brethren, 6:23.

-Tranquil assurance of God’s blessed presence with His children, Eph. 2:17-22.

2. Love with faith, 6:23; cf. 3:17-19.

-We live in God’s love as we love Christ (1 Jno. 5:3).

B. The Source of Blessings: The Father and Son, 6:23; 1:3.

C. God’s Grace be with All who Love Christ in Sincerity, 6:24.

1. Purity, with genuine love, not corrupt.

2. “Walk in love”, 5:2.

3. Undivided loyalty, cf. Matt. 6:24.

4. Amen: So it is, so be it.

Conclusion

1. Our redemption is complete in Christ, Eph. 1:3.

2. Let us be faithful saints and so, glorify God, Eph. 1:1; 3:21.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: April 12, 2013