3. Last Message from Ephesians…
•Last week we covered praying in the
spirit, and how that may be a piece of
armor as well, but ultimately is the
only way to effectively wear the armor
•1st we tie up loose ends of to Whom, we pray
•Then we finish with Paul’s letter-end–
intercession requests and a farewell note
4. “ 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may
be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to
make known with boldness the mystery of the
gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in
chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak
boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also
may know about my circumstances, how I am
doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and
faithful minister in the Lord, will make
everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to
5. you for this very purpose, so that you may
know about us, and that he may 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 those who
love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible
love.”
Ephesians 6:19-24, NASB
6. Last weeks points leading to now
1. Praying Always
2. With all prayer
3. No Age Limit
4. To our God only
7. 4.) To Our God Only…
•Don’t be afraid of what people who
hear your prayers might think
•You are talking to the God who already
knows everything about you; he won’t
be impressed with seminary-speak
•Just be yourself and pour our your
heart to Him…
8. “16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence
[boldness] to the throne of grace, so that we
may receive mercy and find grace to help in
time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16, NASB
9. 4.) To Our God Only…
• Then, why pray?
• The value of prayer is that it keeps us in touch
with God
• Think of it as the relationship between father and child
• I may think God should give me everything I need and
want, for every situation, all at once
• But if God were to give us all of His glorious gifts in one
lump sum, I would fear I’d be enjoying the gifts and
forgetting the Giver
• Giving us what we need keeps us dependent!
10. A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…
•Vs 19-20 show us that even the
Apostle Paul can be discouraged and
intimidated
11. “… 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance
may be given to me in the opening of my
mouth, to make known with boldness the
mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an
ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I
may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:19-20, NASB
12. A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…
•Vs 19-20 show us that even the
Apostle Paul can be discouraged and
intimidated
•He was beaten, stoned, left for dead, thrown
in jail many times, and knew he’d eventually
lose his head
•But he didn’t live in fear; he kept Christ 1st!
13. A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…
•He was, in effect, promoting the
sovereignty of God’s kingdom to the
heathens who could have him killed
•So he was asking for help to shore up his
courage to represent the True King as he
should
•NO matter our position, we all need courage
to stand by Jesus and keep telling truth
14. A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…
•It really is a huge deal– souls are at
stake here, even if seeming enemies
•As scary and dangerous as the ‘hurts’ of this
world are, what we look forward to in
Heaven far outweighs them…
15. “For our light affliction, which is but for a
moment, is working for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory...”
2 Corinthians 4:17 , NASB
16. A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…
•It really is a huge deal– souls are at
stake here, even if seeming enemies
•As scary and dangerous as the ‘hurts’ of this
world are, what we look forward to in Heaven
far outweighs them…
•If you tend to be a fearful person, make Paul’s
prayer your own
•Remember what Moses told the Israelites as
they prepared to take the Promised Land
17. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear
nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God,
He is the One who goes with you. He will not
leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 , NASB
18. B.) Paul’s Farewell…
•Vs 21-24 remind us how much this great
and important man of God was not “too
important” for us “little people”
19. “21 But that you also may know about my
circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the
beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord,
will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent
him to you for this very purpose, so that you may
know about us, and that he may 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 those who love our Lord
Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.”
Ephesians 6:19-24, NASB
20. B.) Paul’s Farewell…
•Vs 21-24 remind us how much this great
and important man of God was not “too
important” for us “little people”
•He not only wrote 13 of the 27 N.T. books,
but he kept up with the people he’d reached
•He was a disciple and had dear friends in the
locations which he planted churches
21. “21 But that you also may know about my
circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the
beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord,
will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent
him to you for this very purpose, so that you may
know about us, and that he may comfort your
hearts.
Ephesians 6:21-23, NASB
22. B.) Paul’s Farewell…
•Tychicus– Greek means ‘fortunate’
• He accompanied Paul on his last visit to
Jerusalem. He was sent by Paul from Rome
to the Ephesians and to the Colossians; and after
Paul's release, Tychicus was again sent to Ephesus
•Paul describes him as a beloved brother, a faithful
minister and fellow-servant in the Lord. He was
thus such a one as Paul could, with confidence,
send on these missions to 'encourage' the saints
•Paul sent him to Titus and Timothy both…
23. “23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus
Christ with incorruptible love.”
Ephesians 6:23-24, NASB
24. B.) Paul’s Farewell…
•Vv 23-24 tie a bow on the whole thing
•Prayers of Peace, Love, and Faith for his
brothers and sisters in Christ, vs 23
•V24 is what transcends this letter to one
church into Scripture for all of us
•Grace– unmerited favor to all who will love
Jesus!
25. Take Home!
•Ephesians in a
Nutshell– the
Good News!
•All about unity
in the church
•Marriage–
living a new life