Eph. 6:18-24
Good morning! We have reached the final message in the Ephesians series, “… Therefore …” After we wrap up the final verses of the book, we’ll take a look at Ephesians in summary.
Last week, Carl shared on the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-17: (1) the belt of truth, (2) the breastplate of righteousness, (3) well-fitting shoes with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, (4) the shield of faith, (5) the helmet of salvation, and (6) the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
All that armor is necessary because there is a spiritual battle going on. I think it is easy to forget this at times. Sometimes we forget because things seem to be going well. Sometimes we forget because even though things are tough, we attribute those circumstances to flesh and blood rather than to devil’s schemes. (6:12) Once we have the armor on, what are we to do?
We talked about how the armor and even the sword mentioned in this section were defensive weapons.
It’s also interesting to note that in the verses above, we have 6 pieces to the armor. Paul was Jewish. In the Hebrew language, the number 7 represents completeness. Today, we will add the seventh item to this kit for the believer to stand firm and be strong in the Lord.
Today, we are going to pick up with the primary offensive weapon of the faith. With that intro, let’s pray and dig into Ephesians 6:18-24.
Father God, thank you for this series. I pray that it would encourage all of us to be strong in You, to be fully equipped, and to glorify You in all we do. Teach us now we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. – Eph. 6:18
In order to move forward, we need to pray. Ephesians 6:18 is hardly the only place that the Bible mentions and encourages us to pray.
Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow who kept asking the judge to rule in her favor. Because of her perseverance, the unrighteous judge gave her justice against her adversary. Luke 18:1 tells us why Jesus told his disciples that parable. It says he told that story “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” We should always pray and not give up!
Philippians 4:6 exhorts us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Paul tells us here to pray all kinds of prayers. That could be group prayer, individual prayer, silent prayer, spoken prayer, prayer in song, prayer while walking, prayer while kneeling, eloquent prayer, groaning prayer, constant prayer, urgent prayer. Different kinds of prayer. Prayers of adoration and praise and worship of God. Prayers of thanksgiving. Prayers of supplication, asking God for something, asking Him to take action, prayers for other people.
In I Timothy 2:1-4, Paul writes to Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
All kinds of prayers for others. Petitions (requests), prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving for all people. Pray for their salvation, that they may come to a knowledge of the truth. And, as Paul tells us here, “to be alert and to keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Don’t forget about the prayer requests others have mentioned to you.
How does Paul tell us to pray? He tells us to pray in the Spirit. How do you pray in the Spirit? Praying in the Spirit is not praying in the flesh. It doesn’t need to be studied or eloquent. It doesn’t need to sound like an orator. It shouldn’t feel like riding a bike up hill.
Romans 8:26-27 tells us that it doesn’t depend on us knowing how or what to pray. You see, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.”
When we don’t know what or how to pray, or if we feel dull and unable to pray, that’s a starting point. We can confess our inability to God. He will not be surprised. He knows us and all our weaknesses. When we confess, we are then expecting God to work.
Praying includes resting in the Lord, being quiet, listening. I’ve been reading in the gospel of John the last couple of weeks. I was impressed by John 3 where Jesus is talking to Nicodemus. Jesus says, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” I was reminded of when I came to Christ as a freshman here at Clemson. That was 33 years ago. We don’t know where the Spirit is coming from or where it is going, but we can experience and feel Him. In praying in the Spirit, we are also waiting on the Spirit, to seek fellowship with God in prayer. I would recommend A.W. Tozer’s Pursuit of God, if you want to go deeper in considering this.
When we pray in the Spirit, we pray with boldness. We don’t make demands of God. We don’t claim promises from God. We come as children of God, asking with the boldness a child asks their parents. We can pray urgently, plead with God even, but we can’t “boss Him around” in our prayers. One more recommendation toward praying in the Spirit is to pray the Word. Pray prayers that are in the bible. Pray the words of Scripture. Pray that God would fulfill His commands. Pray for things God tells us to pray for. “Pray to the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38)
Let’s continue in Ephesians 6.
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. – Eph. 6:19-20
Way back at the beginning of the book, in Ephesians 1:16, Paul wrote, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Now, Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him. Remember, Paul is in prison in Rome a he is writing this letter. There is no doubt that Paul could have asked for prayer for a lot of things. How about, “pray that God would take away these chains.” Pray that God would provide for him in other ways.
Paul did not ask for those prayers. He asked for words to make known the mystery of the gospel and boldness to declare it. Twice he prays that he would be able to fearlessly proclaim the gospel. It is the same root word in each case. That’s what was really important to Paul. So much so that he said it twice.
No doubt, he was in intimidating circumstances, chained to a Roman soldier, awaiting an audience with Caesar, the ruler of the largest empire ever known. His goal was to make known the mystery of the gospel whenever he spoke. Talking about praying the words of the bible. These are words that we could pray for one another and even ourselves.
Paul didn’t want to just be bold. He also wanted to be clear. He wanted his hearers to be able to understand the mystery of the gospel. He’s asking for the ability to make the message understandable. May we all have the ability to share the truth in a way that causes others to see and understand Jesus Christ.
Our last few verses are the closing of the letter.
Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. – Eph. 6:21-22
We don’t know all that much about Tychicus, but he certainly is an important companion and help for Paul. We first hear of him in Acts 20 when he accompanied Paul at least on the beginning of his journey to Jerusalem. In that passage (v.4), we learn that both Tychicus and Trophimus are from the province of Asia. Ephesus was the “capital” of the province of Asia. Acts 21 says Trophimus was an Ephesian. So, Tychicus is from Ephesus or the area nearby it.
Then, the book of Colossians closes with a similar line to what we see here in Ephesians. Tychicus is sent with the letter and will tell the Colossians all the news about Paul. Paul describes Tychicus as “a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.” (Colossians 4:7) It may even have been that Tychicus carried this letter to the Ephesians and the letter to the Colossians in the same trip. Ephesus and Colosse are ~150 miles apart from each other and 1200 miles from Rome.
A few years after writing Ephesians and Colossians, Paul wrote to Titus that as soon as he sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, that Titus should come to meet Paul. (Titus 3:12) And finally, II Timothy 4:12 Paul tells Timothy that he sent Tychicus to Ephesus. I mention all that because Tychicus is clearly an important helper to Paul. He’s a good traveler, a messenger for Paul, willing to come and go wherever needed.
Tychicus’ name comes from the root word to hit the mark or hit the bullseye. His name can also mean to obtain or reach or achieve something. I spend all this time talking about Tychicus because he can be a good example for all of us. Are we helping and serving those around us as well as we could and should?
Specifically here, Paul has sent Tychicus as one who can share face to face how Paul is and that he may be an encouragement to them. I find it fascinating that after writing a letter which is part of the word of God, living and active, cannot return void, that Paul still sent Tychicus along as an integral part of his testimony, of how he was, of what he was doing, and for encouraging the Ephesians. I think we can easily overlook how important it is to visit one another, to spend time face to face. Yes, texting, email, writing, phone calls, and other means of communication are important. But, a face-to-face visit is somehow unique and special and should not be overlooked.
Let’s wrap up Ephesians.
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. – Eph. 6:23-24
This type of ending is often referred to as a benediction. Benediction is a word straight from the Latin. It does not mean the last thing or the last word. It means to bless. Literally, to say good or to speak well.
Peace and grace echoes Paul’s greeting in Ephesians 1:2, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” In Ephesians 1:3, Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” As he encouraged us with every spiritual blessing at the beginning, here he blesses the Ephesians (and us) to walk in those blessings.
We have the blessing of peace. Tranquility. Contentment. Peace with God.
We have the blessing of love with faith. Agape. Unconditional love with conviction.
We have the blessing of grace. Undeserved favor. The merciful kindness of God.
Amen? Amen!
Let’s go back now and review the series in conclusion.
As noted, Paul writes Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome. This was around 60-62 AD. At the conclusion of the book of Acts, Paul had arrived in Rome after appealing to Caesar. Ephesians was written at that time.
The first three chapters focus on the gospel, the message that by putting one’s faith in Christ, Gentile believers are included with believing Jews in receiving redemption through Christ’s blood and the forgiveness of sins. Paul prays for them and us that the Spirit would help us to know Christ more deeply, more personally, more richly, and he prays that we would know the inheritance we now possess by faith and the power of God that is available to us.
Paul describes us as God’s handiwork, created in Christ to do good works that He has planned for us to do. These works have nothing to do with salvation, with saving us, but we are to do these works as we allow the Spirit to lead us, out of gratitude and submission, to the glory of God. As we live in this way, we, both Jewish and Gentile believers together, are like stones set in a single beautiful building, with Christ as the cornerstone.
Paul goes on to share of the joy he has personally experienced – a joy that makes his many severe trials not worth even mentioning in comparison – as he lives out the calling God has placed on him as a minister to the Gentiles.
And then, after a beautiful prayer for the Ephesians – and for us – that Christ would reign in our hearts through faith, and that we would grasp just how much Christ loves us, we come to Chapter 4, which starts with the word “Therefore.” And the second half of the book, which includes today’s passage, focuses on a more practical, detail-oriented explanation of how we should live as people “in Christ”. We are told to be completely humble and gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. We are told that, to assist in this goal, Christ gave the Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Implicit in this discussion is the directive that all believers should be joining with other believers in local assemblies, so that these gifts of Christ can benefit all believers. We are told to “put off” our old selves, corrupted by deceitful desires, and “put on” our new selves, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. We are told to put off falsehood and put on truth-telling. We are told to put off anger. We are told to put off stealing but put on honest work. We are told to put off unwholesome talk and put on speech that builds others up. We are told to put off bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, and put on compassion and forgiveness.
As God’s dearly loved children, we are told to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.
We are told to not have even a hint of immorality, impurity, greed, or unwholesome talk. We are told to seek what pleases the Lord, living as the wise, not as the foolish. We are told not to be drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit, worshipping Him and being ever thankful. And then we are told to submit to one another out of love for Christ, and specific instructions are given to wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
Last week’s passage and the beginning of today’s passage take us through Paul’s final point of emphasis which he begins with this imperative. “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!” What are the qualities of someone who is strong in the Lord? If you’re strong in the Lord, then you are not grumbling and complaining (Philippian 2:14). If you’re strong in the Lord, then you are believing the best of others (I Corinthians 13:7). If you’re strong in the Lord, you are not afraid (I Peter 3:6 ESV). Are we choosing to not grumble, are we choosing to not complain, are we choosing to believe the best of others, are we choosing not to be afraid? I’m not saying that we can do any of these things in our own strength. I’m asking whether or not we are choosing to turn away from the things which are weak and turning toward being strong in the Lord.
It is God alone who makes us strong, but we are given the pattern of how to be strong. We have these six incredible God-given tools for our defense: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, well-fitting shoes with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We are not left undefended in the spiritual battle we face. We are not meant to live a defeated Christian life. We are equipped by God so that we can stand firm. We need to put our armor on and keep it on. And by God’s grace, as we do so, we will indeed stand firm.
And, we must pray. In every way, and at every time. Staying alert, we must pray for one another. Let’s not forget. Let us pray that we each would be strong in the Lord and stand firm in the spiritual battle.
It’s so easy to forget. The bible tells many times that the Israelites forgot God or forgot what He had done for them. As many of you know, I had cataract surgery this week. I’ve learned more about cataracts in the last 3-4 weeks than I ever knew before.
It turns out that there are 3 main types of age-related cataracts. Nuclear cataracts that start in the center of your field of vision. Cortical cataracts that start at the edges and work their way toward the center in streaks or lines. Then, there are posterior subcapsular cataracts or PSC’s which occur in the center of your field of vision but grow on the backside of the lens. Another characteristic of this PSC-type is that it grows much more quickly than the others. In a matter of months, you can have life-altering changes in your vision. So, I have that last kind. The one that grows fast and acts like a smudge in the middle of your field of view. The only data I could find has this type at <10% of all age-related cataracts.
This week was surgery on one eye, the worse of the two. Before the surgery, I could see about 20/80 with my glasses on out of my left eye. Out of my right eye, I could see 20/50 with my glasses on or off. But that doesn’t really tell the story because cataracts mess up your vision in a way that is different than just being out of focus. So, 20/80 was best case. In some circumstances, my vision was a lot worse than that. Now that I’ve had the surgery to pull out the bad lens and put a new clear one in, I can see 20/20 out of my left eye, all the time, at least when my eye is not dried out. I haven’t seen 20/20 without glasses since I was in my early teenage years, almost 40 years ago.
Yesterday was the first day that I could really get out and see 20/20. Even Friday night at the house, I was amazed at the colors and textures of things around the house. Saturday was unbelievable. In just a few months, I had forgotten what the world could look like. I’m walking to the car and looking at the texture of the concrete and thinking, “Did I know that’s what concrete looked like?” I looked at the tree tops and I could see the bare branches all the way to the ends. I put my music on the stand and then I backed up about 10 feet, and I could still read it. I told the music team on Wednesday night that if I wasn’t going to have surgery Thursday, it was probably about the last week I could play ukulele and lead worship. I just couldn’t see enough to play and sing at the same time. At least, not through the whole worship set.
I used to be able to see, for 50 years I could see. Then, I couldn’t see clearly for a short time, less than a year. And that was a gradual decline. In that short time, I forgot what a lot of regular things that I see every day looked like. The difference is enough that I’m walking around with a sense of wonder and awe.
Now apply that spiritually. Certainly, there are aspects of eternal life that we cannot see clearly this side of heaven. I Corinthians 13:12 (ESV) says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to look more deeply. And it certainly doesn’t mean that we should forget what we have seen. James 1:25 says, “Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
Let us not forget what we have heard and seen in the book of Ephesians over the last several months. Let us put these things into practice and trust the Lord that He is able to make us stand firm in doing them. Let’s pray.
Father God, help us to be doers of Your Word and not merely hearers only. Help us to remember what You have done for us, and help us to live lives of boldness and clarity in You. Thank You that You are always with us and that Your Spirit is even praying with and for us in our weaknesses. We rejoice in You and we pray in Your Son Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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