Studies in Ephesians 40 Pauls Farewell Ephesians 6

Studies in Ephesians 40 Paul’s Farewell Ephesians 6: 20 -24 z

Paul, an Ambassador in chains z § Ambassador – used twice (2 Corinthians 5: 20) § An official and direct representative § Descriptive of apostle’s work – Matthew 16: 18 -19 Paul – 1 Corinthians 9: 1, 15: 8, 2 Corinthians 11: 5, 12: 11 -12 § Least of all saints – Eph. 3: 8 -9

Paul, an Ambassador in chains z § In chains – Eph. 3: 1, 4: 1, very likely in Rome § Consider what it means to imprison an ambassador. § Paul, a prisoner because of hostility against Christ § Will we face hostility for the truth? 2 Timothy 3: 12

z Faithful ministers (21 -22) § Tychicus – a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord Acts 20: 4, Colossians 4: 7 2 Timothy 4: 12 Titus 3: 12 § He is a part of Paul’s spiritual family – one upon whom he could depend to help him. Described here as a faithful servant (minister) – 1 Corinthians 4: 1 -2 § We know little about him and others, BUT God knows…

z Faithful ministers (21 -22) § He will make known Paul’s affairs and comfort your heart § Are we willing to encourage and comfort one another? 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 § We need friends! We need our spiritual family! We need faithful servants who can help us and are there – Romans 12: 10

z Peace, love & faith (23) § Peace – our goal § Peace with God, with one another, with ourselves § 1: 2 – In his greetings § 2: 14 -15 – Christ our peace § 2: 17 – He came and preached peace to you afar off § 4: 3 – endeavoring for peace § 6: 15 – our armor § 6: 23 – peace to the brethren

z § § Peace, love & faith (23) Love – that which binds us together Found some 19 times in here 2: 4 – God’s merciful love 3: 17 -19 – the love of Christ beyond comprehension, yet it roots us § 4: 2 – bear with one another in… § 4: 15 -16 – we speak the truth and edify one another in love § 5: 25 -33 – Christ loves us as a husband loves his wife § 6: 23 -24 – Paul’s farewell (2 x)

z Peace, love & faith (23) § Faith – believing and trusting God. Our faith ties us together gives us reason to seek unity § Found 10 times in Ephesians § 1: 1 – faithful in Christ Jesus § 1: 15 – commended faith, Paul prays § 2: 8 – our part in salvation § 3: 12 – confident access in Him

z Peace, love & faith (23) § Faith – § 4: 5 – “one faith” § 4: 13 – till we come to the unity of the faith § 6: 16 – our shield § 6: 23 – accompanying love

z Final blessing (24) § Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus § Again Paul appeals to grace – our undeserved favor from God (12 x in Ephesians) § 1: 6 -7 – forgiveness, accepted in the beloved § 2: 5 -8 – by grace we are saved § 3: 7 -8 – grace given to Paul to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ

z Final blessing (24) § Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus § In conclusion, WHO will enjoy the grace of God? § Those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity § God’s grace is available to all, but not all will receive it (accept it).

z Final blessing (24) § Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus § Many profess to love Him, but their actions betray them John 14: 15, 15: 10, 1 John 5: 2 -3 § Love Him in sincerity (incorruptible) – cf. John 13: 34 -35

Studies in Ephesians 40 Are we living for Him in sincerity? z Amen!