paul's prayer requests and farewell

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Ephesians 6:19-24

“Paul’s Prayer Requests, and

Farewell”

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

“ 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

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

Last weeks points leading to now

1. Praying Always2. With all prayer3. No Age Limit4. To our God only

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…

“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

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!

A.) Paul’s Prayer Requests…•Vs 19-20 show us that even the Apostle Paul can be discouraged and intimidated

“… 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

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!

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

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…

“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

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

“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

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”

“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

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 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

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 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

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!

Take Home!•Ephesians in a Nutshell– the Good News!•All about unity in the church•Marriage– living a new life