THE CHRISTIAN'S PERSISTENCE PT 4 - THE FAREWLL

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

IV. THE FAREWELL—vv. 19–24

1. Plea—v. 19 – and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

Paul asks that the people pray for him as he gives forth God’s Word.

I would ask the same –

Isaiah 59:21 – “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 51:15 – O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

Romans 15:30 – I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

2. Preaching—v. 20 – for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

In jail for preaching God’s Word. He did not pray for deliverance, but for grace.

What do you pray for when you are in the midst of a trial?

How do we view people when they are in the midst of a trial – the are reaping what they sowed or are they in need of prayer – it is never our concern to try an determine if they are reaping what they sowed – but we are always called to pray for them

2 Timothy 4:17 – But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

Do you pray boldly? Not a name-it and claim-it prosperity gospel pray – but praying boldly in the spirit – parresiaomai – par hray see ad zom ahee – freedom in speaking growing in boldness and showing assurance

3. Person—vv. 21–22 – So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

We are not meant to do life alone

We are not meant to do ministry alone

We are meant for fellowship – so when the enemy or the flesh says you don’t need to go to church – you really do

Even just to be in the midst of other believers who are also full of the Holy Spirit

Paul had Silas, Barnabas, John Mark, Luke, Tychicus, Trophimus the Ephesian, Timothy, Titus, Epaphras, Aristrachus (fellow prisoner), Justus, Demas, Archippus, Aquila, Silvanus, Onesiphorus, Apollos,

He was never alone – mistered alone, taught alone

Hebrews 10:25 – Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

4. Peace—v. 23 – Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace – peace with God, peace in heart, peace with one another.

Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

2 Corinthians 13:11 – Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Philippians 4:9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Love with faith – faith works and is energized by love – faith puts love into motion

Galatians 5:6 – For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

You cannot truly walk in a deep, committed faith without love

5. Parting—v. 24 – Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Ephesians 1:7 – In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 13:14 – The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

13 verses in Ephesians revolve around and mention love – the love of God and His grace are extremely important to Paul to try and get the churches to realize –

Romans 5:8 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

With love incorruptible – aphtharsia – af thar see ah – perpetuity, purity, incorruption, incorrupt unending existence,

How do you love – is it with love incorruptible?

How are you utilizing time with other believers – who are you walking with to be a Paul to?