IN CHRIST: Walking Always

Ephesians 6:21 CSB

Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed.

INTRO—

[[VID: “So Long, Farewell” - Sound of Music; Von Trapp children]]

Ephesians 6:20 “For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.” …

As Paul brings his letter to a close, he makes two brief—and significant statements (re-statements in the latter instance) for the benefit of his recipients [original especially; and us today].

For (To) whom has this letter been written?? [“Farewell encouragement for...”]

“The brothers and sisters” (v. 23)

“Our,” “you all” (v.21-22)

“All who have UNDYING love for our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 24)

[All who have love for the Lord Jesus Christ…undying (always; immortally; incorruptibly)]

UNDYING = Incorruptibly; Always — as the picture of resurrection is raised to new, changed forever life, so also Christ followers are described as changed forever with an everlasting love for the One who died and rose again for us!!

THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS…& Beyond

Walking Always: Messenger of Encouragement [Ephesians 6.21-22]

A Trusted Ministry Companion…Tychicus

Acts 20:1–6 “After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, and after saying farewell, departed to go to Macedonia. And when he had passed through those areas and offered them many words of encouragement, he came to Greece and stayed three months. The Jews plotted against him when he was about to set sail for Syria, and so he decided to go back through Macedonia. He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas, but we sailed away from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread. In five days we reached them at Troas, where we spent seven days.” [U = v. 4; also Titus 3.12]

2 Timothy 4:9–12 “Make every effort to come to me soon, because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.” [U = v. 12]

Sent to Ephesus…& Colossae

Colossians 4:7–8 “Tychicus, our dearly loved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are and so that he may encourage your hearts.” [U = v. 7]

A Server of the Church, to Encourage

“Faithful Servant” — Pistos Diakonos!!

“Tell You all the News (about me) so that You may be Informed” — UPDATE (Personal & The Work)

“How We are and to Encourage Your Hearts” — Parakaleo (comfort; ‘call alongside,’ speak next to [you])

Which works best: encouragement from across the room…or by an hug alongside you? [Think of the surprise soldier reuniting videos we’ve all seen…; also, the reports of God’s work from around the world]

Walking Always: Message of Encouragement [Ephesians 6.23-24]

[[Reminder: “For those who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ” = Christ-Followers; Disciples; Family of God]]

Peace…& Love…& Grace!

Ephesians 1:1–2 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

CONSTANCY & CONSISTENCY!!!

PEACE — The ‘Tranquility of the Gospel’ (The Shoes!); Complete, wholeness of calmness (not necessarily absence of disturbance)

Jesus Did It: Ephesians 2:17 “He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.”

We Enthusiastically Work on It: Ephesians 4:3 “making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

LOVE (with faith) — Love for each other expressed in (as) faithfulness in relationship to the Father & the Son

How we live together through the faith, in the faith, and for the faith…greatly indicates the reality of our claim to love our Lord.

God’s Great Love: Ephesians 2:4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us,”

We Walk in Love.: Ephesians 5:2 “and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.”

GRACE — God’s provision… ‘not of yourselves’

God Saved Us: Ephesians 2:5 “made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”

How We Keep On Living: Ephesians 4:7 “Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”

[[REMINDER…is important encouragement.]]

CONCL—

SO LONG…

…not exactly our bedtime song, but…

…for now; until we meet again!

INVITATION:

Salvation

Walking With [Encouragement of Our Hearts]

Walking Always [Peace, Love, Faith, & Grace]

Ephesians 6:24 CSB

Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.