Ephesians 6:18-20

Ephesians 6:18–24 (NASB95)

18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 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.

Q: How do we prepare in response to warning. Rain, blizzard, burglar.

Notice at what point you ask for help.

What’s the warning that Paul provides from our context?

Context:

Ephesians 6:11 NASB95

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

There is an enemy that is scheming against us!

How then do we respond? What are the commands and verbs in our text today and our context?

Be equipped (“be strong”, “put on”, “take up” “taking up” “take”)

Take action: Standing Firm and Resisting (“pray, make everything known, he may comfort)

Three Essentials to warfare

Provision

Communication

Cohesion

Pray for the saints

8 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 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.

Q: What is Paul’s primary concern that he would have the church pray for?

Pray for the preservation of the saints!

Pray the armor for the members at Two Rivers. The armor is fully equipped when a church is fully equipped with the gospel.

Pray for the proclamation of the gospel!

Our primary means of offense and taking ground in this spiritual battle is the proclamation of the gospel.

Paul’s condition: (chains) Paul is not concerned with his freedom in the body as much as he is concerned with the proclamation of the gospel.

Know the saints

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.

Comfort the saints

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.

The provider: All blessing in grace, peace, love and faith is from God and for those who love Him.

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.

The work of the Trinity in the preservation and proclamation of the gospel in the church.

We pray in the Spirit.

We proclaim Christ.

And provision comes from the Father and the Son.