How Are You Doing?
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
What is the most common way that you keep in touch with people?
Today, we probably are more quick to jump on social media to see what someone is up to and we can usually see how their doing by taking a quick peek at their social media pages.
We can also call or text them to find out how they are doing.
We have an incredible number of ways to communicate almost instantly with people and yet we find that we are in one of the most isolating times in history.
The younger generation are growing up anxious and disconnected, while having a phone in their hand and a computer in their bag.
What this can also do is cause us to be self- focused and stressed and think that we have to walk this road of life alone.
Paul has some encouraging words for us tonight as we look at what he had to say to the Ephesians, so let’s turn to Ephesians 6 as we finish up the Book tonight.
21 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.
22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
1. Keep Up With One Another’s Wellbeing (v.21)
1. Keep Up With One Another’s Wellbeing (v.21)
21 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.
Paul had just previously asked for prayer
Paul gives a ministry update (even though it is from jail)
Real gospel partnerships have a concern for one another
Paul was obviously limited in what he could include in a letter since paper was expensive and space was limited
Who is Tychicus?
A friend - “beloved brother” - 2 Tim. 4:12
A traveling companion and courier for Paul - he brought the letter of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians to the church there
Have you ever forgotten something important that you couldn’t find like a wallet or a your car keys?
We can freak out over losing them, but what if you are carrying 3 of the letters of Paul that would become some of the most important Books of the Bible? Could you imagine that pressure? (Of course Tychicus wouldn’t have known they would become Scripture)
A minister and preacher - he was sent to relieve Timothy in Ephesus so he could come to Paul and visit
An encourager (v.22)
2. Faithfully Minister to One Another’s Needs (v.21b)
2. Faithfully Minister to One Another’s Needs (v.21b)
21 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.
He was “faithful”
Paul sent someone he could trust to both take this letter (and the others to Philippi and Colossae)
He also wanted someone who would share the truth of His condition
He was a “minister”
Paul sent him to care for the needs of the church on Paul’s behalf
Application
In like measure we need to be faithful and trustworthy.
Do you have a friend like that? Are you a friend like that?
We also need to be concerned with one another and minister to the needs of each other.
Do you concern yourself with others and go out of your way to meet their needs.
3. Encourage One Another’s Hearts (v.22)
3. Encourage One Another’s Hearts (v.22)
22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
He kept them informed
He encouraged them pastorally
Conclusion
Paul concludes with a benediction and closing wishing them peace, love, and faith.
He prays that their devotion to God would be incorruptible
Stay the course
Don’t lose hope
Keep encouraging one another
