Ephesians # 36 Eph 6-17 thru 6-24

We going to continue on the book of Ephesians. Before we go on to any new Vs I want to go back to Ephesians 6:17, so let’s turn there.

     I. EPH 6:17

          A. The part that I wanted to look at is the last part of (EPH 6:17) which says, “And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

              1. The Word Says many things about itself. 1st and most important “GOD IS THE AUTHOR.”

                   a. 2TIM 3:16

                        i. The word “INSPIRATION” literally means “GOD-BREATHED.”

                        ii. When we read the Word of God or hear someone else teach the Word, it is God’s Word, there needs to be a REVERENCE to the Word of God and to the things of God.

                        iii. We’re not reading and hearing words of men, but it is as if God was speaking those things to you.

                   b. But on the other hand we need to realize that it is a man that is doing the preaching, and men are not perfect.

                        i. Sometimes mistakes are made, and that’s why we need to judge the things that are coming from the men, but if it is the Word of God we need to give reverence to it, it’s as though the Lord was speaking to you.

                   c. When it comes to reading God’s Word, you don’t have to worry if it’s true or not. God’s Word is always true.

                        i. Look at 2PET 1:20-21

                        ii. The NIV words it like this (2 Peter 1:20-21) “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” NIV

                        iii. God would speak to the Apostles and Prophets by the HS and they would write down what God said.

              2. The Word of God is also inerrant (free from error) and infallible. 1 of the definitions to the word “Infallible” is “Not able to mislead, deceive, or disappoint.”

                   a. The Word of God will not lead you down a wrong path.

                        i. (Psalm 19:7) Says, “The law (instruction, or direction) of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” KJV

                        ii. And (Proverbs 30:5-6) “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.  6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” KJV

                        iii. The Word of God is complete. (REV 22:18-19) gives a warning to those that might add to it or take away from it.

          B. In today’s world people are seeking truth, but they don’t know where to find it.

              1. Jesus said to the Father in (John 17:17) “Thy word is truth.” KJV

              2. The Word of God is also a “Source of Happiness.”

                   a. (Proverbs 8:34) Says, “Blessed (or happy) is the man that heareth me.” KJV

                   b. Jesus said in (Luke 11:28) “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” KJV

                        i. The only place that you’re going to find PEACE, JOY, and FULFILLMENT is in the Word of God and in His presence.

              3. Turn to 1PET 2:2

                   a. The Word of God is going to cause you to grow spiritually.

          C. The Word of God is a “Source of Power” (HEB 4:12) says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful.”

              1. It’s a “Source of Guidance” (Psalm 119:105) Says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” KJV

                   a. It’s also a place of “Comfort and Hope.”

                        i. (Romans 15:4) Says “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” KJV

              2. The Word of God also produces “FAITH.”

                   a. (Romans 10:17) Says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” KJV

                 3. Go back with me to EPH 6:17

                        a. The Word of God is also a weapon against the enemy.

   II. EPH 6:18-19

          A. When Paul says, “And for me” He’s asking people to pray for him.

                 1. WHY? “That utterance may be given unto me.”

                        a. And that is what I ask of you, that you would pray for me that UTTERANCE may be given unto me.

                        b. What do I mean by “UTTERANCE?”

                        c. That I would be able to speak forth what God has for me to say.

                               i. That could be preaching the message that God wants me to bring forth.

                               ii. It could be a prophecy, it might be a word of Knowledge or a word of Wisdom.

                 2. Pray that I will have UTTERANCE and that I will speak it forth BOLDLY.

          B. EPH 6:20

                 1. Paul says that he is an AMBASSADOR.

                        a. He is an AMBASSADOR of God.

                               i. All of us that carry the name of the Lord Jesus Christ are AMBASSADORS.

                               ii. We’re not citizens of earth, we are citizens of Heaven, that’s our home.

                               iii. We are here as AMBASSADORS of heaven with a mission, to spread the Word of God and to do the work of the ministry.

                        b. Paul says that he was “an ambassador in bonds” and that’s because he was in prison waiting to go before Caesar.

                 2. EPH 6:21-22

                        a. Tychicus is the 1 that brought this letter of Ephesians to the church of Ephesus.

                               i. Tychicus was a faithful minister in the Lord and he was going to bring COMFORT.

          C. EPH 6:23-24

                 1. Paul is ending the book of Ephesians, but he ends with an Attitude of love.

                        a. He’s not bitter about being in prison, but he is still caring for the saints.

                        b. He ministers PEACE, LOVE WITH FAITH, and GRACE (God’s blessings) to them all. AMEN So be it.

                 2. I’ll end the book of Ephesians with the words of Jesus, “IT IS FINISHED.”

WOLCC Thurs. 1/9/97