Life Is War

Paul, the prisoner in chains, humbly requests prayer from others because he wants to communicate the good news boldly and effectively. The greatest theologian-missionary of all times is asking for prayer! That should encourage you! He has the position (as do we) of being an "ambassador," a representative of Jesus; but, he knows he does not have sufficient resources to communicate the gospel effectively, so he calls on the church to pray for him. Instead of feeling self-pity or resentment, he asks for prayer for the mission!

Pray for others as they share the gospel. Why? Satan does not want us to have the right words to say or to be bold in the face of conflict. Evangelism is spiritual warfare. The culture opposes it. So we need God's power to do it faithfully. Paul experienced the Lord's presence in his own imprisonment. He writes,

Final Remarks

Ephesians 6:21-24

After speaking of his need for God's power to speak the word and of his imprisonment, Paul closes with a reminder about his particular situation. Here we see that Paul was not just a theologian-missionary-church planter. He was a lover of people. In his letters he thanks people.

Tychicus is one of the brothers that made up the family of God. He served with Paul for some time (Acts 20:4; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12;185 Titus 3:12). Tychicus may have delivered the letter to Ephesus (as well as the letter to the Colossians). Can you imagine that task?

Paul sends him to "encourage your hearts" (v. 22). What a great ministry! In many ways Tychicus does what every missionary-preacher-evangelist does. He spreads the Word and encourages the saints.

In the benediction (vv. 23-24) Paul concludes by using the words with which he began his letter: peace and grace (cf. 1:2). He also mentions faith and love. It is appropriate to mention love three times in a letter that emphasizes the unfathomable love of God. This love, faith, grace, and peace all flow from God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But notice that Paul adds something here that he has not mentioned in regard to love explicitly (though it has been implied), namely, their love for Christ. He closes with a statement about their personal relationship with Christ. Paul has told them of God's great love, but now I must ask, Do you love Christ? Do you love Him? Are you a Christian? Have you turned from sin and placed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you love Him with an "undying love" that will go on into eternity?

What a great question to end such a letter. Let us love Jesus! Soon we will see Him, and then we will put our weapons down. Then we will not regret having put all our trust in His perfect work, and we will not regret having been faithful soldiers engaged in His mission.

Reflect and Discuss

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