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Studies in Ephesians 40. Paul’s Farewell Ephesians 6:20-24. Paul, an Ambassador in chains. Ambassador – used twice ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ) An official and direct representative Descriptive of apostle’s work – Matthew 16:18-19 Paul – 1 Corinthians 9:1, 15:8, 2 Corinthians 11:5, 12:11-12
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Studies in Ephesians 40 Paul’s FarewellEphesians 6:20-24
Paul, an Ambassador in chains • Ambassador – used twice (2 Corinthians 5:20) • An official and direct representative • Descriptive of apostle’s work – Matthew 16:18-19Paul – 1 Corinthians 9:1, 15:8, 2 Corinthians 11:5, 12:11-12 • Least of all saints – Eph. 3:8-9
Paul, an Ambassador in chains • In chains – Eph. 3:1, 4:1, very likely in Rome • Consider what it means to imprison an ambassador. • Paul, a prisoner because of hostility against Christ • Will we face hostility for the truth? 2 Timothy 3:12
Faithful ministers (21-22) • Tychicus – a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:72 Timothy 4:12Titus 3:12 • He is a part of Paul’s spiritual family – one upon whom he could depend to help him. Described here as a faithful servant (minister) – 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 • We know little about him and others, BUT God knows…
Faithful ministers (21-22) • He will make known Paul’s affairs and comfort your heart • Are we willing to encourage and comfort one another? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 • We need friends! We need our spiritual family! We need faithful servants who can help us and are there – Romans 12:10
Peace, love & faith (23) • Peace – our goal • Peace with God, with one another, with ourselves • 1:2 – In his greetings • 2:14-15 – Christ our peace • 2:17 – He came and preached peace to you afar off • 4:3 – endeavoring for peace • 6:15 – our armor • 6:23 – peace to the brethren
Peace, love & faith (23) • Love – that which binds us together • Found some 19 times in here • 2:4 – God’s merciful love • 3:17-19 – the love of Christ beyond comprehension, yet it roots us • 4:2 – bear with one another in… • 4:15-16 – we speak the truth and edify one another in love • 5:25-33 – Christ loves us as a husband loves his wife • 6:23-24 – Paul’s farewell (2x)
Peace, love & faith (23) • Faith – believing and trusting God. Our faith ties us together gives us reason to seek unity • Found 10 times in Ephesians • 1:1 – faithful in Christ Jesus • 1:15 – commended faith, Paul prays • 2:8 – our part in salvation • 3:12 – confident access in Him
Peace, love & faith (23) • Faith – • 4:5 – “one faith” • 4:13 – till we come to the unity of the faith • 6:16 – our shield • 6:23 – accompanying love
Final blessing (24) • Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus • Again Paul appeals to grace – our undeserved favor from God (12x in Ephesians) • 1:6-7 – forgiveness, accepted in the beloved • 2:5-8 – by grace we are saved • 3:7-8 – grace given to Paul to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ
Final blessing (24) • Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus • In conclusion, WHO will enjoy the grace of God? • Those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity • God’s grace is available to all, but not all will receive it (accept it).
Final blessing (24) • Grace with all those who love the Lord Jesus • Many profess to love Him, but their actions betray them John 14:15, 15:10, 1 John 5:2-3 • Love Him in sincerity (incorruptible) – cf. John 13:34-35
Studies in Ephesians 40 Are we living for Him in sincerity?Amen!