GREETING FROM PAUL
This is one of Pauls greetings to the believers where Paul started churches.
But it could very well have been speaking to the many believers through out the
years.
This will be the last lesson in Ephesians and then we will study the book of
Romans.
Ephesians 6:21 says; But that you also may know my affairs and how I am
doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make
all things know to you
Paul is writing to the churches to show his appreciation for their ministries.
We also should appreciate the ministries of our brothers and sisters are working
in.
Paul not only apprecated what they were doing but also encouraged them to keep
moving forward an growing in the Lord.
Acts 20:4 says; And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia-also
Aristorchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaieis of Derbe and
Timothy and Tychicus and Trophemirs of Asia
This verse shows me that in the early church the disciples were there for each
other.
They encouraged one another when they were being persecuted.
When Paul was in prison the other disciples would go to the churches for Paul.
I know some would say what has this got to do with us?
Why aren't we doing anything for our brothers and sisters who have ministries?
I have 2 sisters in the Lord that continue to encourage me.
Sonja helps me with problems with the computer.
But she also encourages me with my writing.
Candace, my pastor at our home church, also encourages me.
She sees the way I am growing in Christ and encourages me to keep going
forward.
We all have times when we question whether we are making any progress in our
growth in the Lord.
That is when we should be there for each other.
Like they did in the early church.
This is why I think that this lesson is important to the church today.
Lets get back to the old ways and help each other.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 says; Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and
stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that
one be found faithful.
This verse is one that all Christians should apply to their lives.
Servant means: 1. One that serves others
2.
One that performs duties about the person or home of a
master or personal employer.
Steward means: One appointed to supervise the previsions and distribution of it.
To be a servant of Christ, first we have to be in His will.
Then we must do whatever He tells us to do.
Whether it is witnessing, preaching, writing, and so on.
We must be obediant and do things His way not our way.
We have to die to self.
Paul was an obediant servant even when he was in chains in prison.
Are you willing to do as Paul did and be a servant of Christ no matter what was
going on around you?
We all need to get to that point when we would say yes even when our flesh was
screaming no.
Being a steward for the mysteries of God is indeed very important.
For it is the mysteries of God that will lead the lost souls into the light.
The mysteries of God must be spread world wide.
In order to do that you must have Gods word in your heart.
It is not enough to just read the word of God once, but many times so the word
goes from your mind to your heart.
All of the mysteries are found in the Word of God.
What is in your heart is the way you will live.
Ephesians 6:22 says; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you
may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts.
Paul was concerned that the churches would become discouraged because he
was not able to go to them.
Paul was concerned that because he was not able to be there so he sent other
disciples to them to encourage them to keep moving forward in the Lord.
This letter unkike the others were meant for all the churches.
This letter doesn't conclude with a personal greeting to any one church.
Colossians 4:7-8 says; Tychicus a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow
servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to
you for this purpose, that he know your circumstances and comfort your
hearts.
Paul and Tychicus were very close friends.
Paul and Tychicus had gone on many missionary walks together.
Paul knew that he would encourage them to continue their walk in Christ.
He answered questions about Paul so they wouldn't have heavy hearts about all
that was happening with Paul.
Paul had a close relationship with all the churches and wanted them to keep
moving forward and growing in the Lord.
Paul wanted them to depend on God not him.
Ephesians 6:23 says; Peace to the brethren, and love with faith from God the
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul is wishing them peace even though he couldn't be with them.
When he says love with faith it means he loved them and that he had faith that
they would continue to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Also that he wishes them love with faith from God the Father and Jesus Christ
our Lord and Savior.
Ephesians 6:24 says; Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in
sincerity. AMEN
Paul us talking about the grace of God be with all whos hearts are filled with love
for the Lord Jesus Christ.
All those who want to live in the Lords ways and want to grow in the Lord.
Those who want everything they would do to glorify the Lord.
All those who truly seek the Lords will for their lives.
All who would die to self and be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The scriptures I used in this lesson are: Ephesians 6:21-24, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2,
Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7-8, 2 Corinthians 1:6, Romans all of 16.
My prayer is that who ever reads this lesson, the Lord gave me, will receive this
like your received it from Paul himself. That you will read all of these scrip-
tures and more. That you will get the Word of God in your hearts and become
one of the Lords servants. To be a good steward and witness to many about
the mystries of God. That you would be encouraged to seek all things that
the Lored has in mind for your lives. That you will draw closer to the Lord and
walk in His ways. That you will apply this lesson to be part of your ministry.
God bless you and your family, may the Lord keep you close to Him.
PRAISE GOD OUR FATHER, JESUS OUR SAVIOR, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
THAT LIVES WITHIN ALL CHRISTIANS.
