Fill You In Later Series

Background to passage:

Ephesians 6:21–24 ESV

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.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Opening illustration: Special services during the holiday season no substitute for regular gathering

Main thought: to wrap up Ephesians with a reminder of one of the core tenants of church life: concern for one another.

1) Concerned for One Another (v. 21-22)

Ephesians 6:21–22 ESV

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.

I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

1) Concerned for One Another (v. 21-22)

Explanation: Paul had just written this letter that was thick with theology and practical Christian living, but he didn’t tell anything much about how “things” were going for him. Tychicus was probably the carrier of this letter. He is mentioned in Acts, Col, 2 Tim, and Titus. Paul knew they would want to know how he was. He knew they were concerned about his welfare, and he theirs.

The church of Jesus Christ is a blood-bought, born-again, baptized body of believers. It is not a country club, not a civic organization, not a building, not a business, not a store peddling religious artifacts and advice, not a self-help center, not a place we go to, but a people called of God out of darkness to walk together in the light as one body.

Hebrews 10:34 ESV

For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

Illustration: Met with the FCA this week and did bad math calculations in front of the math teacher to estimate how many hours we spend a week in school vs. among the church

Application: Dozens of “one another”s in the NT. We are called to live lives that are intertwined with Christ and with each other. In fact, I would say that part of our union with Christ is being his bride which is not an individual achievement. We are supposed to hurt when others hurt. Rejoice with others rejoice. Article from CT about grief, dementia, and loss.

We have several new members, and several “new” people who aren’t members yet. We aren’t always the best at getting to know others even within the fellowship. For some of us it requires intentionality; we have to make ourselves do it. The oneness of the body is at stake. The calling of Christ to love one another is at stake. Wednesdays next year

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2) Blessings for One Another (v. 23-24)

Ephesians 6:23–24 ESV

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

2) Blessings for One Another (v. 23-24)

Explanation: more than wishes, not less than prayers, typical in the sense of first century Christian letter closings. Closest to a benediction, but definitely a desire of the Apostle for his fellow believers.

Argumentation:

Illustration:

Application: This lends itself to two applications: 1) always want the best for the family and pray for it. 2) work for it. Put feet on your prayers.

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Closing illustration:

Recap the book of Ephesians, short