Series: Action [#187]
A CHRISTIAN’S CHECKBOOK- COMMUNICATION
Ephesians 6:18-24
Introduction:
This morning, we are going to conclude our study in Ephesians. We have been studying that Christians are rich in Jesus Christ and that we are blessed to be Children of God. We can communicate with God anytime we choose. Last Sunday we studied the Armor of God. Although prayer is not listed as a part of the Armor of God; Paul immediately begins to write about prayer after the Armor. Paul finishes this letter with 3 vital things that Christians must do.
Ephesians 6:18
Christians must…
1. Pray.
Prayer is 2 way communication between you and God. Not only do you speak to God; but He will also answer and speak to you. God answers your prayers in several ways.
God answers through…
* The Bible.
* Prayer.
* Other Christians.
* Circumstances.
* Dreams and visions.
Paul tells us that we must pray in the Spirit. He then gives us the 4 all’s of prayer.
Pray…
* On all occasions.
That means pray all of the time. Pray without ceasing.
Pray…
* With all kinds of prayers and requests.
God is telling us to not just pray for yourself and your family. We are to pray for all things and not be afraid to make requests of God. Remember, you have not because you ask not.
Pray…
* Always.
You may be thinking, “You already said that”; but he is telling you to persevere. Just because God doesn’t immediately answer your prayers is not a reason to give up. Christian be alert and keep praying.
Pray…
* For all the Saints.
Please remember that all Christians are Saints. This means that we should pray for all Christians, (even the ones you do not like or get along with).
Ephesians 6:19-20
Christians must…
2. Proclaim.
I was going to use the word preach; but as soon as I did, you would think that you were not included. We must remember that Paul was in prison. His prayer was not that God would get him out of prison; but that God would give him the right words to say about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The mystery of the Gospel is that all people- Male, female, Jew, or Gentile can be saved; and that we are all part of the Body of Christ.
Christians, we must not be afraid to tell others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus, and only Jesus that we can be saved. We must be willing to share the Gospel fearlessly.
Ephesians 6:21-24
Christians must…
3. Care.
God has a way of putting us into certain situations so that we can accomplish His plan. Paul had been going from place to place starting Churches. He was hands on until he was chained up in prison. So, this active missionary was now locked up and had to write letters to these new Churches.
In order to get these letters to them, Paul needed someone to deliver them. Tychicus not only delivered this letter to the Ephesians; but also ministered to them and let them know how Paul was doing. You will only see Tychicus’ name a few times in the Bible; but his ministry was very important. Tychicus’ job was to encourage them, bring peace to them, and love them.
Conclusion:
Without prayer, Christians are in danger. I believe that lack of prayer is the greatest downfall of most Churches in our country. If we want to see real change in people’s lives, we must pray.
