Ephesians 6:21-24, Good Old Tychicus

²¹ 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. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

²³ Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

(Verses 21-24)

There is much here, and a lot can be seen that communicates Paul’s heart. He’s laid out a ton of theology, and now Paul ends his ‘beefy’ letter with this final benediction or blessing. These final verses are not doctrine so much as they are God’s window into the apostle’s heart.

You are Ephesus. The letter is written to you just as much as that church, and reading (and rereading) we really need to see ourselves as Ephesus (albeit 2000 years removed). The letter belongs to you as much as it belonged to the churches in Asia Minor. You really need to realize this as it changes it from history to personal accountability.

Ephesians is your personal letter from ‘home.’

Please see this as it alters the entire book. It is yours and shouldn’t ever be regulated as fine ideas or sterile theology. This letter belongs to you personally. So dear one, make it yours, for you are God’s target, and as a believer, you are loved!

Tychicus has been chosen to carry this letter to the Ephesians, which will be sent to all the churches in Asia Minor. I’m pretty sure copies will be made, and the original will stay with the bishop of Ephesus. The journey though will be a long one, and the messenger must travel from Rome to Ephesus which only the brave would do. It could be difficult.

“Travelers journeyed in convoy, sometimes hiring soldiers to protect them from robbers who preyed on the unsuspecting. Roman roads made things somewhat easier but still, walking, perhaps hiring a donkey or paying for passage on a merchant’s ship… Travel was for the brave and the strong.”

(https://cloudofwitnesses.org.uk/studies/tychicus)

Tychicus is mentioned 6x in the NT. He was a ‘gospel-veteran’ who ministered with Paul in various places in the Roman empire. Incidentally, it appears he had a good relationship with Timothy who was a new pastor of the church in Ephesus. Tychicus was someone whom Paul trusted implicitly. He was carrying Paul’s heart.

Tychicus was loyal, brave, and completely reliable. I think Paul had confidence that he would do everything necessary to make sure this letter would get through. We find that he was able to do this (thank God). We owe a spiritual debt to this man.

We can skim through this passage and never really see Tychicus at all.

Tychicus seems to have no real preaching ability, but he is called “beloved” and “faithful” in verse 21. In verse 22 he is called a “brother” and a “minister.” That word for minister is διάκονος, deacon and it means “a servant of a king” or a “waiter of tables.” I believe that reveals someone who is a minister to the needy (which is no small thing).

Paul closes his letter with a benediction.

In verses 23-24, we see the blessing is given to the church. He pronounces “peace,” “love,” and “faith.” He speaks out of God’s heart to the Ephesians, and as a leader, he is conveying God’s own blessing. A proper benediction always originates from Him and is hardly just a nice word. It is a powerful thing.

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

(verse 24)

Ephesians 6:18-20, Pray Hard

“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 

¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Eph. 6:18-20, ESV

I am convinced that our most challenging work is learning to pray. Whenever we experience revival, whenever we rediscover our true calling and purpose for living, we do so by prayer. Prayer isn’t the way to get things, it’s how we change.

Prayer is the way we become like Jesus.

Satan’s primary focus is to destroy our prayer lives, he works to eliminate our communion with our Father. He detests that, and he and his demons (and the world system) work overtime to tear down our walk. The enemy concentrates everything on our prayer life.

This passage (v.v. 18-20) emphasizes several truths about prayer. If you take apart these you’ll discover how to shape and direct your ‘time on your knees.’ Notice the following.

There are four “alls” in verse 18!

• All times
• All prayer
• All perseverance
• All the saints

If we go further we see that the word “all” in Greek, (although it’s a simple adjective), gets used 1245 times in the Bible. It can mean:

• all manner of
• the whole or entirety
• everything, or the totality of
• completely

With this in mind we see that Paul stresses the complete effort of prayer and its focus. All the time, every kind, no matter what and for your brother and sisters in Christ. It’s work, spiritual work. It seems that once we put the armor on (verses 10-17) we can stand in God’s own strength.

It’s not enough to wear your armor.

If we’re clothed it’s for the purpose of prayer. Yes we must dress for war and protection, but its ultimate purpose is prayer and intercession. Don’t just wear it but pray out of it. It’ll be work, but you must do this. You must strive in prayer, so much is counting on you.

You can make a difference.

The Church is counting on you. “Paul” (all pastors, teachers, leaders) absolutely need your prayer. We need boldness, we need grace and love, and only God can give it if you’ll only intercede for us.

God will do nothing unless you start to pray. He’s waiting for you to ask. He wants you to intercede for others.

It will not be easy. The enemy wants to suppress your prayer life. He absolutely hates it. Satan wants to see us passive and dull and you cannot let him do this. You have a very critical part and place in God’s kingdom. Perhaps others are waiting for you, and perhaps you’re the only one who can step in the gap for them.

You’ve been given a part of God’s field to care for, you have your own sphere of influence. No one else has it, but you.

There many different ways to pray:

• On your knees
• walking
• standing or sitting
• vocally, or in your thoughts
• with others, a group
• using a prayer list
• “arrow” prayers (shot up with 1-2 sentences)
• using the Psalms or reading the many prayers in the Bible

(I know there are many more, but these are what comes to mind right now.)

There’s a “school” of prayer and the Holy Spirit intends to teach you.

Don’t play hooky. You will make mistakes or lose focus. The Spirit will teach you stanima. You might pray for one or two minutes at first, but it’ll grow and you’ll learn endurance. Remember though–you’re most like Jesus when you start to intercede for others.

Maybe your sanctification comes when you pray?

“You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think.”

-Brother Lawrence

Ephesians 5:31-33, To Love His Wife as Himself

 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³ However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Ephesians 5:31-33

There are a dozen great thoughts (or more) found in this passage. It’s a gold mine. We must look for the sparkle. It’s there believe me. This passage is meant to enrich and strengthen, never to degrade or dominate.

A man leaves his relationship with his mom and dad and joins a “one-flesh” bond with his wife. One flesh is a precious gift of God. It speaks of something quite extraordinary, however, the man might resent this, but it’s stone-cold reality.

I have to believe that this is something that can grow if nurtured. One flesh develops over time; acknowledging this work of God will bring us joy and understanding. Marriage can be an incredible blessing to both husband and wife, and the circumstances (and trials) that come only knit the two together. They are intended to face life with all its ups and downs together as one. (See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.)

“This mystery is profound.”

It’s a divine curiosity. “Mystery” in the original Greek means “a secret, something confided only to the initiated.” The one-flesh reality is God’s hidden whisper to a husband and wife, and a clear testimony to a watching world. A husband and wife will understand more and more as their life together unfolds.

Trials and joys will come. But the Father’s intention is to make two into one.

The real mystery is a powerful explanation of Christ with His church. Marriage is a shadow of something much bigger.

The Lord Jesus is united to His people just like the one-flesh of a husband and a wife.

“Let each one of you love his wife as himself.”

This is the solid scriptural direction of developing the “one flesh” relationship. And the way this passage develops seems to suggest that it’s the husband’s responsibility to make it work. He’s the key to this. When he fails to love he fails to display God’s purpose for his marriage. That is tragic.

“Let each of you” includes everyone. Some are strong-willed, stubborn and hard, and others are obliviously ignorant and unaware. But all are called to honor and obey what God is doing in our marriage. “One flesh” will take extensive work, but all the effort expended is His will for both. There is much to learn here. We really must remember that our discipleship includes our marriage, (maybe 90% of it).

Our vows on our wedding day are meant to hold us permanently in place. We’ve made a covenant before God and those who witness our words. These vows knit us into a joyful commitment to each other that endures the challenges of life. This proves a one-flesh marriage.

“Let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

The word “respect” here is also used to describe the relationship that the disciples had with Jesus. There was a reverence and a deep understanding of the teacher/student relationship. The word here can mean fear as well, and perhaps that is a part of it. But in the presence of true love, it’s not a burden.

“I’m one with my wife, and I must think and act that way,” and a wife thinking, “My husband is the head of our oneness, and I need to respect and defer to him as the head,” then you will have a healthy, Biblical marriage.“

-David Guzik

I like the phrase, “My husband is the head of our oneness,” because it really does clarify the marriage of two believers.

Ephesians 5:21-24, Submission: A Very Radical Idea

²¹ And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

²² For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. ²³ For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. ²⁴ As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5:21-24, NLT

Jesus shows us how to submit. For some the “s-word” grates. We can’t stomach it–it seems screwy and even degrading. Why? (And the Gospel was fantastic up to now!)

A couple of things that I’ve learned (or at least I think I’ve learned.) 🙂

• You shouldn’t separate submission from humility and gentleness.
• You must have humility (and real love) to make submission work biblically.
• If you choose to not do this you end up with something twisted and wrong.
• No one should dominate another, including the Church’s leadership.

Verse 21 should be written in “neon lights.” It must penetrate our hearts before we can even think about verses 22-24. This really is the core thought. We must submit to each other if we genuinely revere Jesus. This honestly isn’t an option and is rarely fully practiced. I doubt “marriage” submission can exist without “church” submission. They complement each other and should function together.

The word “submit” literally means “to arrange under, to submit to another’s control, to subordinate.”

Now the bugaboo. We see “marriage” submission, verses 22-24 and we should realize that this is God’s word (and Spirit). “For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” Notice it says, “to the Lord.” The wife renders this to Jesus and by doing this honors Him directly. Doing this alters the concept of a wife’s submission to her husband.

You must remember that this is all God’s idea.

There’s a loving arrangement in this passage.

1. Jesus Christ, the head and leader of the Church.
2. A husband carries the authority in marriage.
3. A wife who understands that authority.

“”In everything” is often misunderstood. There are some who think that this amounts to mastery or domination. That’s hardly the case in a God-honoring marriage. There’s an incredible difference. Nothing should violate any obedience to God’s Word, or erode our “first love” toward Jesus. (Revelation 2:4).

Husbands need grace. Wives need grace. Being a servant to each other diffuses any conflict that may come and submission should bring joy.

As I read this passage I’m struck by the need for prayer. The husband desperately needs it and the wife could also use a dose or two herself.

“Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love.”

    Billy Graham

Ephesians 5:15-20, Making Music

Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. ¹⁷ Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 

¹⁸ Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, ¹⁹ singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. ²⁰ And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-20, NLT

Verses 15-17 pretty much deal with a ‘cautious’ life that is under God’s special attention. These contain an awareness that the Father intends for each of us. Every believer chooses to be wise–and thoughtful. These three verses reveal that much of the Christian life is derived from this understanding.

I love God’s grace. Salvation is by that alone.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

I once saw a cat walking on top of a fence. His was a careful and thoughtful walk.

It seems that there was a barking dog who wanted this cat for breakfast and he watched every move that he made. One little slip and it would be all over. But that tomcat just walked, balanced on just top of the fence, one paw in front of the other. One misstep would plunge him to a waiting mouth.

To follow Jesus requires walking a tightrope.

Verses 18-20 drive home true praise and worship under the wonderful guidance of the Holy Spirit. We’re to be filled and directed, not with booze, but with God’s presence.

Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves.

So much of a circumspect walk demands praise and worship. And so often that is the missing piece of our discipleship. We honestly don’t realize this, and we rarely put it into practice. We have this (very) wrong idea that it’s optional, or superfluous.

Making music to the Lord in your hearts.

Making music. To the Lord. In your hearts. Which phrase is most important I wonder? Of the three the second one is clearly critical, and the third is right up there. But I would suggest each is pretty significant. (So, what instrument do you play?)

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Being thankful is probably the most difficult. Paul saves it for last in this list, most likely because it’s the hardest. If you think about it you may understand its challenges. To say “thank you” for everything is the backbone of the disciple’s walk. To thank Him for everything (all of it) is the hardest thing a believer must do.

Ephesians 5:10-14, Carry the Light

¹⁰ Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³ disclosure

“Awake, O sleeper,
    rise up from the dead,
    and Christ will give you light.”

Eph. 5:10-14, NLT

This passage explains two things: the darkness of an unbeliever and the light of the Lord. You and I once walked in the darkest darkness. Nightime was our home, it was what we chose. Looking in the rearview in verse 8, we finally understood.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” 

As believers we now understand that we’ve been fundamentally changed, the black darkness was drained from us (we were full of the night). Instead, now, the light has been infused in us and it has now altered everything. The deathly poison has been stopped.

^10 “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”

We must be careful. We must figure out what pleases our Father, that is critical. His pleasure is paramount.

We must renounce everything dark. Instead, we’re called to “expose them.” I suggest that this isn’t some militant stand that drives us to actively confront the evil inside of a “worlding.” It seems to me it’s more of an understanding of darkness that resides in those who continue sinning, repeatedly over the Father’s mercy.

We are a people infused with light.

Everything is different now. We’ve exposed the night, and our passion is to please Him alone. Our lives now are radically different, as those who have touched the Holy One. Moses once connected with His glory, but now we have connected with Him in a new way. We now carry His light.

.

“It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. ¹³ But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them.”

The word “shameful” in the original Greek means “filthiness.” These sins are secret ones, a deep dark wickedness that’s hidden from others. But verse 13 talks about a complete disclosure–a clear revelation of their sin. It seems we must rest in the fact that all will be revealed when God determines all will be known and seen for what it is.

“Awake, O sleeper,
    rise up from the dead,
    and Christ will give you light.”

The resurrection of Jesus woke us up. We “slept” for the longest time but now we’re aware or awake. He’s shined the light on us and we now understand. This verse is written in the form of a poem, perhaps used as a “hymn” for the early Church. The idea here is to be “awake” (or “aroused” from a deep sleep).

“The dead” pretty much describes the radical change of someone whose a sinning corpse into a believer who now has the light. A spiritual revolution–a radical change in our very being. We are incredibly different now.

His light has made us new.

Ephesians 5:6-9, All Aboard!

⁶ “Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. ⁷ Don’t participate in the things these people do.”

⁸ “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! ⁹ For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.“

Eph. 5:6-9, NLT

I can see two major hubs–one going away and one moving toward God. Think of a train station with two separate tracks with trains going in opposite directions. One goes east and the other goes west.

Verses 6-7 warn us that the train going one way will definitely destroy those traveling that way–a derailment or a bridge collapse maybe. But something will happen. However, the one that’s traveling to the light will doubtless find it. When we see it that way a decision to board is easy.

“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 

Fooled has the idea of being tricked into the deception or delusion of another. There are some who will argue, persuasively attempting to draw you in. “Sin? I’m different.” No matter how reasonable they sound, something isn’t quite right (you feel it).

“The anger of God.” Is that doctrine even acceptable anymore?

“Don’t participate in the things these people do.”

The idea behind “participate” is rather chilling. It’s a compound made up of two words: union and companionship, and to become one.

The word “participate” was a word used to become a guest at a special feast.

We’re expressly told not to do this.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord.“

There’s quite a contrast here:

• darkness and light
• once and now
• full and have

“So live as people of light! ⁹ For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.“

According to verse 9, God’s light inside you is quite productive. The English Standard Version is very helpful here–“for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

We’re now people of light! God has poured Himself into each believer.

“The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side.“

    G.K. Chesterton

Ephesians 5:1-2, To Mimic Jesus

5 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

Eph. 5:1-2, NLT

The original Greek for “imitate” is μιμητής, the core word “mime.” The opening concept here is to become a mime of God, which is a bit daunting. A more casual idea is to become a copycat, someone who duplicates the things known and seen by another.

We are His children, and we carry a heavenly heredity that identifies us as God’s own. As the Father’s own, living by faith, means you have taken a spiritual “DNA test” which unequivocally declares this truth. No one can take it away, it’s real. It is a documented fact.

The calling of a disciple, or “mimicry” can be seen throughout the New Testament. You and I are called to imitate our leaders, watching and discerning their faithful walk. Perhaps that’s why so much is placed on their lifestyles.

“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1

This is the apostle Paul’s concentrated message–it’s the boiled-down essence of his message to the Church. It’s what he desires most to see in a human being called to Christ and following our leaders.

We need to know what “imitating Christ” really means–to follow Him in the world in obedience. To follow His example, to mimic Jesus, and to do what He did.

“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

“He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (verse 2)

Jesus was your sacrifice, a lamb given for sin, iniquity, perversion, and sickness. What He did was more acceptable than we realize. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:2:

“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.
Tell her that her sad days are gone
    and her sins are pardoned.
Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over
    for all her sins.”

Ephesians 4:30-32, How to Bring Joy to God

“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”

³¹ “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:30-32, NLT

Sometimes we understand God’s gift of joy to us, it seems wonderful and truly remarkable. We realize that our lives would be quite hollow without it. But have we ever stopped to consider that we have the ability to give Him grief or joy? Is that really possible?

I believe we can bring Him a bouquet of flowers by just obeying!

I believe that the combination of obedience and worship absolutely thrills Him. This passage points out that when our faithfulness to His Spirit gets combined with our praise it’s a very powerful combination. I’ve used epoxy which activates when two different compounds are combined to make a weld that’s stronger than steel. It’s a powerful metaphor for what is happening here.

This passage focuses on our obedience.

Verse 30 explains what happens when we obey (and when we won’t). The Holy Spirit goes into mourning when we make our wrong decisions. Our choices, our way of living, determine His sadness (!) or His happiness. That fact should inform and direct us.

We’re now clearly marked people, given a written guarantee by all who understand these things, resulting in definite salvation.

But we must respond properly. We’re called to bail out on these sins that grieve. We can’t continue to be morally and spiritually ugly to Him. and to others.

The list in verse 31 should “nail us to the wall.” We realize we can’t continue to sin this way anymore.

At least if we don’t want to see His tears.

What’s now open to us is this–kindness, a tender heart, and forgiveness. The forgiveness angle is one that has a special depth. It’s forgiveness that plunges us into all that we’ve been given ourselves. He’s poured out all the wrath on Jesus, enabling us to scramble free from the terrible punishment of our sins. We’re fully forgiven because He has absorbed our penalty.

We’re called to be gracious and loving.

The idea of “get rid” makes these truths possible. A full pail can never receive another drop, and we can’t be filled unless the old one is dumped out. We can only receive it if we’re ready. But that decision is ours to make. (Choose wisely.)

This passage clearly reveals the outrageous grace of God that is focused on us.

If our disobedience in this matter results in grief, then our obedience must bring Him joy. It seems we now have the freedom to walk Godly and to see a delivery of a fresh bouquet of flowers into His throne room. But it’s our choice and our decision. (It seems to make sense to me anyway.)

“Forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:25-29, Making Room for the Devil

²⁵ “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.“

²⁸ “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Paul now takes his good theology (chapters 1-4:24) and gets very practical. It’s not enough to think but we must do it. These five verses tell us that our behavior is just as significant as having good theology. He covers many different areas, and we continually need to stay alert.

Check out this list:

• Lying
• Anger
• Stealing
• Swearing, foul talk

“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.“

The word used for “lies” here is pseudos. It’s where we get the idea of an intentional falsehood, something fake, pretended or a sham. As believers that’s forbidden, when we do so we deny our “one-ness” with each other.

God is always true, a lie has never crossed His lips. To be Christ-like then means that we are people who will always speak the truth as well.

“But let us speak the truth in love.”

Eph 4:15

Love here in the original Greek is agape–God’s own love which is absolute love. It’s a love that doesn’t have limits, it just gives and gives without any kind of a limit. The Father calls us to “talk” this way with others. (Can you imagine what would happen if we started doing this?)

Our lies will always separate and divide. God calls us to use agape love in our connection with others.

“for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

To “give” means to furnish, supply or commit. I suppose the idea means to hand something over to Satan for his use. We do this sometimes, but here that driving force is anger.

“No matter how just your words may be, you ruin everything when you speak with anger.”

    John Chrysostom

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

The first sentence is pretty much clear.

The second sentence means we’re always aware of edifying (building up) others. What we say has incredible power, we strengthen or weaken by what we say to another. The word for encourage is where we get the word “edifice” from. It can mean to construct or assemble.

I suppose that takes thoughtful effort.

What we say matters. Angry, or frustrated and we allow the devil to slam others. It seems even words that are not planned, and not really focused become a bit dangerous. Plain old casual talk can serve a purpose, but there is something better. According to this passage, we can speak to another “deliberately” and pre-planned.