Monthly Archives: October 2024

Bible, Grace, Incorruptible, Love, Scripture

GRACE BE WITH ALL

EPHESIANS 6:24

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

Today we don’t use the same greetings and farewells that were used in biblical times. For instance, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:12 to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Just try that today here in Tennessee. You would probably get slapped, punches or sued. Culture determines certain behaviors.

Paul uses these words in a lot of his letters. Yesterday, we saw him mention peace and love. In today’s verse, it’s all about grace. What did Paul mean when he said, “Grace be with all…”? Well, grace means getting what you don’t deserve. Paul knew these Ephesians. He had spent a considerable amount of time with them. He wanted to remind them as he signed off this letter that nothing is more important than the grace of God and they can show that by loving their Lord Jesus with all their heart.

APPLICATION

Paul wishes grace on us all if… There’s a condition here. Did you catch that? He said, “with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” How do you love someone without corruption? Well, the key is in the Greek word used here for “incorruptible.” It means “lacking the very capacity to decay or constitutionally break down.” (HELPS Word studies)

That word is used in 1 Corinthians 15:42 to describe our heavenly bodies. “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body;” We are to love our Lord with a love that will never break down. That will never perish. How is that possible? Because when we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord and live according to His will, His love fills us to overflowing. It is His love reflected back to Him, whom we know is definitely incorruptible.

Let’s ask the hard question. Do you love others that way? Well, now Carl, you are just meddling. Maybe I am. But I want to encourage you to love others, especially those closest to you with this incorruptible love. After all, He gives you His love to share with others. You are just the vessel He uses to express Himself. So, love like Jesus. Give grace like Jesus.

Oh, Father, thank You for giving Paul these words in this letter to encourage me to give grace and love others

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Bible, Jesus, Love, Peace, Scripture

PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL

EPHESIANS 6:23

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

What an appropriate verse for this week! As we are in the midst of our Presidential Election here in the U.S., we are in dire need of peace and love. Each side is at war with the other, mainly through words. There is an obvious disdain for each other. Without commenting on the rights and wrongs of each candidate, I am praying for peace and love. There are some in our country who will not receive the results of the election well. Peace and love will be the last things on their minds. But we are commanded as believers to be peace makers and lovers of mankind.

Paul is ending his letter to the Ephesians in today and tomorrow’s verses. Today, we are focused on peace and love. Tomorrow it will be grace. Peace, love and grace – main columns of Christian growth. Keep in mind, Paul is signing off this long letter which would be read to the congregation. This isn’t an email that everyone would have received. One copy was delivered to the church and read aloud. He wanted to leave them with these thoughts – peace, love and grace. What a fitting close.

APPLICATION

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” If Jesus gives us peace, shouldn’t we be practicing peace? It’s not the peace the world speaks about. It’s not the absence of war and conflict. It’s the peace that comes from God the Father. We are told to be at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

And we are to love each other. That’s taught throughout Scripture. 1 John is full of God’s love. Look at 1 John 4:7. “Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” I need to show God’s love to everyone I come into contact with – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, whatever.

So, in this day and age when peace and love seem to be relevant only if people agree with each other, let’s strive to show the world a different way. Let us be at peace and show love to everyone. This is done with actions, not just words. Today, be peaceable. Today, be loving. Show the world what it means to be like Jesus.

Lord, I cannot be at peace and love others outside of You. Be that peace and love through me today.

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Bible, Comfort, Love, Peace, Scripture

THE COMFORTER

EPHESIANS 6:22

“I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.”

Some people just have the ability to comfort others. Their very presence in the room makes you feel better. One of my favorite childhood memories was my mom warming our flannel pajamas on top of our big kerosene heater in the hall. We would jump out of the tub, dry off and put on those warm pj’s. Awww, Comfort!

In today’s verse, Paul is still discussing Tychicus (whom we talked about yesterday). Now, we were told in verse 21 and in today’s verse that Tychicus was bringing news about Paul, who was under house arrest in Rome, so the churches would know how he was doing. But then Paul goes further and says Tychicus “may comfort your hearts.” You have to really trust someone to give them that task. Tychicus wasn’t just delivering a message. He was coming to love on the people and reassure them about Paul.

APPLICATION

Are you a comforter?  I don’t mean that thing you put on your bed, lol. I mean are someone people would look to for comfort. The Greek word used in today’s verse is parakaleó, which means to “‘make a call’ from being ‘close-up and personal’ and refers to believers offering up evidence that stands up in God’s court.” Tychicus was bringing words of encouragement to the church at Ephesus. Everything’s going to be okay.

One of my favorite passages on God’s comfort is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.”

God’s comfort is our comfort so we can comfort others. In the midst of our trials, God gives us comfort, He “calls us alongside” Himself. Then we can know and experience it for the sake of others. Just as you would not hog the comforter on your bed, you should not hold back the comfort God has given you. Instead, share it with others. Be a Tychicus today.

Thank You, Father, for Your comfort which You bestow on us.

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Bible, Faithfulness, Scripture, Servant

A FAITHFUL SERVANT

EPHESIANS 6:21

“Now, so that you also may know about my circumstances as to what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make everything known to you.”

Have you ever had a truly, trustworthy friend? I mean, you could call them day or night knowing they would drop everything and come to your aid. I have had a few friends like that through the years, but because we have moved several times in our ministry, those friends changed. I am new to Knoxville, but I have already made friends with a few men who I believe could be my “Tychicus” if I had a need.

Just who was this Tychicus? Well, let me share Barnes’ notes on him to fill you in. “Tychicus was of the province of Asia, in Asia Minor, of which Ephesus was the capital; see Acts 20:4. It is not improbable that he was of Ephesus, and that he was well known to the church there. He also carried the letter to the Colossians (Col 4:7), and probably the Second Epistle to Timothy; (2 Timothy 4:12). Paul also proposed to send him to Crete to succeed Titus; (Titus 3:12). He was high in the confidence of: Paul, but it is not known when he was converted, or why he was now at Rome. The Greeks speak of him as one of the seventy disciples, and make him bishop of Colophon, in the province of Asia.”

APPLICATION

Now, why did I share all of that? To show you the extent of which Paul cared for him. Paul calls him his “faithful servant” again in Colossians 4:7. “As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.” Paul trusted this man with news about him to the churches. He even called him a “beloved brother” and “fellow bond-servant.”

So, how well did Tychicus serve Paul. Well, he calls him a “faithful servant” for a reason. A.T. Robertson says the word for “servant” here (diakonos) has the idea of someone kicking up dust running an errand. In other words, they were busily carrying out the instructions of their master. Tychicus did whatever Paul asked him to do.

Application time! Why is that important? Because observation + application = transformation. Who can you serve faithfully today? Who can you come alongside? Or maybe you have a faithful servant in your life whom you need to recognize and thank. Can you imagine the reunion in heaven between Paul and Tychicus? I bet they are still catching up!

Father, let me be a Tychicus for someone today. Thank You for giving me friends who have “served” me faithfully.

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Bible, Boldness, Chains, Prison, Scripture

AMBASSADOR IN CHAINS

EPHESIANS 6:20

“for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Once, as part of a fundraiser, I was handcuffed and put in back of a police car. This was done to get people to “bail” me out to raise funds for a charity. It was rather uncomfortable even though I knew it wasn’t real. I even had a friend who was a Sheriff deputy do the “arrest.” I don’t want to ever find myself in cuffs for real.

Paul, however, was in real chains. The word “chains” is used several times in the New Testament and usually referred to a single chain that was attached to the prisoner on one end and to a soldier on the other end. In some instances, the soldier would just hold the chain or let the prisoner carry it around. Since Paul was under house arrest when he wrote this letter, this was probably the case. But he could have been attached to that soldier. Poor soldier! Lol

APPLICATION

Chains couldn’t deter the apostles. Just look at this story in Acts about Peter when he was arrested and chained. Acts 12:6-7 says, “6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And his chains fell off his hands.”

Did you notice Peter was sleeping? Chains didn’t bother him. He was at rest in Christ. Neither should we be concerned about any restrictions we face today. We have to be bold in our witness. That is what Paul was asking for in today’s verse. He wanted to remain bold in proclaiming the good news.

How bold are you? What if you were faced with chains or prison bars? Would you go on proclaiming Jesus. You should read “The Insanity of God.” The persecuted believers in that book will give you some courage to face the enemy head on. Remember, God’s got your back when you proclaim His message. Whatever happens, He can sustain you. Now, be bold!

Father, give me courage to proclaim Jesus even in the face of persecution.

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Bible, Boldness, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR PRAYER

EPHESIANS 6:19

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,”

It hard to ask for prayers for yourself, isn’t it? I remember when I went through my second stem cell transplant, I truly believe the Lord told me to not pray for my healing. Instead, He burdened others to pray for me. When I was asked by others how they could pray for me, I told them to pray I would be an example of humility and faith for others to see. I hope I was able to do that well to please the Father.

So, we find Paul here in today’s verse asking for prayer. He didn’t ask them to pray for protection from his enemies (and he had many). He asked them pray for him to be bold in his speech so he could present the gospel well. Remember where he was when he wrote this letter to the Ephesians. He was under house arrest in Rome. Humility and meekness were what Paul exhibited. I truly believe God gave him an audience there in that Roman incarceration.

APPLICATION

Paul asked that he be given a divine utterance. That is what the original language truly says. The word used for “speech” is the Greek word logos. That is the same word used to describe Christ. Just look at John 1. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Paul is asking that Christ fill his mouth. Shouldn’t we ask for the same?

The word “opening” is only used here in the New Testament. Now, let’s just talk about that for a second. We are in the middle of a pretty heated political season here in the U.S. Perhaps if both candidates would pray for the correct “opening” of their mouth, this campaign season would be a lot less volatile. Don’t you think? We should do the same. We should weigh every word that comes out of our mouths.

Finally, Paul asks for boldness. That Greek word means, “leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul wanted all those who heard his words about Jesus to remember them. He wanted to see others come to Christ. We should have the same motive when speaking. Do that today. Share the gospel with someone in your circle of influence today.

Lord, You promise to give us the words to speak when we need them. Stop our mouths with Your Word today.

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Bible, Perseverance, Prayer, Requests, Scripture

PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL

EPHESIANS 6:18

“With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints,”

I recently read a quote from Corrie Ten Boom that said, “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.” Pretty good advice, right? Martin Luther allegally said, “I am so busy today, I only have time to pray four hours.” What?! When is the last time you or I prayed for four hours? Prayer is the key to our intimate walk with the Father.

Paul ends his discussion about the armor with today’s verse. Many people end the discussion with verse seventeen about the helmet and sword. But without prayer, the armor isn’t complete. The word Paul uses, both the noun and verb form, means an exchange of wishes. It’s an expression from us to God. And Paul tells us to “pray at all times in the Spirit.” In other words, pray intently according to how the Spirit leads. He is not saying to get all out of control. The Spirit always leads us toward God.

APPLICATION

Then Paul gives us two applications for this prayer. We are to “be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints.” I really like that Greek word which is translated as “be alert.” It is agrypnéō (from A, “not” and hýpnos, “sleep”). It means no sleeping, staying vigilant (alert, attentive), without any unnecessary time off. (HELPS Word studies). Have you ever fallen asleep sleeping? Well, I have been guilty of that.

This word is used in Luke 21:36 where Jesus says, “‘But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’” When we are praying, we are literally in the presence of God. We are in His throne room. So be alert with all perseverance (which means to be steadfast).

The word used for “requests” refers to specific requests. As I lead Every Man A Warrior’s Prayer ministry, I am constantly asking our men for specific ministry related prayer requests. Why? Because I want to pray specifically for them. Nice, general prayers are good, too. But here in today’s verse we are told to pray specifically. Have you done that today? Why not now?

Father, let me never take prayer for granted. It is a joy and privilege to pray steadfastly and specifically.

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Armor, Bible, Helmet, Scripture, Sword

THE HELMET AND SWORD

EPHESIANS 6:17

“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

I’ve never had a job where I had to wear a helmet or a hard hat. But those professions that require it know the importance of it. Take a fireman, for instance. His job requires him to battle fires which often include falling debris. That helmet protects his noggin. The soldier is the same. Helmets in battle can deflect bullets or shrapnel. And even in sports, the helmet protects football players from serious injuries

Paul had seen plenty of Roman soldiers in his day. Those helmets they wore often had plumes of feathers on the top and were usually metal. Those swords they carried were called machaira. They were short daggers used primarily for stabbing. That meant close hand-to-hand combat. Paul knew what we were up against.

APPLICATION

I don’t think any of us are going to go out and buy a helmet and sword, are we? But we don’t need it for the battle we are waging. We are already equipped with these two pieces. We have the helmet of salvation because we have confessed our sins and have asked Jesus to save us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, we read again, “But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” Our salvation is our hope, and it is a sure hope.

Then Paul calls that sword “the word of God.” What did he mean by that? The word is our weapon against the enemy. Why? Because it is always true. It will never fail. It will not rust or decay. It is timeless. The writer of Hebrews says this about the Word. In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” 

Sword and helmet! Are you equipped? You will be in the battle. You need to have the armor. Don’t make the mistake and leave home without it. We have an adversary who is equipped. I promise you that. Be ready!

Thank You, Lord, for my helmet and sword.

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Bible, Defense, Devil, Faith, Protection, Satan, Scripture

OUR FORCE SHIELD

EPHESIANS 6:16

“in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” 

I grew up a Star Trek fan. I mean, come on, what child in the 60’s wasn’t! Each week we would tune in to see what other alien race Captain Kirk, Spok, Scottie and Bones would be battling. The Star Trek Enterprise was equipped with a protective force field which could be used to protect it against the missiles fired from enemy spaceships. Those missiles would bounce off or explode on impact. What a great defense!

As Christians, we have our own force shield called the “shield of faith.” This shield is standard equipped given to each believer at salvation. Unfortunately, too many of us literally let our guard down. Paul tells us why this is dangerous. He says with that shield we “will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” We should never “leave home without it.” Right? Those flaming arrows can come at any time.

APPLICATION

MacLaren’s Expositions talk about these “flaming arrows” and why they are so dangerous to the unshielded believer. “But there are things in us all to which the fiery darts do especially appeal: desires, appetites, passions; or-to use the word which refined people are so afraid of, although the Bible is not, ‘lusts-which war against the soul,’ and which need only a touch of fire to flare up like a tar-barrel, in thick foul smoke darkening the heavens. There are fiery darts that strike these animal natures of ours, and set them all aflame. But, there are other fiery darts than these. There are plenty of other desires in us: wishes, cowardices, weaknesses of all sorts, that, once touched with the devil’s dart, will burn fiercely enough. We all know that.”

Do you have any of those things within your heart? We all have some weakness which we have probably revealed to the evil one. That’s his target. That’s his bullseye. Our defense, however, is our shield of faith. Our faith in Jesus, in His shed blood, quenches any flaming arrow fired against us. We hold that shield up to protect us from this relentless adversary.

And, unlike the Starship Enterprise, our shield is everlasting. It is stronger than any foe. Why? Is it because of our faith? No, it is because of the Faith Giver. He gives us His never ending supply of faith. Paul said it well when he said in Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS ONE WILL LIVE BY FAITH.’”

Father God, thank You for giving me the shield of faith to protect myself from the devil’s flaming arrows and accusations.

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Bible, Feet, Gospel, Peace, Scripture, Witnessing

A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES

EPHESIANS 6:15

“and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

My dad used to say there was nothing more important than a good pair of shoes. He had a big foot. He wore an 11 EEE. He was very flatfooted and actually was discharged from the army because his feet couldn’t take the marches. He ordered his shoes from a company. So, when I had to start getting special shoes because of my neuropathy, I thought of him. He would have probably had some good advice for me on this. I sure do miss him. In fact, today is his birthday. Happy birthday, Dad.

Paul had been around enough soldiers in his life to know the importance of their footwear. Roman soldiers wore these special shoes (sandals) in battle that had spikes so they could secure their feet when fighting. I think it is interesting that Paul says we need to strap on our feet “the preparation of the gospel of peace” while perhaps thinking of these Roman shoes. That’s just a guess, though. He definitely knew that footwear was important.

APPLICATION

I thought of Romans 10:15 when I read today’s verse. “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” This is a quote from Isaiah 52:7 which says, “How delightful on the mountains are the feet of one who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”

In Mark 6:7-13, we have the story of when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in pairs. Even He emphasized strapping on their shoes or sandals. Look at this passage and see how it compares with our verse today. “7 And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they were to take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— 9 but to wear sandals; and He added, ‘Do not wear two tunics.’ 10 And He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. 11 Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet as a testimony against them.’ 12 And they went out and preached that people are to repent. 13 And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.”

How does that compare to strapping on your shoes of peace we see today in our verse? The disciples were delivering the gospel to lost souls. We are delivering the gospel to lost souls. We need to do it in peace, not arrogantly. We deliver it. They receive it or not. Are you strapped today, not as in carrying a gun, lol. I mean, do you have your gospel shoes on?

Father, thank You for providing me the right pair of shoes.

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