Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3.
Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically.
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6 Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:21-25
21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts. 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 3-4, Galatians 2, Psalm 109:13–19, Proverbs 24:3–4
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Secret of Paul's Success
Today's passage contains Paul's personal greetings to the Ephesians. In some of his books, this final greeting section is long, and contains many statements. Some are brief and to the point, like this one. Paul had many friends in Ephesus, dear friends, but for some reason, he did not elaborate.
Evidently, Tychicus was his traveling companion who was delivering the letter. He was "Asian," meaning he was from Asia Minor, likely from Ephesus. He delivered both Paul's letter to Ephesus and the letter to the Colossian church which was nearby. Paul calls him dearly loved, a faithful servant, and trusted him to cheer the hearts of the church. He remained faithful to Paul and to Christ, appearing in greetings in both Titus 3 and in 2 Timothy 4:12, where he has been sent back to Ephesus when Paul's death is imminent.
Paul's ministry wasn't just about theology or systems or strategies, it was about people. Everywhere Paul went he poured himself into men like Tychicus and Timothy and Titus and Luke and Aristarchus - men who would carry on his ministry when the evil Emperor had his way. A successful man or woman of God is not known just by how great his or her gifts are, how much he or she accomplishes, but by the people left behind, the lives into which he or she pours ministry and effort. When Paul was gone, he left behind men who knew how to continue in ministry.
It was the Secret of Paul's success.
Father, help us to be like Paul, focused on future generations who need you.
Think and Pray:
Are you building into the lives of future generations, preparing them to follow along behind you?
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