Ephesians 6:18-24
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 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. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.—Ephesians 6:18-24
As we conclude our study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, we end where we began: Our lives are to be focused on Jesus. Someone wise once said it’s good to know a lot about Jesus, but that’s not the same as knowing Jesus. Theology without God is a trivial pursuit unless it leads you to a personal relationship with Him.
Is Bible Study dangerous? Surprisingly, the answer is yes if it becomes an end unto itself. Knowledge gained and not applied is knowledge wasted and worse. The Ephesian church was known for its doctrinal purity, but forty years after the book of Ephesians was written, Jesus scolded them for having left “their first love†(Revelation 2:1-6). Their theology was sound, but their hearts were cold.
Communication is the key to any relationship, and our relationship with Christ is no different. The conclusion of Ephesians teaches that our prayer life should be continuous, comprehensive, committed, and caring.
As we conclude our study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, we end where we began: Our lives are to be focused on Jesus. Someone wise once said it’s good to know a lot about Jesus, but that’s not the same as knowing Jesus. Theology without God is a trivial pursuit unless it leads you to a personal relationship with Him.
Is Bible Study dangerous? Surprisingly, the answer is yes if it becomes an end unto itself. Knowledge gained and not applied is knowledge wasted and worse. The Ephesian church was known for its doctrinal purity, but forty years after the book of Ephesians was written, Jesus scolded them for having left “their first love†(Revelation 2:1-6). Their theology was sound, but their hearts were cold.
Communication is the key to any relationship, and our relationship with Christ is no different. The conclusion of Ephesians teaches that our prayer life should be continuous, comprehensive, committed, and caring.
Discussion Questions
- The Power of Prayer: Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes praying “at all times in the Spirit.†What are some ways we can cultivate a consistent prayer life? How can we overcome challenges to consistent prayer?
- Prayer & Intercession: The passage mentions praying “for all the saints†(v. 18). How can we incorporate thanksgiving and intercession for other believers into our prayer routines?
- Perseverance in Prayer: The text uses words like “with all perseverance†(v. 18). Why is perseverance essential in prayer? How can we stay motivated when our prayers seem unanswered?
- Prayer & Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6 is about spiritual armor. How does prayer function as part of our spiritual defense and offense?
- The Mystery of the Gospel: Paul asks for prayer “that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel†(v. 19). What is the “mystery of the gospel,†and why is it important to share it boldly?
- Living with Incorruptible Love: The passage ends with a blessing of “grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love†(v. 24). What does it mean to love Christ with an “incorruptible love� How can we cultivate this kind of love?
- Personal Reflection: Reflect on a time when prayer significantly impacted your life. Share your experience with the group.
- CLEAR
Posted in Sermon Notes