Conclusion: Undying Love

[Pages:5]Conclusion: Undying Love Ephesians 6:21-24; June 21, 2015

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Introduction: ? I know that Father's Day can be a day of brokenness for many people. You want to be a father but have experienced infertility. You miss a father who has passed away. You're reminded of a father who was either absent in your life or wasn't a very good father. I'm sorry for your brokenness but am fully confident that you can find comfort today in our heavenly Father and find reason to rejoice in those people who have been spiritual fathers to you. I would like to take a minute today to honor my earthly father.

? I haven't spent a "Father's Day" with my dad, Donald Ray Chasteen, since I moved to Boston in 2010 (one of the many small things that we've sacrificed for the sake of engaging in God's mission here) but I am forever grateful for my dad. There are a numerous things that I learned about fatherhood from my dad but here are a few:

? My dad loved my mom faithfully and passionately. There was never a question about this in my mind. This was more than just something that he stated with his mouth, it was proclaimed loudly with his actions. I knew that she was the priority in his life over me and I'm glad he demonstrated that for me. Fathers, your kids needs to see you love your wife the way Christ loves the Church. They need you to put her first. A healthy and thriving marriage is essential for your kids.

? My dad was almost always present for many things in my life: school plays and performances, sports practices and games (he'd often just come an watch practice for a few minutes on any given day), surgeries (torn ACL in college), you name it. Fathers, spend time with your kids.

? My dad was my pastor for 20+ years of my life and he's still a great mentor whom I talk to weekly. I learned a ton about the Christian life from my dad's sermons, conversations, and prayers. I learned more than any seminary could teach me by going with my dad early on Sunday mornings, staying late on Wednesday nights, accompanying him on hospital visits and so much more. My dad genuinely cared for people. He had the gift of mercy and compassion and taught me to care for all people.

? I'm sure most of you have heard about the shootings that took place Wednesday night at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. Dylann Roof, a white 21 year old male, attended the prayer meeting that night for an hour before he opened fire and killed nine black congregants, including the pastor, Rev. Clementa Pinkney. Roof told investigators he did it to start a race war. I have experienced an array of emotions from anger, to justice to a longing for the return of our Lord. But let me be extremely clear today: there is no room for racism or a "race war" in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, the gospel levels the playing field for all people. In the concluding verses to Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Paul's going to remind us of four key themes that speak directly into this tragedy from this past week. Read Ephesians 6:21-24.

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The Point: Continue to walk worthy of your calling in Christ by experiencing peace, faith, undying love and grace in ever increasing measure.

In this concluding section, Paul first describes the mission and character of Tychicus, the letter's courier, and then finally gives to brief prayer-wishes for all believers.

I. Imitate the Example of Tychicus (6:21-22).

? In these first few verses Paul introduces us to Tychicus, whom he had sent for two main reasons: First, he, as the courier, was to deliver the letter Paul had written. There are four other places that Tychicus appears in Scripture: Col. 4:7-8: these verses are almost verbatim what is written in Eph. 6:21-22. This is because Paul probably wrote and sent these letters at the same time. Acts 20:4: he accompanied Paul after the Ephesians riot 2 Tim. 4:12: Paul sent him to relieve Timothy so that Timothy could come visit Paul. Titus 3:12: Paul sent either Tychicus or Artemas to Crete to relieve Titus so that Titus could visit Paul. Thus, he probably delivered five Pauline letters (Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, 2 Timothy, Titus) as well as relieving two apostolic delegates. In view of this, it's no wonder that Paul called him a "beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord." Paul's familial language reminds us that in Christ we now live as gospel family. Tichycus was a brother in Christ. But Tichycus wasn't just a brother, he was a "faithful servant." He was so trustworthy that Paul could trust him with delivering five letters and relieving important apostolic delegates of the early church (Timothy and Titus). Second, he was to update them on Paul's circumstances and encourage them. Most likely Tychicus would update them concerning Paul's mention of being "in chains" (6:20). Specifically, he would let them know how Paul was doing. He would also comfort them through the content of Paul's letter along with any needed explanation.

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II. Walk in Christ (6:23-24).

? Tanner reminded us in his introduction sermon to Ephesians about the importance of the phrase, "in Christ." Read Ephesians 1:1. Paul wrote his letter to the saints who were "faithful in Christ Jesus." Paul used this or a similar phrase 39 times in this short letter. Jesus Christ is at the center of God's plan for the world. Read Ephesians 1:7-10. Everything is summed up "in Christ" and that is why these two words should dominate our lives. It is in Christ that we have been blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, saved, sealed, made alive, seated and raised with Christ. In fact, we have even been "recreated" in Christ to walk in good works (cf. 2:10). It is these theological truths of what God has accomplished for us in Christ that Paul transitions to in the second half of his book to give practical exhortations. He moves from doctrine to duty, from theology to ethics, from the indicative to the imperative (commands). Thus, we cannot divorce our application from the gospel for the gospel enables, motivates and empowers our obedience. You are accepted, therefore, obey. In doing this, he uses the work "walk" to describe our growth in the christian life. We are to walk worthy of our calling (4:1). Walk in not to walk like the Gentiles do but we are to imitate God (4:17-24; 5:2). We are to walk in love (5:2). We are to walk in the light (5:8). We are to walk in wisdom (5:15)

? In this double "prayer-wish," Paul reminds his readers of four important themes within the letter of our life in Christ (two of them, peace and grace, are found in the intro (1:2).

? Walk in Christ in Peace. Paul desires to see all believers experiencing peace with God and peace with one another. Peace signifies a lack of hostility between believers and God (2:14, 17). Peace signifies a lack of hostility between other believers (2:15; 4:3). Paul concludes by reminding them of the peace they have with God and that this peace is supposed to flow through them to other believers. Paul urges them to use peace as a "fastener" or "bond" to hold the church together (4:3). It is this peace that is a part of the armor of God, our shoes, as we ready ourselves with the "gospel of peace." Some practical encouragements: If you have offended someone, it is your responsibility to take steps to restore peace. Recognize that the cause of conflict lies partly or even wholly with you. Suspect yourself first and then inspect yourself. When someone wrongs you, never seek revenge (cf. Rom. 12:17-21).

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? Walk in Christ in Undying Love. Paul desires for believers to fully know the magnitude of the love of God in Christ and that this would result in love back to God and for other believers. God's (or Christ's) love for believers (1:4; 2:4; 3:17-19; 5:2). Believers love for one another (1:15; 4:2, 15, 16; 5:2, 25, 28, 33) What does love incorruptible mean? Bible Translations: incorruptible (NAS, ESV), undying (NIV, NET) The word for incorruptible can mean immortal, unceasing, always, eternal, or undying. Paul is reminding them to love in a way that is not corrupted by death. Thus, a love that is unceasing and undying. "The unceasing or endless love of God and Christ is well demonstrated earlier in the letter (1:3-14; 2:1-10, 13; 3:17-19; 5:2, 25), which serves as a pattern for believers to love Christ unceasingly" (Hoehner, 877). This is the first instance in Ephesians that a believer's love for Christ is made explicit. Another way to say this is what Jesus says in the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37; Mk. 12:30; Lk. 10:27). God is after more than just obedience. He is after our hearts...our love. You were created not merely to obey God, but to love him. Michael Reeves highlights this when he says, reflecting on Adam and Eve's original sin, "What, then, went wrong? It was not that Adam and Eve stopped loving. They were created as lovers in the image of God, and they could not undo that. Instead, their love turned. . . . Lovers we remain, but twisted, our love misdirected and perverted. Created to love God, we turn to love ourselves and anything but God." He continues, "The problem [with Eve] is deeper than her actions, deeper than outward disobedience. Her act of sin was merely the manifestation of the turn in her heart: she now desired the fruit more than she desired God (Delighting in the Trinity, 65). Unfortunately, John informs us in Revelation 2:4 that some in Ephesus had left their first love: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent" (Revelation 2:4-5 ESV). Jerry Bridges, in The Practice of Godliness gives a few encouragements on love: Love gives whatever the cost (cf. Eph. 5:25). Love sacrifices to forgive (Eph. 4:32 - 5:2). This past week we've seen a powerful demonstration of the gospel through forgiveness: The Washington Post described the hearing of Dylann Roof the other day this way: "One by one, those who chose to speak at a bond hearing did not turn to anger. Instead, while he remained impassive, they offered him forgiveness and said they were praying for his soul, even as they described the pain of their

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losses." Charles C. W. Cooke, an atheist who writes for National Review, tweeted, "I am a

non-Christian, and I must say: This is a remarkable advertisement for Christianity."

? Walk in Christ by Faith. You were saved and given new life when you placed your faith in Christ (1:13, 15; 2:8-10; 3:12). It is by faith in the gospel of Christ that these blessings are appropriated in your life (3:17-19). Peace and love both flourish in the fertile soil of faith (so Thielman, 444).

? Walk in Christ by Grace. The blessings of peace, love and faith are freely given as a demonstration of God's grace (1:2, 6, 7; 2:5, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29). Paul prays that all of those who genuinely love Jesus might experience the grace of God. All of these (peace, love and faith) come to believers through "God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." "For the fact that God the Father is happy and even delights to share his love for his Son and thus be known as our Father reveals just how unfathomably gracious and kind he is" (Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity, 76). To the believer, God is a personal father. This peace and love have their origin with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to pursue these because this is what reflects our heavenly Father. "If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means he does not understand Christianity very well at all" (J. I. Packer, Knowing God, 224).

The Point: Continue to walk worthy of your calling in Christ by experiencing peace, faith, undying love and grace in ever increasing measure.

Conclusion: ? Have you responded to God through faith in Christ? ? Fathers, how can you imitate the Father and be a source of peace, love and grace to your family?

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