Therefore Day 15 Peace, Love, & Grace: Digging Deeper
June 14, 2024
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!
Ephesians 6:21-24
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.
The Original Intent
1) Paul’s entire letter to the Ephesian church was filled with godly encouragement; yet, he felt Tychicus’ narrative would strengthen the believers there all the more. Why? (verse 22)
Throughout Paul’s writings to the early church, there are a number of consistent markers unique to the letters he authored. Equally notable are the transparent glimpses he gave his readers of real-life, intentional discipleship.
Paul’s written words to the young church at Ephesus were filled with Holy Spirit-empowered encouragement, but Paul also knew the life and testimony he led and lived was necessary and equally encouraging.
Tychicus served alongside Paul. He was a first-person witness to the reality of the love of God poured out through Paul’s ministry and was present to see what happened in real-life on a daily basis. His firsthand account of the way Paul lived and served provided confirmation to the Ephesian church that Paul’s words of encouragement were true and encouraged. Tychicus testimony of Paul and his own daily life that had been shaped by the Spirit through Paul’s example inspired his Ephesian brothers and sisters to follow in Paul’s footsteps after Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
Paul recognized the importance of sharing personal testimonies within the church community. By sending Tychicus to share his narrative, Paul was fostering a sense of unity and support among the believers, showing them that they were not alone in their struggles. Tychicus’ testimony proved they could trust the encouragement Paul’s words, born of the Spirit, offered them in Christ. In so doing, the Ephesian believers could draw strength from one another’s experiences.
The Everyday Application
1) Paul’s entire letter to the Ephesian church was filled with godly encouragement; yet, he felt Tychicus’ narrative would strengthen the believers there all the more. Why? (verse 22)
I’m so thankful God knows us so well and loves us so personally! He knew the hearts of the Ephesian church, and He knows our hearts today.
He knows my personal, default question is, “Is that true?” The question is a fair one, especially when I consider how many smooth-talking, holy-sounding teacher-wolves lurk just a stone’s throw from sound, biblically-based teaching and theology. When I consider the weight Paul gave Tychicus’ testimony about Paul’s work and service in ministry, it makes sense.
Paul drew upon the power of an eyewitness account when he sent Tychicus to share the events and details of his work with the Ephesian church. Paul’s letter was penned by the unction of the Holy Spirit, and the exhortations and encouragements were sound and necessary, but the good news didn’t stop with Paul’s written words. Tychicus was tasked with sharing the things he saw and heard Paul do and say, testifying about the incredible things God was doing through Paul’s ministry. Tychicus’ words verified God was indeed at work in will and way and Paul wasn’t full of hot air or wishful thinking.
Tychicus confirmed by his witness that Paul was full of the Holy Spirit, working in tandem with the living God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, invite others into faith and new life in Him, and disciple them in the righteous, narrow way Jesus made possible by His sacrifice on the cross.
The Original Intent
2) Why did Paul specifically express his desire for all believers to receive peace, love with faith, and grace? (verses 23-24)
Paul’s longing for his readers to experience peace, noble faith, and grace showed his deep understanding of the key parts of a thriving Christian life.
When Paul prayed for the Ephesians to receive peace, he wasn’t meaning the absence of suffering, but of a deep sense of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation that comes from being right with God and others. This peace is foundational for a healthy, united Christian community, enabling believers to support, encourage, and love one another in the midst of challenges.
Inextricable from faith, Paul emphasized how genuine Christian love is rooted in strong, noble faith. This faith isn’t agreeing with a set of beliefs but marked by unwavering trust in God that transforms every part of a believer’s life. This faith enables believers to remain firmly committed to Christ while loving one another selflessly despite facing opposition, persecution, or hardship.
The Ephesians, like all believers, were completely dependent on God’s undeserved favor and strength to live out their calling as Christ-followers. Grace isn’t a one-time gift received at salvation but an ongoing, sustaining presence in the life of a Christian.
Paul knew the Ephesian believers required God’s help and strength to face life’s challenges and grow in their faith. Peace, faith, and grace form the foundation of a vibrant and mature Christian life. They equip believers to weather life’s storms, grow in their relationship with God and others, and demonstrate Christ’s character and His love in daily life.
As Paul prays these blessings over the Ephesian believers, Paul is praying strength into their overall spiritual well-being and growth. Paul’s emphasis on these qualities highlights their interconnection. Peace is rooted in faith that trusts in God’s control and goodness, even amidst trials. This faith, in turn, is sustained by the grace of God, which empowers believers to live out their convictions and love others sacrificially.
The Everyday Application
2) Why did Paul specifically express his desire for all believers to receive peace, love with faith, and grace? (verses 23-24)
I find Paul’s heartfelt prayer for peace, faith, and grace to be incredibly relevant and encouraging in my daily life. Amid the chaos of managing a household, homeschooling, running businesses, and nurturing my family, the peace of Christ is my gift to embrace and my anchor in everyday life.
Christ’s peace isn’t simply the absence of noise, conflict, or hardship, but is defined by the deep, abiding knowledge that my God is in control, and I can trust Him no matter what happens. He is good; He does good. All the time. (Psalm 119:68)
Paul’s emphasis on faith reminds me that true faith is more than just a belief system; it’s an unwavering trust in God that transforms every part of my life. As I fulfill the roles God has given me as a mom, business owner, and mentor, I lean into this faith. I trust God will provide me with the strength and wisdom needed for each day. He is my source, and He has everything I need.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inadequate at times, but God’s grace reminds me I can never do it all on my own. God’s undeserved favor and strength are with me, helping me to live out my calling as a child of God with resilience and compassion. The God-ordained presence of these three elements – peace, faith, and grace – in my daily life not only strengthen my spiritual well-being but also positively impact those around me for His glory.
The Original Intent
3) How do Paul’s closing sentiments point us to the gospel? (verses 21-24)
Paul’s closing remarks in Ephesians 6:23-24 served as a powerful reminder of the timeless truths and blessings that were at the core of his ministry. By reiterating these themes, Paul emphasized the continuity and consistency of the gospel message, linking the Ephesians’ present faith to the rich heritage of God’s unchanging promises.
When Paul mentioned peace, he echoed the teachings of Jesus, who promised to give His followers a peace that surpasses all understanding. (John 14:27) This peace was a central theme in Paul’s letters, as he consistently reminded believers of the peace with God that comes from being justified by faith (Romans 5:1) and the peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Similarly, Paul’s emphasis on faith and love drew on the foundational principles he taught throughout his ministry. Faith and love are inseparable in the Christian life, and Paul frequently encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith (Galatians 5:6) and to love one another deeply (1 Corinthians 13:13). By reiterating these themes in his closing words, Paul reinforced their importance and reminded the Ephesians of the core values that should define their lives as followers of Christ.
Furthermore, Paul’s mention of grace points back to the fundamental truth of salvation by grace through faith, a theme that permeated his writings. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24) By placing grace at the forefront of his closing remarks, Paul reminded the Ephesians that their entire Christian life was built upon the foundation of God’s unmerited favor and love.
Finally, Paul’s reference to “undying love” served as a powerful reminder of the ultimate demonstration of love through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. (Romans 5:8)
The Everyday Application
3) How do Paul’s closing sentiments point us to the gospel? (verses 21-24)
In his final words to the Ephesians, Paul spoke of peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. (John 14:27) This peace isn’t just a fleeting feeling but a deep-seated assurance in Christ.
As women, we frequently juggle numerous responsibilities and challenges. Yet, amidst the chaos, I can find peace knowing that through faith in Christ, I am justified and my heart is guarded. (Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:7) Paul emphasized faith and love, calling us to stand firm in our faith and to love one another deeply. (Galatians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 13:13)
When we follow Paul’s example, we build our lives upon the unwavering foundation of Christ’s unconditional love. At the heart of Paul’s closing remarks lies grace, which is God’s unmerited favor and love lavished upon us. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24) It’s through grace that we have been saved, not by our own works but by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Understanding this transforms our perspective and empowers us to live boldly in the freedom of God’s grace.
Finally, Paul’s reference to “undying love” reminds us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. (Romans 5:8) His love for us is unparalleled, motivating us to love sacrificially and selflessly. The good news of the gospel is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins, making a way for us to be made right with God, counted righteous under the shed blood of Jesus. Praise God, the gospel is for me! Praise God, the gospel is for us!
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