Closing a Letter to Christians

“Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:23-24, NIV) [Read Ephesians 6:19-24]

As we have seen, Paul dealt with some serious Christian development issues in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus (and to us). Both in the salutation and in the closure, Paul urged peace and for faith to abound. In chapters 1, 2 and 3, all the subjects Paul touched upon dealt with the general thesis of the great potential Christians have if they abide in Christ and follow His precepts. In chapters 4, 5 and 6 Paul advocated practicing faith through unity, exercising gifts, living a separated life, family relationships, job responsibilities, and Christian warfare (the well-armed Christian). In closing his letter Paul has a special request: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19, NIV). Prayer lists and prayer requests are important. Much hinges on our faithfulness in praying. I’m sure you, as I, receive prayer requests daily. It is well that we stop at the point we are reminded of the need for specific prayer and pray right then for the request. Pray sincerely—and believing—as you lay the request on the altar. Paul believed so strongly in the power of prayer that he set the example for us in requesting prayer. We as Christians should take the responsibility for intercessory prayer seriously. We need to pray for one another, regularly and specifically. “Let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6b). Never underestimate the importance of a prayer ministry in your church. Pray!

Paul sent the letter to the Ephesians by one of his fellow helpers, Tychicus. His name means “fortunate.” A native of Asia Minor, we learn that he traveled with Paul on his third missionary journey (see Acts 20:4). Tychicus and Onesimus both took Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse (see Colossians 4:7-9). There is evidence that Paul also sent Tychicus to Ephesus (Eph. 6:21 and 2 Timothy 4:12) and to Crete (Titus 3:12). Paul trusted Tychicus to bear news and to encourage the church. Tradition holds that Tychicus was martyred for his faith. In that day when letters had to be taken over dangerous territory by one sent from the letter writer, Tychicus was found faithful in his assignment. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was invaluable to the church’s Christian growth and development. Do you minister through the letters and e-mails you write? How do you close a letter? Do your words reflect your firm belief in the Lord and your dependence on Him? Letters can be a witness of one’s faith.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Sunday, June 27, 2010

Christian Warfare and Armed for Battle

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked on. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end, with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18, NKJV) [Read Eph. 6:10-20.]

Paul was well aware of the warfare a Christian must constantly wage against the powers of evil. Satan is alive and well and ever on the prowl to tempt and bring down a Christian, to make the believer’s work and witness of no effect in a sinful and resistant world. I quoted the whole passage on the “Armor of the Christian” from Ephesians. It is rich in concept, apt in application. I urge you to read it from several translations, and, if available to you, from the Amplified Bible which gives a clear picture, indeed, of both the armor and how it protects the Christian in the spiritual warfare we wage.

When I teach this passage in Sunday School or give it as a devotional, I have a wonderful visual to show, one that I found in a study of Ephesians from a LifeWay publication years ago. It shows a stalwart soldier dressed for battle with the belt of truth about his waist; the breastplate of righteousness protecting his heart and vital organs; the shoes equipped with the gospel of peace so that wherever he walks he can spread the good Word of God. Then he takes up the shield of faith which is his protection from darts of the enemy; and the offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Over all this armor is prayer, which keeps the armor-bearer alert, covered and safe. The lesson on the armor of the Christian urges that we should deliberately, piece-by-piece, don it daily, thoughtfully and prayerfully. Then we will be able to stand firmly amidst all the temptations, distractions, and warfare we face in living the Christian life. Donning this spiritual armor identifies us as God’s soldier, ready to do battle, and furthermore, winning the battles necessary to spiritual victory.

Righteousness—and the well-dressed, armored Christian—is also a visible witness to those around us that life in Christ does not avoid spiritual battles but engages in them and defeats the enemy, Satan. The Word of God is our one offensive weapon—the sword—which we should be able to wield effectively and well, “rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” We should know the Word and how to apply it, how to share it with others. His Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword.”

How are you dressed as a Christian today? Remember to don the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Cover all with prayer and you will be ready for a victorious day in the Lord.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Saturday, June 26, 2010

Christ-Likeness in the Workplace

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him” (Ephesians 6: 5-9, NIV).

In Paul’s day, slavery was commonplace, men owning others for work and even for trading, winning them in war or otherwise coming to own other persons. In our own country there was a time when this institution was widespread. How do we apply the teachings of this passage on slaves/masters to our day? What truth do these verses bear for us?

The passage deals with practicing justice to others and being kind to those in subservient positions. Personal justice is not the goal of Christian discipleship—not what is “fair” and “good” for me, but considering other persons with high regard and treating them with respect. If we are in a position in the workplace to supervise others, we are to do so fairly and justly. Likewise, employees are to render excellent service, not just when they are being watched, but at all times. Both the employee and the employer know that the ultimate supervisor is God. Christians need to realize that every action, job, and the quality of our work are by His standard, to glorify Him. This is the pattern for slave/master or employee/employer relationships. Position and status in the workplace are to be measured in the light of principles of justice and righteousness. We do our work “as unto the Lord.”

A good example from the Bible of how a master should treat a slave is contained in Paul’s brief letter to his Christian friend, Philemon. In that letter, Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus, his run-away slave, back again, but with forgiveness and regard, for while he had been with Paul, then in prison, the slave had become a Christian. He thus had become a brother to his Christian slave-owner, Philemon.

There is no favoritism at the foot of the cross. We all are received equally. And we should treat with kindness and respect all whom we supervise in the workplace or in our homes or in other relationships.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, June 25, 2010

Children and Parents

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4, NIV).

To be parents is one of the most sacred duties God assigned to humankind. To Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden God said, “Be fruitful and increase in number…” (Genesis 1:28). With the privilege of parenthood comes also responsibility. Parents are to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). From an early age, children are to be kindly but firmly disciplined by parents who are consistent and in agreement about how they will rear their children. Paul reminded children that obedience and honor are due to parents, and with that respect for parents comes the promise of long life and well being for the children, the promise contained with the fifth commandment (see Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16).

Then parents—especially fathers, as Paul was writing in an age when precedence was given to the male-led household—are not to “exasperate” or trouble their children but deal with them in a loving and disciplinary manner that will be according to the “instruction of the Lord.” A large order, indeed! “Training” is from the Greek word paideia which denotes personal guidance, example, instruction and discipline. Fathers, who should have the major role in leading a family, should not incite their children to anger, frustration and fear but lovingly guide them by God’s precepts.

Paul gives the ideal patterns for children and parents in Ephesians 6:1-4. But what if that pattern is not found enough in our modern-day society? What if fathers have abandoned their role as leader of the home? What if mothers must work to make a living as well as care for and nurture children? What if both parents are absent and elderly grandparents, foster parents or the state must then assume responsibility for children? Unfortunately, these are conditions of the days in which we live. Sometimes the church and caring teachers can make a difference and spark hope within children. Those of us who know the ideal position of the home can have influence through example, prayer, instruction and admonition to bring about a change in family life and in child rearing. Let us pray for and work toward the “right” way to have responsible family relationships. Our future social hope depends on it.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Blessing of Peace

Lord, I greet you with gratitude and humility on this first day of 2010. A friend e-mailed me to say: “Let us pray for peace in 2010!” Will the time ever come when the lion will lie down with the lamb, Lord? We continue to have wars, rumors of wars, terrorism, unrest. But I hear Your Voice saying “There is an answer…”

“The Lord will give strength unto His people;
the Lord will bless His people with peace.” -Psalm 29:11

May God give peace to you, my Christian brothers,
And love, with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” –Eph. 6:23 (TLB)

Today a brand new year
Stretches before us like the pages
Of an unwritten book.
In our country and in the world
Turmoil exists;
There seems to be no peace, no trust,
No rest from troubles.
Yet within the heart of every child of God
It is possible to have peace, joy, gratitude,
Hope and vitality.
These are gifts of promise from the Almighty
Who orders the Universe and visits every believing heart,
Saying, “I will give strength to My people;
I will bless My people with peace.”
Peace is not a result of outward circumstances,
Although we can be buffeted about by them.
Peace is a gift of God, as is love.
We love because He first loved us.
We have peace because He is the author of peace.
He assists us to write Peace upon the pages of our lives.
I know not what 2010 holds, and it is good I do not know.
But this one thing I know: I walk with God; God walks with me.
In the pathway of life with Him there is always, every day and night,
Peace, joy, gratitude, hope and vitality.
Thanks be to the Prince of Peace, the Author of Peace!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, January 1, 2010