Sermon Outline 8.25.2024

Title: How is Everyone Doing? Encouragement is telling the truth about one another.

Text: Ephesians 6:21-24

Theme: Clarity about the church in world of confusion

Summary: 
Paul begins and ends the letter to the Ephesian church with grace and peace in Christ.  Between the bookend of grace, Paul goes on to tell us who we are in Christ and what we as the church in Christ should be in this world.  But from the very beginning, there is no mystery as to HOW we are to act in it—all by the will and strength of God’s might alone to help us.  Grace is our only strength for victory.

Background on Tychicus:

• An Asiatic Christian, "faithful minister in the Lord" (Eph 6:21,22), who, with Trophimus, accompanied Paul on a part of his 3rd missionary journey returning from Greece through Macedonia to Jerusalem (Act 20:4).
• Tychicus may be the brother referred to in 2 Cor 8:22-23.
• Titus 3:12—When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
• 2 Tim 4:12—Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
• Col 4:7—Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.

Last word, key word.  Incorruptible = sincere = graceful.

Grace compels us to receive two things and give two things: 

1. Knowledge (truth)
2. Encouragement (love)

Why do we give & receive truth & love:

1. That you may know how we are (importance of knowing your brothers and sisters, knowing truth)
2. That you may be encouraged (by knowing of the good, bad, ugly, glorious)

Application:
1. C - Christ
2. H - Humility
3. U - Unity
4. R - Responsibility
5. C- Commitment
6. H - Hope