INTRODUCTION

The Ephesian Epistle can be divided into two parts:

1. Who we are in Christ (which keeps us rooted)
2. How we are to live in Christ (which shows us what it means to be fruitful)

And it comes with reminders that the enemy does not want us to be rooted or fruitful.

For the epistle to have gotten from Paul to the Ephesians, 

it was hand-delivered by a trusted partner, Tychicus; 

and heart-delivered by Paul’s thoughtful prayers, who blessed the people with

peace, love with faith, and grace

As our explorations in this epistle come to a close (for now), may we be blessed likewise.

DISCUSSION

1. Find Tychicus in the Bible.
   – Acts 20:1-6
   – 2 Timothy 4:9-13
   – Colossians 4:7-9
   – Titus 3:12
   – Ephesians 6:21-22
   
   a. What do we know about Tychicus? What is Paul’s attitude towards him?

   b. Who are our Pauls? Who are our Tychicuses? How do we become trusted partners?

2. Read Ephesians 6:23-24. Then…
   – Recall Ephesians 2:14-18
   – Recall Ephesians 3:14-19
   – Recall Ephesians 2:4-9

   a. From where you were when you first read the epistle, how far have you come when it comes to:

   (i) Knowing His peace, and bringing peace to others?

   (ii) Knowing His love, and loving others?

   (iii) Knowing His grace, and showing grace to yourself and others?

3. Remembering the entire series, what has been God’s most significant message to you?

   a. What do you think God has been doing through the series in your life?

   b. What do you think God has been doing in FGA?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

All of us can be trusted partners for the Kingdom of God.

Will you pray:

• To be a trusted partner yourself, and to be a better one over time?
• To have trusted partners?

MEMORY VERSE

Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. – Ephesians 6:23-24 (ESV)

AN E1R1 REFLECTION

Second Sunday in Advent (Peace)

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. – Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)

Peace defined by this world often means either internal tranquility or the external absence of war and chaos. But peace for a Christian should mean more than that.

It is a peace with God we have. The reconciliation of humankind with Him through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we now have a bridge to reach God without incurring His wrath.

And as our understanding of His peace increases, we can reach out to those around us who need this message and proclaim:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – Luke 2:14 (NKJV)