Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6:18 says, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  After speaking of putting on the whole armor of God, Paul then instructs us to always be in prayer and supplication to the Spirit.  Even if we feel that we are properly clothed in the armor of God, we still need to be continually in prayer, not only for ourselves but for those around us.  This includes our enemies.  When we do, the Holy Spirit will preserve and protect us, and all who are followers of Christ.  Verse nineteen adds, And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,  Paul asked for a specific prayer for himself.  Notice that he did not pray for any material thing but prayed that he might be faithful in boldly presenting the gospel.  Paul also said that the gospel was a mystery to those who had not accepted Christ into their lives.  The gospel of Christ will never make logical sense.  We have to ask why God would send His only begotten Son to redeem mankind, His rebellious creation.  From a human perspective, God would have sent Christ to punish us and not redeem us.  This is indeed the great mystery of the gospel.  Verse twenty continues, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Paul said that even if he were in bonds that he was still an ambassador for Christ and asked that even in bonds that he would continue to boldly speak of salvation through Christ.  We, like Paul, must pray for the strength to boldly speak the gospel of Christ, no matter what may happen to us in this world.  Verse twenty-one states, But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:  Paul wanted those Christians in Ephesus to know that he was okay, so he sent Tychicus to them.  Paul called Tychicus a beloved brother and faithful minister.  I believe that Paul was sending him, not as someone who had to do what Paul demanded, but as one who willingly went for him.  Verse twenty-two adds, Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.  Tychicus was not only to bring word about Paul, but in doing so he was to bring comfort to their hearts.  The Christians at Ephesus were evidently concerned about Paul.  We today may have the same concern about those who minister in dangerous places, but we need to trust that God will be with them, no matter what happens in this life.  Verse twenty-three continues, Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Again, this is not two Gods, but only One manifested in two different ways.  Paul asked that they be at peace, then told them how to find peace.  Peace comes through faith in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  When we live by faith we can know peace in an evil, corrupt world.  Verse twenty-four concludes, Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.  Though God's grace extends to everyone, it only has effect for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ sincerely.  It is not enough to just proclaim to accept Christ without a sincere faith in Him as our Savior and Lord.