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ance” but “In all perseverance” (cf Luke 18:1; Ro. 12:12 R. V.) Here is where many lose out, failing to get what they are asking of God; they do not pray “in all perseverance.” they do not pray through fainting not. "We ought to be very thoughtful and Spirit-led in what we ask God for, but when we once begin to ask we ought never to cease asking until we get what we ask or God says in unmistakable clearness, “No, my child, this is not my will” (cf. 2 Cor. 12:8, 9). (6) Our prayers should reach far out, “for all the saints.” Just note the “alls” in this verse. SATURDAY, September 5. Eph. 6 :19 . 20 . And now Paul beseeches prayer on his own behalf. If there was any real praying to be done he wants a part in it. Paul asked every church to which he wrote but one to pray for him. The one exception was the church in Gala tia. Paul reveals his deep sense of need by changing from “for” to “on behalf of” (R. V.) (literally “on my behalf” ) in passing from the exhorta tion to “pray for (literally, concerning) all the saints” to his entreaty for them to pray on his behalf. But Paul’s desire for prayer on his own behalf was no selfish desire. It was because he was an ambassador of Christ '(and so may we all be) that he desired prayer for himself, in order that he -might credit ably represent his King, What he desired them to ask was “that utter ance (rather, word)” might “be given unto” him “in opening his (my) mouth.” That is a good prayer to make for any minister or personal worker. It is the God-given word that counts when the mouth is opened. Through utterance being given unto him Paul would “make known with boldness (lit erally, “all-spokenness”, i. e., nothing held back, cf. Acts 4:31; 20:20, *27) the mystery of the gospel” (the glad truth long kept secret but now made known to him, cf. ch. 3:5-8). If a man like Paul, an inspired apostle and fear less servant of Jesus Christ, needed the prayers of God’s people that he might have the right word given him and boldness in uttering it, how much do ordinary ministers of Christ heed prayer. If there were more prayer for them, there would be more God-given utterances and more boldness in preach ing the gospel. To the prayerlessness of the people is due the powerlessness and timidity of the preachers. For this
gospel Paul was “an ambassador,” but strangely enough “an ambassador in a chain.” But, “in a chain” though he was, he would still “speak boldly, as he ought to speak,” if they on their part would only pray. SUNDAY, September 6. Eph. 6 :2 1 , 22. Now Paul draws toward the close of this wonderful book, and his words are deeply instructive words. Tychicus is mentioned and commended. He is the only man mentioned by name in the whole epistle; certainly this is a great honor conferred upon him. Paul’s com mendation is brief, but it is expressive and it has brought undying honor to this faithful servant of God and min ister to Paul, “the beloved brother and faithful minister.” He was a “beloved brother” because he was born of the same Father, God (cf 1 Jno. 5:1; Rom. 8:29). The word translated “minister” is the one which is frequently trans lated “deacon,” but it often means simply “one who serves” (and that is what a true deacon is), and here it refers to the faithful service that Tychicus rendered to Paul and to God and to the church. Tychicus remained true to Paul to the end (2 Tim. 4 :i2 ; Tit. 3:12). He was probably from Ephesus, and certainly from that prov ince (Acts 20:4). Now he was Paul’s messenger to Ephesus and Colossae (Col. 4:7). Paul knew how anxious the friends at Ephesus must be con cerning him and he sent Tychicus to give them full information, that they might know his affairs, how he did. Of this he had said almost nothing in his letter, but Tychicus knew all and would tell them all. All the faithful service of Tychicus was “in the Lord,” i. e., in vital union with Him, in His wisdom and power. Paul sent Tychicus for the very purpose that they might know the things concerning himself and his com panions ( “our affairs,” literally, “the things concerning us” ). He sent him for the further purpose of comforting their hearts. The word translated “comfort” means more than that: it means also “beseech” and “exhort.” Tychicus was to do all of this, and it was at their hearts that he was to aim his exhortation, entreaty and comfort, (cf. Col. 2:2; 4:8; 2 Thess. 2:17). MONDAY, September 7. Eph. 6 :2 3 , 24. Now comes the benediction. Paul began his epistle by wishing them “peace” (ch. 1:2), and he closes the
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