We have come to our final study in this epistle. We have been studying it for exactly three years for our first study was on 14 Oct ‘01. This is study 112.I bless God for the freedom to proclaim all the doctrines set forth in this epistle.I am thankful to have the privilege of ministering to a people whose attendance and attention have testified to their love of God’s Word.Above all, I give praise to God for the gracious help that has been granted to this most unworthy preacher. Bless His name.In these final four verses you have the closing comments of the apostle. They are most noteworthy.

I. THERE ARE MATTERS NOT RECORDED IN THE WORD OF GOD

Paul has been writing on many matters to the people but some matters are not committed to paper. No matter regarding our salvation is omitted fro the Scriptures but there are matters regarding the circumstances of the saints that are not. Here is one such example. Tychicus would tell them matters that Paul did not write to them about.

1. We should have an interest and concern for the affairs of God’s kingdom. 

“But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus . . . shall make known to you all things,” verse 21. 

2. Ministers should seek to keep God’s people informed of these matters. 

These are important matters since an eminent minister was sent to tell them. 

3. God’s work should be so conducted that every aspect of it may be freely reported to God’s people. 

No “sweeping under the carpet!”

4. Acquaintance with the affairs of God’s great men should have us emulate them. 

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. . . . Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,”  Hebrews 13:3, 7. James 5:10.

II. NOTE HOW PAUL PUT THE COMFORT OF THE CHRISTIAN BEFORE HIMSELF

He sends a faithful brother to Ephesus to minister to the believers there and deprives himself of companionship at a difficult time.

1. Many had forsaken him. 2 Tim 1:15, 4:10-12. 

2. There were very few left with him. 

2 Tim 4:11. 

3. A martyr’s death was near. 

2 Tim 4:6.What unselfishness he shows. That was true of him which in a much fuller measure was true of Christ. “Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end,” John 13:1.

III. PAUL’S BENEDICTION HIGHLIGHTS THE CHIEF MATTERS FOR US ALL TO CONSIDER

“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen,” verses 23-24. Peace, love, faith.Where there is one you will find the other two.Note the fruit — Peace; the agent — love; the root — faith.The ultimate source is God the father through Christ the Son, via the Holy Spirit.

IV. PAUL CLOSES WITH A GOSPEL CHALLENGE

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. 

1. We must all be partakers of God’s grace if we are to see heaven.

2. Partakers of God’s grace love Christ.

3. Sincerity will mark our love. “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” John 14:15. “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” 1 John 4:20-21.Where do you stand in the light of these words?