Aim: To engender love in the church through honorable self-revelation.
Doctrine: Love in the church is nurtured as we honestly expose our hearts to each other. Candor is to be vastly preferred over pretense, though honor does not require total self-revelation (before men).
Exegesis: Love in the church is often bridged by intermediaries. Paul was willing to part with Tychicus (v. 21a); Tychicus was willing to represent Paul (v. 21b); the Ephesian church was willing to embrace both Paul and Tychicus (v. 22).
Further application: Why frankness among believers enhances love in the church: because we do not cherish those whom we do not know, and because openness—though possibly risky—is necessary (for vital fellowship).
Key verse: v. 21 ''But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you...''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.