Tychicus

Temple Baptist Church - 1-11-2012

Ephesians 6:21-22

Introduction:

A. As we finish the Book of Ephesians, I want to look at a man highly commended by the Apostle Paul. Tychicus! His name means fortuitous, that is, fortunate. Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus for two reasons:

1. To let them know what was happening with the Apostle Paul and

2. To comfort the believers as they would no doubt be discouraged when the news of Paul’s incarceration came to them.

B. Fortunate! What a blessing to be used of the Lord in such an important manner. Paul could no longer travel freely and send faithful men of God in his place. Tychicus was indeed fortunate. He was both available and useable in the work of the Lord. You can be available and not useable or you can be useable and not available.

C. When we think about Paul and his faithful service to Jesus Christ, we often think of a man who stood alone. In 2 Timothy chapter 4, Paul said that “all men forsook me” and that only the Lord stood with him before the emperor of Rome. But, through the years, the great apostle had many helpers. In Romans chapter 16, Paul names some of them as well as in the Book of Acts and several of the Pauline Epistles (the Church Epistles).

D. The Bible clearly teaches that the work of the ministry is a corporate work. A few can do a few things; many can do many things; but all can do all things. Without the help of all, all cannot and will not be accomplished. God left us all here for the work of the ministry and all are essential to both the publishing of the gospel and the maintenance of the local church. 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the individual gifts given to individuals in the body of Christ that no work would be left undone.

E. I want to look at Tychicus for a few minutes tonight because, in the mentions of his name we find some important truths concerning each of us.

1. Tychicus was a “beloved brother.” Verse 21.

a. Tychicus had a good testimony of salvation! I have often heard that you cannot know for sure who is saved and who is not and I understand what they are saying but Paul called Tychicus a “brother!” As I look at our people tonight, I have no doubt of their salvation. I thank God for you and count each and every one of you as my spiritual family. Tychicus had a good testimony of salvation. So many people in the Bible Belt speak the language but have no testimony of salvation but then there was Lot, King Saul, Demas, etc. They may be just like the world in their thinking but their salvation is between them and God. I think you can know a real brother through the Holy Spirit! You may be fooled occasionally but I always give them the benefit of the doubt.

b. Tychicus was beloved of the Apostle Paul. He not only had a good testimony of salvation but also had a testimony of being a loving man. He loved the apostle and was love by the apostle. You and I are so much more than just a spiritual family. We love each other; we care for and have compassion upon one another. I care what happens in your lives and pray fervently and effectually for you. We laugh and cry together; we pray for and help to bear one another’s burdens; we enjoy each other’s company. I have been around families that did not love or even like each other. Our church is a close knit one.

2. Tychicus was a “faithful minister.” Verse 21

a. Tychicus was a minister. Act_20:4 “And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.” No doubt, shortly after his salvation, this man began to serve the Lord. There are many aspects of the ministry: preaching, missions, soul winning, steeple washing, commode cleaning, grass mowing, light bulb changing, etc. I have found that many, if they are not a God called preacher, do nothing at all. They will look up at a burned out light bulb and let someone else change it. See a dirty floor and wait for someone else to sweep it. See paper on the floor or song books out of place and wait for someone else to take care of it. Minister also means to give service, care, or aid; attend, as to wants or necessities. Visiting the sick, the orphans and widows in their affliction (James 1:29), visiting hospitals, being there for each other at funerals, etc.

b. Tychicus was a faithful minister. The work of the local church goes on every day, every week, every month, and every year. Faithfulness and availability go hand-in-hand. God bless faithful people who attend, tithe, labor, pray, and back their pastor. If you are the best worker in the world, you are virtually useless if you are not there to work. Tychicus was faithful to the Lord and faithful to the Apostle Paul.