Tychicus

May the words of my mouth and meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Rock and Redeemer.
As Paul comes to the end of his letter, he is writing about someone who was one of those behind the scenes, someone who most of us have probably never heard of before. His name is tychicus.  Tychicus played a crucial role in the spread of the gospel and enormous growth of the early church. Paul is traveling on this missionary journey & comes to Ephesus. Many believe that in this group Tychicus was also part of it.  He receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit and becomes a vibrant, follower and disciple of Jesus Christ. Tychicus means "fortunate”.         We find his name mentioned five different times in the New Testament.

And as we look at his life this morning, I believe we can learn some important qualities of his character that we can apply in our lives right away.

Firstly

Tychicus was SELFLESS
Paul sent him to Ephesus where he delivered, and likely read, the circular letter, the Epistle to the Ephesians, to the church there . Then He went to Colosse and did the same with the Colossians . He also had a mission to fulfill in Crete . Paul speaks of him in affectionate terms-

"A brother beloved and faithful minister in the Lord," and "able to comfort your hearts."

He was a ‘beloved brother’.
Paul loved him… unconditionally.
Tychicus was the kind of man that whatever he did, he did it with all the heart and passion that he had.

Secondly

Tychicus was STEADFAST
In order to be faithful, one needs to be full of faith.

Faithfulness begins with OBSERVATION.

The next step is PARTICIPATION.

Faithfulness is sustained by SUBMISSION.

Tychicus has all  these in him, Tychicus was FULL of FAITH.
Hence Tychicus was steadfast.

Thirdly

Tychicus was SERIOUS
There was an element in Tychicus that was fearless.
 He as truly serious about the things of God.

 What does a serious servant look like? 

Perseverance, Patience, and Progress.

Tychicus was so serious & available to be sent with this important letter to the churches surrounding Ephesus. Thus enabling perseverance, patience and progress. So tychicus was serious

Finally,

Tychicus was SENSITIVE
In the ministry of Tychicu.  He was sent to COMFORT.

People are drawn to Jesus because He comforts, He repairs, He offers hope in the midst of a hopeless situation!
He seemed to always have a word, a touch, an encouragement that would calm the hearts of the people and give them hope.

Your effectiveness in loving others requires sensitivity. Tychicus used that sensitivity, so Tychicus was sensitive.

Yes, we need more Selfless, Steadfast, Serious, & Sensitive servants!

Be Selfless, Be Steadfast, Be Serious, & Be Sensitive.
And as you do…

There may be day, when God calls your number and says, here take this message to my church, or take this message to your neighbor, mother, father, brothers, sisters or friends.

Are we ready to be Selfless, Steadfast, Serious, & Sensitive servants?

May God bless these words, Amen.