These lessons come from the last verses in Paul’s great letter to the church in Ephesus.

After twenty years of ministry experience…

1. He believed in the necessity of intercessory prayer for ministry effectiveness and fruitfulness (v.18-19a –praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,and also for me...”).
2. He believed that ministry effectiveness and fruitfulness centered on communicating the gospel clearly and boldly (v. 19b – “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel”).
3. He believed in the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s illumination and empowerment (v. 19 – “words may be given me”).
4. He believed in ministry partnerships (Friends praying for him and he for them.)
5. He believed in missional living in the midst of adverse circumstances (v. 20 – “an ambassador in chains”).
6. He believed that cowardly compromise was a persistent threat to his mission. Thus, fearless and bold communication of the gospel was imperative (v. 19&20 – “opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak”).