Boldness and Access with Confidence Ephesians 3:12-13

Ephesians 2-3 We are all sinners saved by the grace of God through our faith (2:1-10) Jesus on the cross brought us all together (2:11-22) Paul’s purpose was to reveal this “mystery” – that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs (3:1-13) He seeks true unity with brethren!

Boldness “In whom we have” (3:12) “In whom” a reference to Jesus John 14:6 “We” – Paul, the church at Ephesus (both Jew and Gentile) and us!

Boldness Mark 8:32 John 7:13 John 7:26 Παρρησία, parrēsia 1) straightforward (in speech) 2) we are open (not hiding anything) 3) courage and fearlessness Mark 8:32 John 7:13 John 7:26

Boldness We come before His throne Hebrews 4:14-16 1 John 5:14-15, confidence if we ask anything 1 John 3:21-22, confidence toward God

Boldness Declaring Him to others Ephesians 6:19, praying for others to have boldness 2 Corinthians 3:12, boldness of speech Acts 28:31, confidence

Boldness In judgment Hebrews 3:6, hold fast our confidence to the end Hebrews 10:35, do not cast away your confidence 1 John 4:17, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment

Access We have direct access to God Under the Old Law, Israel needed priests on earth We have Jesus as our Priest and mediator, John 14:6, 1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 4:14-16, Rom. 8:34, Heb. 7:25, 1 John 2:1

Access Through Jesus we have opportunity to enter in the presence of God Romans 5:2, Ephesians 2:18, 3:12 God hears our prayers 1 John 5:14

Confidence We can trust Him! Πεποίθησις, pepoithēsis Trust or assurance, similar to the English usage of the word today Why can we trust Him? Consider prophecy and His works! The church, His eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10-11)

Confidence Why can we trust Him? He is greater than the world 1 John 4:4, Rom. 8:31, 37 He sent Jesus 2 Corinthians 3:4

Through faith “in Him” Faith is our part in salvation – Eph. 2:8 Obeying the gospel Remaining faithful – Revelation 2:10, 1 John 1:5-9 Hebrews 11 – it is an obedient faith John 3:32

Do not lose heart Vs. 13, as Paul faces tribulation he exhorts them to not lose heart Because of Jesus. Consider also His example – 1 Peter 2:21-24 Sadly, many turned away, even around Him – John 7:10, 6:66, 9:22, 12:42

Do not lose heart Tribulation, “which is your glory” The testing of your faith can make you stronger, James 1:3, Romans 5:1-5 God is pleased with those who remain with Him during the tough times, Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 3:13-17, 2 Corinthians 4:17

Do not lose heart What if we deny Him? Matthew 10:32-33 Mark 8:38

Will we boldly do our part? God has done His part He is with us! Will we boldly do our part?