SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 23-12-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Salvation by Grace”, we learnt that all have sinned and are worthy of God’s judgment. But God’s love has opened the way of salvation to all, regardless of race, age or place in society. Saved believers are no longer dead in sin. They are raised to sit together with Christ. They live a righteous life and show good works. God saves us to grow in holiness and be built up as a spiritual temple of God.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 724: MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH REVEALED MEMORY VERSE: …… “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:8,9) TEXT: Ephesians 3:1-21

INTRODUCTION Paul established the truth that salvation is by God’s grace. All can receive it through faith in Christ. Paul deserved God’s wrath because he persecuted God’s early church. But He obtained mercy after he met Christ on his way to Damascus. He became a servant of God. God revealed hidden truths of the church to him though there were disciples and apostles before him. God’s eternal purpose is always accomplished through whomsoever He chooses. QUESTION 1: What can believers learn from Paul’s frontline position in the knowledge of the gospel? – Ephesians 3:8,9

SELFLESSNESS AND TENACITY OF THE DEDICATED APOSTLE Ephesians 3:1,14 By introducing himself as a “prisoner of Christ”, Paul showed His unconditional loyalty to Christ and accepted the suffering his commission brought. Christian workers should therefore learn from Paul and avoid grumbling because of the sacrifices the calling of Christ imposes on them. QUESTION 2: From Paul’s example, what should be the attitude of Christian servants who are suffering persecution? – Philippians 1:29; Rom 1:9; 2 Tim 2:9

REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH Ephesians 3:2-6; Genesis 22:18 God had chosen the children of Israel as His people above all other nations. Because of this, they could not think that God would deal with Gentiles, not alone deal with them on the same level as the Jews! It was a mystery kept hidden until the New Testament dispensation. God’s grace is not limited by race! QUESTION 3: In your own words, explain the mystery of the church and how does it apply today.

MINISTRY OF A COMMISIONED MINISTER Ephesians 3:7-13 The Apostle saw himself as highly favored in being selected share the truth of the gospel. He was deeply humbled when he remembered his past deeds. God is willing to save the dirtiest of sinners who genuinely repents. God’s truth should not be kept closed: we who have received it have the duty to spread the good news to all. QUESTION 4: What responsibility does knowledge of the mystery of Christ bring upon believers today? – Ephesians 3:8,9; Mark 16:15,16

INTERCESSION FOR IMPACT OF THE REVEALED MYSTERY Ephesians 3:14-21 Paul desired the fruit of God’s grace and power of the gospel in the lives of the believers in Ephesus; therefore, he went on his knees for intercession. His prayer focused on spiritual blessings, strength, growth in faith and in the knowledge of the depth and breadth of Christ’s love. Our assurance of receiving answers to our prayers should make us rejoice in God’s great power and glory. QUESTION 5: What do we learn from Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church? – Ephesians 3:14,16,19; Galatians 4:19

CONCLUSION Paul’s experience shows us that God chooses whom to assign to fulfil His purpose on earth. He can change any life, no matter how sinful, to become His servant. It is all by His grace and power. Without these, all preaching or teaching would be ineffective. The conversion and incorporation of the Gentiles into the body of Christ is a privilege we must be eternally grateful for.