“Ephesians” — Part 6 Ephesians 3:1-13 “A Mystery Revealed” “Ephesians” — Part 6 Ephesians 3:1-13

1. Do you ever get sidetracked during prayer? “Ephesians” – Part 6

1. Do you ever get sidetracked during prayer? For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Ephesians 3:1 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. Ephesians 3:2-5 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” Acts 9:15 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul “About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me ‘…I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” Acts 26:13-18 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, "Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place." Acts 21:27-28 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'" The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, "Rid the earth of him! He's not fit to live!" Acts 22:21-22 “Ephesians” – Part 6

2. A special assignment for Paul Note: Had Paul compromised the message and encouraged the selfish prejudices of the Jews, He probably would have been released. But, now he is in prison for the sake of the Gentiles. “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. Note: Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews and share the riches God gave them because of His covenant with Abraham. “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of “Ephesians” – Part 6

3. A mystery revealed. God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ… Ephesians 1:4-9 “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 3:7-10 “Ephesians” – Part 6

What do angels learn from the church? “Ephesians” – Part 6

What do angels learn from the church? The manifold wisdom of God. “Ephesians” – Part 6

What do angels learn from the church? The manifold wisdom of God. What do demons learn from the church? “Ephesians” – Part 6

What do angels learn from the church? The manifold wisdom of God. What do demons learn from the church? You can’t stop God’s plan! “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. Conclusion: Paul says that if the rulers of this world, likely demonic powers working through human earthly powers, had understood the plan of God in advance, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. “Ephesians” – Part 6

4. A secret for a reason. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:8 “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God ...according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:11-13 “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God So what? How does this affect you? What are you to do? “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known... Ephesians 3:10 “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the “Ephesians” – Part 6

5. The eternal purpose and plan of God righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “Ephesians” – Part 6

Application: This truth calls us to recommitment in three areas: evangelization, celebration, and discipleship. A study of Church history reveals that many of the basic truths of God’s Word were lost or ignored. God had His faithful people, but many great truths were buried under manmade theology, tradition, and ritual. Then, God’s Word “Ephesians” – Part 6

began to open the eyes of searching souls, and these great truths: justification by faith, divine election, and the doctrine of the Church were unveiled again. We dare not lose them again by ignoring them or perverting them. “Ephesians” – Part 6

When the church is true to her being, Christ’s love flows from her “body life” or community life. Christ’s forgiveness is expressed in the relationships of her members to each other and to those outside of her fellowship. God’s mercy and grace are made visible in her ministry and mission. “Ephesians” – Part 6