Ephesians Series Called To Walk In Christ Part 5 Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13

Ephesians Review: Chapter 1 We have been called to be rich with the blessings of God Chapter 2 We have been called from death to life. We were spiritually dead – But God showed up and made all who believe spiritually alive. For Today: Chapter 3:1-13 We Are Called To Be The Church

Ephesians 3:1-13 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--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 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. 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. 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 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 made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 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.

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1)

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I. The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6)

Romans 16:25-26 “Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him.”

Three words describe details of this mystery: the Gentiles (that’s us) are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Daniel 9:25-27 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him."

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I.The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6) II. The Mystery’s Purpose (verses 7-13)

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I.The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6) II.The Mystery’s Purpose (verses 7-13) 1. Preach the “unsearchable riches” (3:8)

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I.The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6) II.The Mystery’s Purpose (verses 7-13) 1.Preach the “unsearchable riches” (3:8) 2.Make plain the administration of this mystery (3:9)

2 Timothy 2:2 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.

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I.The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6) II.The Mystery’s Purpose (verses 7-13) 1.Preach the “unsearchable riches” (3:8) 2.Make plain the administration of this mystery (3:9) 3. Make known the manifold wisdom of God to heavenly rulers (3:10)

Called To Be The Church Ephesians 3:1-13 Introduction (verse 1) I.The Mystery Revealed (verses 2-6) II.The Mystery’s Purpose (verses 7-13) 1.Preach the “unsearchable riches” (3:8) 2.Make plain the administration of this mystery (3:9) 3. Make known the manifold wisdom of God to heavenly rulers (3:10) 4. Approach God with freedom and confidence (3:12)

Applications Verse 1 - Don’t allow your circumstances to imprison you. Live the truth of this mystery – the Church Never cease to be amazed at what God has done for you. Verse 6: Are you living like an heir of God? Are you living a life of unity with God’s people, active in the church? Verse 12 - are you approaching God with freedom and confidence? Share the Good News of this mystery with others.