Paul’s View of the Church Eph. 3:8-11

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,. Eph. 3:8-11

The Importance of Paul’s View

His view before His conversion

The Importance of Paul’s View His view before His conversion His view after His conversion

The Importance of Paul’s View His view before His conversion His view after His conversion His view changed, how do you explain it

The Importance of Paul’s View His view before His conversion His view after His conversion His view changed, how do you explain it His view, his change, explained by him

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,,, Gal. 1:15-16

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. Eph.3:1-7

37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Cor. 14:37

Paul’s View of the Church His view of the church in God’s plan

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,. Eph. 3:8-11

Paul’s View of the Church His view of the church in God’s plan His view of Christ and the church

23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Eph. 4:23-27

Paul’s View of the Church His view of the church in God’s plan His view of Christ and the church His view of reconciliation and the church

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Eph. 2:14-19

Paul’s View of the Church His view of the church in God’s plan His view of Christ and the church His view of reconciliation and the church His view of the unity of the church

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor. 1:10-13

Paul’s View of the Church His view of the church in God’s plan His view of Christ and the church His view of reconciliation and the church His view of the unity of the church His view of the destiny of the church

24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Cor. 15:24-26

Your View of the Church Your view of the church in God’s plan Your view of Christ and the church Your view of reconciliation and the church Your view of the unity of the church Your view of the destiny of the church

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan

Must have faithJohn 3:16

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan Must have faithJohn 3:16 Must repentLuke 13:3

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan Must have faithJohn 3:16 Must repentLuke 13:3 Must confessRom. 10:9

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan Must have faithJohn 3:16 Must repentLuke 13:3 Must confessRom. 10:9 Must be baptizedActs 2:38

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan Must have faithJohn 3:16 Must repentLuke 13:3 Must confessRom. 10:9 Must be baptizedActs 2:38 He adds you to the body, the church

Becoming Part of His Eternal Plan Must have faithJohn 3:16 Must repentLuke 13:3 Must confessRom. 10:9 Must be baptizedActs 2:38 He adds you to the body, the church Must live faithfully Rev. 2:10