Living the Mystery
Ephesians: Transformed By Christ • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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“Living the Dream” is a phrase you may have heard in life. It’s usually a response to the question “how are you doing?” Or “hows life going?”
“Living the dream” is a common phrase, especially today, that we typically use to describe a situation where someone’s experiencing the ideal lifestyle or enjoying some well-deserved success. It can include anything from financial success to creative success, perhaps— like in my case, the blessing of singing and playing music to help lead worship AND then get to preach a message right after.
I’m a full time vocational Pastor, working at a wonderful congregation in Ohio’s rural Amish Country. There are challenges, but God is in the work. Some of you may be completely averse to the work I’m doing— But-- We are a healthy church by many standards. I’m also a husband to a wonderful woman, father to three amazing daughters, and even a Grand “Papa” to two awesome little boys.
I get to prepare and play music, teach the bible, visit and have close relationships with people everyday. I have absolutely outstanding coworkers, the elder team, the deaconesses, the board of directors all are extremely supportive and engaged. This is an absolute dream— I can honestly say that. I’m being genuine. We have a great God and I can brag about how good He has been to you and me— maybe you can too. When you really take a look at your life— I hope you can see past the hard things, and say “i’m living the dream”.
But you can also use this phrase sarcastically to suggest the absolute opposite.
The phrase would describe a situation that’s far from ideal or maybe even mock someone who claims to be enjoying a perfect life despite evidence to the contrary.
Let’s say you were living paycheck to paycheck, your job is stressful, you don’t think you’re paid enough, and now your car broke down. Then someone comes along and asks how you’re doing. You could reply sarcastically with, “Oh, just living the dream.” They’d most likely pick up on the vibe, that this is definitely not a dream— more like a nightmare.
I was in a hurry one day trying to drive from here to Strasburg, through Dundee, and I think I counted 8-9 bicyclists, and at least 5 buggys— and on these hilly backroads, I had to just get in line behind them and roll the window down and enjoy the smells of whatever— and Live the Dream!
Today I want to introduce you to a new little twist on that phrase:
Living the Mystery!
The mystery is really what Tyler shared with us in last week’s passage— it’s the reconciliation that happens as a result of the transformation we experience in Christ. The Mystery is actually the reconciliation of man with God— and also man with man.
There are no divisions— no categories between believers in Jesus.
Here’s another funny T-shirt slogan Beth—Walnut Creek Mennonite Church--- Ephesians 3:9 “Living the Mystery”.
That’s pretty much the essence of this next portion of the letter of Ephesians— this week, we read Paul follow a little rabbit trail— a diversion in his letter— a side track— and that is found in Ephesians 3:7-13. I’ll let you read the first several verses of the chapter on your own this week— but I want you to join me in looking at verses 1-3— before we tackle the latter part:
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you,
3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.
At this point in his life, the Apostle Paul has been through ALOT. He’s even writing this very letter from a prison cell in Rome— probably contemplating his own death. He doesn’t actually die this time— but he does within two years at the end of another imprisonment at the hands of Emperor Nero. He had a pretty dramatic “come to Jesus” “But God” moment at his salvation. You can read all about that in Acts 9. He literally got knocked off his high horse, by Jesus himself, and re-assigned to preach and share the good news of Jesus to primarily a Non-Jewish population.
His life did not get any “easier” from that point on. After coming to the feet of Jesus— his life got tremendously more difficult.
He even has described some of his life experiences in his letters:
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.
27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
He’s living the DREAM, baby! How would Paul use that phrase today?
Today’s passage will give us a little window into how Paul views his life. The Ephesians are probably discouraged to hear that Paul is in prison, that he is suffering for the faith — but Paul will, even while things are uncertain, encourage them- and us-In verse 13--- with the fact that in living this transformed life— we are not necessarily living a dream— we are living a “mystery”. A mystery that changes everything— especially our perspective on our own lives, as it did for Paul.
Truth to Live by:
The mystery of the gospel is a transformational reconciliation with God and with each other.
During the reading of this passage, I want you to see that Paul is using the 1st person pronouns “I” “me”, etc. But I quickly was inspired to join Paul in these conclusions— to join him in understanding what he describes here that has happened to him, actually has happened to us— and we in fact can join him in these 1st person types of statements.
All that he has taught us in the letter so far— he begins to put a real face on it— by explaining what has happened to him— and we will observe two key ways that we join Paul in living out the “mystery” of Christ everyday.
Let’s begin in verse 7:
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.
Salvation is a gift given through God’s power. (v.7)
Salvation is a gift given through God’s power. (v.7)
We are servants of the Gospel through the grace and power of God.
We must never forget the facts of our salvation. Over time, we may forget or modify this truth—
There is a older powerful worship song written by Matt Redman- the Heart of Worship— it has a haunting line that states: “I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it— when it’s all about you, it’s all about you.”
We are servants of the Gospel— for Christ, in Christ, and through Christ. Nothing else.
8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,
The grace of God has a humbling effect on us. We see this in the life of Paul. Why would he call himself the “least” of all? It may not be like you expect— Paul is saying here that he is the “LEAST”— in the sense that he is the “least likely” to be chosen to follow Jesus and preach the good news of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection to the Gentiles. He’s the least likely candidate, and so are you and me!
That’s part of the mystery— Paul reflects on his own situation in Phil 3:4
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
He goes on to say that he counts all that as a loss— or literally “dung” in light of the gospel of Jesus, the grace that saved him.
Living the Mystery:
We live the mystery of Christ is by preaching with our life.
8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ,
He couldn’t get over it—the grace of God--- that’s why he just keeps going back to it again and again in his letters.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!- Words of the great hymn from Julia Johnston in 1910.
Paul received grace, so that he could preach.
Paul received grace, so that he could preach.
This is the first and crucial way that you live the mystery:
By preaching.
[Greek] Evangelizo- to proclaim, to tell, to preach the good news
Do you realize that preaching is not just what I’m doing right now? Preaching— in this sense, is WAY bigger than some person with a microphone on a platform. What I get to do with this time each week is certainly important, but it’s only a small portion of the ministry of our church. The more I say right now— the more you’re probably going to forget! This has it’s place— but what YOU can do with your LIFE lived for God everyday, in everyway? Now that’s preaching.
And watch how he continues here:
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
To make plain— it’s to shed light, or “reveal”
the administration— which actually means the “Stewardship” of this mystery.
“make plain” = to shed light on
“administration” = stewardship
We live the mystery of Christ by making the Gospel plain with our life.
9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
We should never forget the great grace that God has given us. And that we take this grace everywhere we go, everyday we live here in this life.
The ministry of your life is to proclaim and bring to light the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ. It will make plain to everyone the unity and reconciliation we have in Jesus.
Has this gotten inside you? Has this truth really infected you?
Let me give you an example--
Brother Lawrence (c. 1611-1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris, France. He is best known for his book The Practice of the Presence of God, which was compiled after his death from letters and conversations with his spiritual advisor.
Brother Lawrence entered the Carmelite monastery in Paris in 1640. He served as a lay brother, which meant that he did the manual labor around the monastery. He was assigned to work in the kitchen, where he spent most of his days cooking and cleaning.
Despite his humble position, Brother Lawrence was known for his deep spirituality. He developed a simple way of praying that he called "practicing the presence of God." He believed that God was present in all things, and he sought to live in constant awareness of God's presence.
Brother Lawrence's writings have inspired Christians for centuries. They teach us that it is possible to have a deep relationship with God even in the midst of our daily lives.
Here is a short quote from Brother Lawrence:
"I practice the presence of God by raising my mind to him often during the day. I say to him: 'My God, I love you.' Sometimes I say it only with my heart, but sometimes I say it with my lips. When I am occupied with something external, I try to keep God present in my mind as much as I can. “
What would it look like in your daily life, if you simply asked yourself, “what would it look like if Jesus were doing what I’m doing right now?” Do it like that. If you don’t know how to do that— then ask Him to help you! He’s prepared the way for you to do it anyway!
Now to the second way that we live the mystery--
Living the Mystery:
We live the mystery of Christ through the church.
Lets take a look at verse 10:
10 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,
The word “manifold” here refers to “multi-faceted”, it’s like that gem under the light— against the dark background. It’s varied— it’s complex and intricate.
God reveals his wisdom to the universe through the church.
10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Even to the angels and demons! That’s the inference here with the authorities and rulers of the heavenly places. Can you imagine how discouraged the devil and his demons are when God chooses to reveal His love, and wisdom through people— through people like you and me? Through people like Job, or Abraham, or David, or Paul!
11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
His wisdom is on display right here among us! It’s through the church that God’s love, His wisdom, his eternal plans are revealed through us!
Back to our identity, purpose and mission, right?
Paul uses language throughout this passage that he exists for God. All this stuff he has been through, all the thoughts and letters and teaching— it’s all to build up the church — which God is then using to reveal His great wisdom and plan. Especially to the angels and demons in the heavenly realm. Think about that for a moment. You and I are a part of the plan as well. And Paul will explore and explain the heavenly battle that is raging even right now-- A plan to execute God’s eternal purpose, which he completed in Jesus.
It’s like God is “calling his shot”. He said— watch this, this is how the plan is going to unfold— this is how I’m going to win the war. This is how it’s all going to go down. In sports, calling your shot is pretty audacious.
One of the most famous home runs in World Series history happened on Oct. 1, 1932, during Game 3 of the 1932 Championship. That’s 91 years ago--- today!
It was the New York Yankees vs. the Chicago Cubs, and the Yankees won the first 2 games at Yankee Stadium. Game 3 was at famous Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Charlie Root was the Cubs pitcher. He would give up a three-run homer to Babe Ruth in the first inning and a solo shot to Lou Gehrig in the third. The Cubs would score a run in the first, two in the third and another in the fourth. So after four innings the score was tied at 4-4.
In the top of the fifth inning, Joe Sewell led off for the Yankees and grounded out to short. Up next was “The Babe” – already a larger than life figure. As he stepped to the plate, the Cubs’ bench was riding him mercilessly. Babe would yell and gesture back. With the count 2 balls and two strikes, Ruth seemed to point two fingers toward center field. Then he belted the next pitch deep in the center field seats.
This photo shows Babe Ruth after hitting that mammoth home run.
Ruth would confirm that he did call the home run, and made good on that promise. Now that is some guts and confidence.
That’s what God is wanting to do through you and me. Jesus reinforces this concept in the Gospels:
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.
Jesus lived the mystery— He is the transformational reconciliation. We simply follow him, through the Holy Spirit, to live the mystery everyday.
Because of the mystery, we can approach God with freedom and confidence. v. 12
Because of the mystery, we can approach God with freedom and confidence. v. 12
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
First off— I want you to remember that in the religious activities of Paul’s day— Approaching God was not even an option for normal everyday people like you and me. It was reserved for the High Priest— and basically that was done (at least in the Jewish faith) only once per year. The Holy of Holies was the very presence of God. And basically no one could get in there and survive.
That was very common among many of the religious systems of the day— Scholars believe that even the religion of Artemis— The historical God of the city of Ephesus. It, and many other secret religions were termed “mystery cult”. You needed to have a special initiation to be “in the club”.
But at Jesus’ death— that huge curtain was torn in two— Tyler mentioned that last week— All belong. In Jesus, through our faith in Him, we’re IN. We are living the mystery.
He finishes this section by encouraging the Ephesians NOT to be discouraged by his imprisonment.
13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
He states that his “sufferings” are their glory. It’s all part of the plan. The plan to reveal and make plain the mystery of the Gospel—
It takes my mind directly to the Martyrs Mirror. This powerful compilation of the stories of those who suffered and died for their faith in Jesus. Story after story of those who faced their own death in this world— but were inspiration for the world to see and know that faith in Jesus is REAL. Real enough to suffer, and even die for. That’s how suffering can be glorious. If you suffer, you are suffering for Christ Jesus. He will not waste any pain— he can use it for your good, and for His glory.
We live the mystery of Christ through our sufferings.
Remember how Paul started the section here? For this reason (the gospel), I Paul am a prisoner of Christ Jesus. He didn’t say he was a prisoner of Rome, or a prisoner of the Emperor— He believed Jesus is truly the authority over EVERYTHING. Even his own situation. He was a prisoner FOR CHRIST JESUS. I want you to have that kind of hope today. I want you, no matter what circumstance you face, to be able to join Jesus and “call your shot” with confidence and freedom. Every one of us exists for God. He made us, He sustains us, and He will reveal His plans through us.
The way you face your struggle, even the way you suffer, is a part of the plan— a part of the mystery we are living. Who knows— but for such a time as this, you have come to this place. What will you do with it? I say point to the center field seats, and take your shot.
The martyrs shook the powers of darkness with the irresistible power of weakness.
John Milton
Let’s pray.
We have three that have expressed their desire to be baptized today.
Transition.