Ephesians 3:1-13 PT II

OUTLINE:

PT. 1

1;13 Sandwich that describes Paul’s main point in this section

Do not lose heart in his suffering since it is for the ministry of the gospel to them (gentiles)

PT.II

2-6 The mystery (Gentiles fellow heirs with Christ) revealed to Paul

2. The need for reminder to those who already knew and perhaps new converts. Paul was given a stewardship from God to dispense his grace to them.

3. This mystery was given to Paul via revelation.

4-5 Need for dissemination

Paul was revealed mystery that was withheld from others in previous generations.

6. The substance of mystery: Gentiles fellow heirs with Christ through the gospel

PT.III

7-12 The mystery spread to the world (since its for gentiles too) through the gospel (Jew and Gentile)

7-8a. Paul made a minister of the gospel by grace (8a) in power

8. Specifics of the ministry: Preaching unsearchable riches.

9. Substance of preaching: Bring to light for everyone the plan of mystery

10. The result of preaching: church reveal wisdom of God to the angelic realm

Thus we do not have to worry when man responds with hatred and attacks

11. This has always been the plan of God

Including the suffering that comes with the light piercing the dark

12. Bold access to the Father is worth a million sufferings

Conclusion:

God has always planned that he would unfold Christ by revelation to be revealed throughout time to a dark world that produces suffering and fruit of believing.

Ephesians 3:1–6 ESV

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Ephesians 3:7–13 ESV

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Paul’s suffering is good because he has been given a stewardship (general) by revelation (specific) from God

Administration (1:10 Plan or time for reign of Christ in world)

(making known to us the mystery of his will in verse 9)

To be shown the administration of Christ is a blessing.

To participate in the same is a blessing.

Revelation

it is blessed to have revelation.

Darkness and ignorance is a tool of Satan.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.