Rob's Expository Sermon Preparation | Ephesians 3:1–13

Introduction:

· Do you ever find your mind wandering when you pray?

LET’S LOOK AT HOW THE GOSPEL RESHAPES OUR VIEW OF SUFFERING; HOW IT RESHAPES OUR VIEW OF GOD’S MISSION, AND HOW THESE THINGS TOGETHER GIVE US ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING.

I) The Mystery of the Gospel Reshapes Our View of Suffering (vv.1 13)

A. The Interruption of Suffering

i. Paul is breaking off his flow of thought to address suffering (vs. 1; & vs. 14)

1. The dash –inserted later – helps us see that Paul interrupts his thoughts

2. Why? Paul names his sufferings and then realizes he needs to explain

ii. We respond to suffering in varied ways

1. EXAMPLE: Stoics (OR: “Calvin’s dad”): be tough. Be strong.

2. EXAMPLE: Despair, hopelessness, it consume you (see vs. 13)

B. A Different View on Suffering

i. True Freedom is Found in Slavery to Jesus (vs. 1)

1. Paul looked like a prisoner of Rome; he sees himself a prisoner of Christ!

2. QUOTE: “You are never truly free, until you are not free, to be free…”

ii. Adversity in service to Christ honors the one we serve

1. Obedience to Christ never guarantees freedom from adversity

2. EXAMPLE: Honoring your parents (even as they age); Following God’s call even if it means you make less money.

THE GOSPEL GIVES US A NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT ADVERSITY. IT ALSO GIVES US A NEW WAY TO SEE GOD’S MISSION – AND OUR PLACE IN THAT MISSION.

II) The Mystery of the Gospel Reshapes our View of God’s Mission

A. The Mystery of God’s Mission: Salvation Through Suffering (vv. 3, 4, 6, 9)

i. A “Mystery” is something that can never be figured out

1. Biblical Mystery is NOT something unknown, but revealed!

2. Tim Keller: Most religions operate on a principle that is common sense

3. EXAMPLE: Ten Commandments, Golden Rule, etc.

ii. But God’s Way of Salvation would never in a million years be figured out

1. The gospel is a mystery because it defies all human understanding!

2. A Jewish Rabbi, born of a virgin, would suffer, die, and win through losing, triumph through suffering,

B. The Mystery of God’s mission: Salvation for the Nations (vs. 6)

i. God’s mystery includes the Gentiles!

1. God’s mission to the nations was never a “mission 2.0” or a deviation

2. All along, God intended to bring in Gentiles to His people!

ii. God Entrust His Mystery to Stewards (vs. 2, 7-8, 9)

1. Paul has experienced the grace that changed him from who he was, to who he is: A steward of God’s mystery

2. APPLICATION: Those of us who experience grace are stewards

THE GOSPEL RESHAPES SUFFERING; IT GIVES US A NEW WAY TO UNDERSTAND OUR PLACE IN GOD’S MISSION, FINALLY, IT STRENGTHENS US For ADVERSITY

III) The Gospel Renews Our Hearts In the Face of Suffering

A. God displays His Wisdom in the Church – so spiritual powers may see

i. God is displaying His Wisdom in the church…(vs. 10)

1. The church demonstrates God’s healing grace: Spiritual, social, racial…

2. APPLICATION: being a part of a church – even when it’s a mess

ii. …to the spiritual powers!

1. The rulers and authorities in heavenly places look on: (see Job)

2. ILLUSTRATION: Joni Erickson Tada & a friend in the hospital

3. APPLICATION: How would your adversity change if you lived this?

B. God Transforms Suffering into Glory – so we do not need to lose heart

i. A RECAP:

1. God is accomplishing his “mystery” of bringing the nations to Christ!

2. God calls His church to display his grace – even in the face of adversity!

ii. That’s why Paul can say we don’t lose heart! (vs. 12-13)

1. uffering in the path of obedience will be transformed into glory!

2. APPLICATION: Forgiving; treated unfairly; investing in difficult people

Transition:

Conclusion

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