IN CHRIST: Mystery

Ephesians 3:1 CSB

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—

INTRO—

Ok…so I have another ‘most favorite verse in all the Bible’…I blame a college friend (Mike Jordan)…

Colossians 1:27 “God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

“This mystery” — not a troublesome puzzle; not an unsolvable case…a truth that was concealed (for a time)

Ephesians 5:32 “This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church.”

[[Ephesians 6:19 “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.”]]

This ‘mystery’…

MYSTERY — God’s People: Picture [Ephesians 3.1-7]

[Restate the intro = “I am speaking about Christ and the Church.”]

Ephesians 3:5–6 CSB

This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The BIG PICTURE of God’s plan—the Church; the Bride of Christ—includes people…of various backgrounds, et al. (Including periods of history)!!!

Ephesians 2:13–14 “But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh,”

MYSTERY — God’s People: Personal [Ephesians 3.8-13]

Ephesians 3:8 CSB

This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ,

This news is sooo good, I can’t believe it is for me, too! AAANNNDD…I get to share it with everyone…& anyone who responds (repentantly)—can trust Jesus to forgive them of his/her sin and bring them into his righteousness!

1 Corinthians 15:8–10 “Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” [ppt=v 9]

Ephesians 3:13 CSB

So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Have you ever seen someone you admired and was the greatest, nicest, helpfullest Christian…just get hammered by haters, non-believers, skeptics? …And then thought, “If that can happen to them…could it happen to me? …is it worth it? …how can anyone deal with this? …would any of this mean the end of Christianity?”

Philippians 1:12–14 “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.” [ppt=v 12]

MYSTERY — God’s People: Power [Ephesians 3.14-19]

Ephesians 3:16 CSB

I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit,

We have the truth we know…and the challenges we experience in believing it each and every day. This is why Paul moves into a focused prayer time here in this section. We need power (not like Aladdin’s genie focused on [infinite cosmic power…itty-bitty living space])…power=strength for each day…

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

Strength…AAANNDD—

Paul’s tri-fold prayer…

In the SPIRIT — Strength (v16)

In CHRIST — Love (vv17-18)

In GOD — Fullness (v19)

CONCL—

AAAANNNNNDD…a great song of worship—inspired by the beauty and significance of this MYSTERY!!

[EPHESIANS 3.20-21]

Ephesians 3:20–21 CSB

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

[[Song: “Now to Him” — Acappella, Growing Up in the Lord (1994 album)]]

Now to him…BE GLORY…in the church…in Jesus…to all generations…forever!

INVITATION

Salvation

Church Family

Strength

Ephesians 3:20–21 CSB

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.