Knowing The Plan of Salvation

Ephesians 3:1-12

Introduction: Let me ask a question: How many like mysteries or crime-solving shows? In the United States alone over 50% of the population. an additional 12% watch it more frequently while another 28% watch from time to time. With streaming platforms and mobility, these numbers will increase. We love a Good mystery, it gives us a sense of value, adrenaline those mystery rooms we pay for.

in some areas of the world today, Christianity is spreading so rapidly that experts predict that some countries and even some continents will be Christianized within a matter of years. However, encouraging as it may be, the roots of that new faith are often shallow and unstable, producing a Christianity That some have described as a mile wide and an inch deep. Which some are calling nominal or superficial.

Meanwhile, many Christians in the West tend to embrace what might be called a subjective gospel what matters is not so much whether the message of Christ is true, but what can it do for me. Can it solve my problems, meet my needs, help me feel OK, and improve my relationships? It’s as if Jesus came primarily for me, what difference he makes for others and other times and places is of little consequence.

That’s why Revealing the Wisdom of God for humanity is so important. Not only that we reveal it but that we rightly divide the truth. We must ensure that all God’s people will know His plan, which is now revealed through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:1–2 (NIV)

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you. In the NEW Living Translation is says

When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles … 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles (NLT)

“ When I think of all this” or “For this reason” What is he referring to?

Paul begins Ephesians 3:1 with “When I think of all this” or “For this reason,” he is reflecting on the unity, grace, and inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God. He is captivated by the mystery that was previously hidden but is now revealed: how both Jews and Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel. Basically saying that Yes, “We all can get along” Wow! so lets look at these 3 points this morning.

I. God’s Plan

Verse 3:4-6: “3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

God’s plan for salvation was a mystery hidden for ages but revealed through Jesus Christ. Paul highlights that this mystery was not just for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity—both Jews and Gentiles alike. The beauty of God’s plan is its inclusivity and its scope. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are all united into one body and have equal access to God.

God’s heavenly plan doesn’t always make earthly sense.

Chuck Swindoll

• Application: Are we living with the awareness that we are part of this incredible plan? God has a specific plan for each of us that fits into His greater story. Seek His guidance and wisdom to discern your role in His kingdom.

II. God’s Purpose

Verse 10-11: “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, according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God’s purpose is to make His wisdom known not just to us, but to the entire spiritual realm through the church. He uses us, the body of Christ, to demonstrate His grace, love, and mercy. Through our lives, God’s purpose is being fulfilled, and the world sees a glimpse of His glory.

We quote a scripture in Matthew how that the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

This means we are not doing a good job of developing good laborers.

Because we know His plan and Purpose it should create a response

III. Our Response: Praise

Verse 12: “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

without our past, we would not have any praise

The phrase “without our past, we will not have any praise” is not a direct biblical quote, but it can be interpreted to convey a spiritual truth. It suggests that our ability to offer genuine praise to God is deeply connected to something we’ve experienced or gone through in life.

This phrase can also suggest that without acknowledging where we’ve come from or the grace we’ve received, we won’t be able to genuinely praise God. If we don’t understand how God has forgiven, redeemed, and changed us, our praise will lack depth. But it’s so much more

There is more to this past. While struggles can deepen our understanding of God’s presence, grace, and power, they are not the only source of praise. Praise should come from a broader understanding of who God is and what He has done, regardless of our circumstances. So what does that look like? We should praise God for His

1. Praise for God’s Character:

We can praise God simply because of who He is—His love, holiness, mercy, faithfulness, and sovereignty. The psalmists often praised God for His nature, even without reference to specific trials or personal situations. (Psalm 145:3 – “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.”)

Share about your teachers calling parents just about bad behavior. If we call on Jesus just to get us through something, then we are still clueless about God’s entire plan.

2. Praise for Creation and Blessings:

We can praise God for the beauty of creation, for family, health, provision, and the many daily blessings we experience. Even in the absence of suffering, there are countless reasons to be thankful and offer praise. (Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”)

3. Praise for Plan of Salvation and Redemption:

The greatest reason to praise God is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Regardless of whether life is easy or hard, our relationship with God and the promise of eternal life are always reasons to rejoice. (Ephesians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”)

The revelation of God’s plan and purpose should lead us to one natural response: Praise. We praise God because, through Christ, we have boldness and confident access to the Father. No longer are we distant or separated by sin. We have been brought near, and we can now approach God with freedom and confidence.

We don’t always have to go through struggles to praise God. Our praise should be rooted in our understanding of who God is, not just what we experience. Struggles can amplify our praise, but we are called to praise God in every season—whether in joy or in pain, in abundance or in need—because He is always worthy of it.

Conclusion:

This section is the prep work for Paul’s prayer in verses 14-20. How often do prepare ourselves to pray? meditate, reflect, and place yourself in the right spiritual mind.

Ephesians 3:1-13 teaches us about God’s plan to bring salvation to all people, The word all is found 10 times in this chapter. verse 1, 8,9,10, then in Paul’s prayer verses 14,18,19,20,21. It’s bigger than you and me. it’s about all people.

John 12:32 The song says when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus will sing and shout the victory. I believe that joy is what we can hope for here on earth just as Paul witnesses it in Ephesians.

John 12:32 (NIV)

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

As we reflect on these truths, may we remember that God’s Plan of Salvation includes ALL of us. His purpose is being worked out through our lives, and our response should be one of continual praise and worship.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your plan to us through Christ. Help us to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that we are a part of Your grand story. May our hearts overflow with praise for the grace and freedom we have in Jesus. Let our lives be a testimony of Your wisdom and love to those around us. Let us be reminded that you will draw all people unto yourself. Thank you for giving us a chance Amen.