The Unexpected People of God

Ephesians 3:1–13 (CSB)

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.

The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

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. I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.

This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.

This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him.

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

The Gospel:

Reveled To The Most Unexpected of People (V1-5, 7-8a)

Apostles [Paul The persecutor of Christians]

“least of all the saints” (V8)

God chose Ordinary Men To Declare One Extraordinary Message

Extraordinary Message: Acts 26:18 “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

This Revelation of The Gospel:

According To the Character Of God (God’s Grace)

According to the Plan Of God (God’s Wisdom)

According to the Power of God (God’s Spirit)

Rescues The Most Unexpected of People (V6, 8b)

Those Without The Law Are Redeemed By The Fulfiller of the Law (Sinners-God’s Enemies-Haters of God)

Gentiles are fellow heirs, partners, members of the Church

By the Power of the Spirit and the teaching/preaching of the gospel, the gentiles can know, believe, and participate in the mystery of the Gospel

Resonates Through The Most Unexpected of People (V10)

Question: If the mystery of the Gospel is that there is no longer division but unity, who are we excluding from hearing the good news?

If The Church exists to declare God’s Plan of Salvation (Sinners Redeemed In Christ), Do We Actually Proclaim This truth with our words and lives?

Pauls Testimony:

Acts 26:15–18 ““I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”

The Mystery of The Gospel:

Romans 11:25 “I don’t want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be conceited: A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”

Romans 16:25 “Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages”

1 Corinthians 15:51 “Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,”

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.”

Colossians 2:2 “I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ.”

1 Timothy 3:16 “And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”