From Prison to Preaching: The Power of Divine Stewardship

Bible Passage: Ephesians 3:1-21

Summary: In this passage, the Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, explains the mystery of the Gospel and his unique role as a steward of this message to the Gentiles, highlighting how God's grace empowers him despite his chains.

Application: This message serves as an encouragement for Christians facing challenges or restrictions in their lives. It reminds them that their circumstances do not limit their ability to serve God and share His love with others. By embracing our roles as stewards of God's grace, we can find purpose and meaning even in difficult situations.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that our identity in Christ transcends our earthly circumstances. Paul’s example reveals how God can use our trials to further His mission through us, and that our faith can be a beacon of hope to others.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s mystery. Just as Paul reveals the mystery of the Gospel, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's redemptive plan for all humanity, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body through the cross.

Big Idea: No matter our circumstances, God's grace equips us to be effective stewards of His Gospel, transforming our trials into opportunities for ministry.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider exploring the historical and cultural context of Ephesians, especially regarding Paul's imprisonment. You might examine commentaries that discuss the theme of stewardship in the New Testament and how Paul’s chains influenced his ministry. Additionally, researching the Greek terms for 'mystery' in this context could shed light on Paul's intent in communicating this profound truth to his audience.

1. Prism of Prisoner

Ephesians 3:1-6

Perhaps begin by emphasizing Paul’s posture as a "prisoner for Christ," illustrating how divine stewardship transforms our limitations into platforms for sharing the Gospel. You could draw parallels between the mystery of Christ revealed to Paul and our calling to make God’s mysterious ways known to others, regardless of our circumstances.

2. Purpose in Preaching

Ephesians 3:7-13

You could highlight how Paul received grace to preach to the Gentiles, turning his imprisonment into a powerful testimony of God's abundant grace. Consider discussing the idea that our perceived weaknesses can be transformed into powerful witness experiences that inspire others and glorify God.

3. Prayerful Power

Ephesians 3:14-21

Maybe explore Paul’s prayer for spiritual strength and comprehension of Christ's love, suggesting that even from prison, Paul’s focus was on empowering others. You could frame this point by encouraging your audience to seek the limitless love and power of Christ in their own struggles, recognizing the potential to be effective stewards of the Gospel.

In the commentary by Brown, Fausset, and Jamieson, the authors explore the Apostle Paul’s role in revealing the mystery of Christ, particularly focusing on the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. They emphasize that Paul’s imprisonment is a direct result of his mission to preach to the Gentiles, which he views as a privilege rather than a burden. The authors note that Paul digresses in his writing, indicating the significance of the Gentiles’ calling and his prayer for their spiritual enlightenment through the Holy Spirit. They clarify that the “mystery” refers to Christ Himself, previously hidden but now revealed, and that this revelation was not fully understood by Old Testament prophets. The commentary highlights the unity of Jews and Gentiles as “fellow heirs” and “members of the same body” in Christ, emphasizing the role of the Church in manifesting God’s wisdom to both heavenly beings and humanity. The authors also discuss the importance of prayer, noting Paul’s humble posture and his desire for believers to be strengthened in their inner selves through the Spirit. They elaborate on the dimensions of Christ’s love, which surpasses human understanding, and the ultimate goal of being filled with the fullness of God. The commentary concludes with a doxology, attributing glory to God for His abundant power and grace, which is to be recognized in the Church throughout all generations. Overall, the authors present a profound theological reflection on the nature of God’s revelation and the communal aspect of faith in Christ.

In his analysis, Harold W. Hoehner discusses the Apostle Paul’s digression in his letter, where he elaborates on the mystery of Christ, particularly focusing on the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers within the church. Hoehner notes that Paul, identifying himself as a prisoner for the sake of the Gentiles, emphasizes his role in revealing God’s grace, which he describes as a stewardship entrusted to him. He explains that this mystery, previously hidden, has now been disclosed through revelation, allowing believers to understand their shared inheritance and unity in Christ. The author highlights that the mystery is not merely the salvation of Gentiles but the profound truth that both Jews and Gentiles are co-heirs and members of one body in Christ. Hoehner also addresses the purpose of Paul’s ministry, which is to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God to both the church and the heavenly realms. He emphasizes that this unity serves as a testament to God’s wisdom, showcasing the transformative power of the gospel. Furthermore, Hoehner details Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians, asking for their spiritual strengthening and deeper comprehension of Christ’s love, which is essential for fostering unity among believers. He concludes with a doxology, praising God for His ability to accomplish far more than believers can imagine, reinforcing the idea that the miraculous unity of diverse believers is possible through divine power. Overall, Hoehner presents a comprehensive view of Paul’s theological insights regarding the church’s nature and the significance of love and unity among its members.

David S. Dockery discusses the themes of Paul’s writing, emphasizing the apostle’s dual identity as both a prisoner of Rome and a prisoner of Christ Jesus, which highlights his commitment to God’s will. He explains that Paul’s ministry is a divine commission, revealing the mystery of God’s plan to include Gentiles as equal members of the church alongside Israel. This inclusion signifies a new revelation in God’s purpose, where believers are coheirs in God’s kingdom, forming a new community with Christ as the head. Dockery notes that Paul humbly acknowledges his own insignificance while recognizing the transformative power of Christ in his life. The commentary also highlights the church’s role in manifesting God’s multifaceted wisdom to the heavenly realms, indicating that the unfolding story of redemption is of great interest to spiritual authorities. Furthermore, Dockery points out that the church is central to God’s historical workings, serving as a divine agent and fellowship with a mandate to spread the gospel. Paul’s prayer for believers emphasizes the need for inner strength and spiritual insight, rooted in the work of the Trinity. He underscores the universal nature of God’s fatherhood, inviting all people, regardless of background, to approach Him. Finally, Dockery concludes with Paul’s doxology, celebrating God’s glory and the church’s role in glorifying Him eternally. This exploration of Paul’s thoughts reveals a profound understanding of the church’s significance in God’s plan and the transformative power of faith in Christ.

R. C. Sproul discusses the Apostle Paul’s prayer for his Gentile readers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the love and power of Christ. Paul, while under house arrest in Rome, reflects on his unique ministry to the Gentiles and the revelation of the unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He notes that while the Old Testament hints at this unity, it was not fully articulated until the New Testament, where Gentiles are welcomed into the family of God without the need for adherence to Jewish laws. Sproul highlights that this inclusion signifies a profound shift in God’s plan, showcasing His wisdom and the reconciliation of humanity through Christ’s sacrifice. Paul’s self-description evolves throughout his letters, illustrating his growing awareness of his unworthiness and the grace bestowed upon him. The unity of Jews and Gentiles serves as a testament to Christ’s lordship over all creation, demonstrating God’s power and wisdom to both earthly and spiritual authorities. Paul’s prayer, marked by humility, seeks for believers to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of love among the community of believers. He uses spatial imagery to describe the vastness of Christ’s love, which transcends individual experiences and fosters a collective identity. The power of God at work within believers is a central theme, culminating in a doxology that underscores the ultimate purpose of glorifying God through the church and in Christ Jesus. Sproul concludes that the relationship between the church and Christ is multifaceted, reflecting their interconnectedness and the divine plan for reconciliation and unity among all believers.