Because of Jesus…Salvation is for everyone

Introduction

· Review Series

o Week 1-We are adopted into God’s Family

o Week 2-We are made alive for a purpose

o Week 3-We are not alone

· This week we are in Ephesians 3:1-12

· Next Week Ephesians 3:13-21

Prayer

Hook- Some of my favorite types of books and shows are mystery, specifically Crime mystery. As I read each page or watch, I begin to wonder how it is going to end. Who is the bad guy? Will he get caught by the main actor? Then at the end, if I really enjoyed the book, I am going to tell someone about how good the book was. I love when they have a major twist toward the end.

Transition-Paul begins this part of the letter talking about a revealed mystery to himself.

Read Ephesians 3:1-12

First, we see that Paul transitions into the next part of this letter by being honest about his situation. He is in jail. Not sitting comfortably in his house. Paul wrote many letters from prison, but he never let his situation dictate his ministry. Then, he begins to talk about a mystery being revealed to and through his ministry.

What is the “Mystery”

What is the mystery?

Gentiles are members of the same body of Christ (Verse 6)

Reference to chapter 2

Not revealed to people before Jesus came.

The Church must share this mystery with others.

Paul shares how he was given this grace in order to preach among the Gentiles (Those outside of God’s family)

The multifaceted wisdom of God is shown through the church

What does knowing the mystery mean for the Church today? This leads us into our main point this week.

Because of Jesus…Salvation is for everyone

The churches in Ephesus needed to know that God’s grace is for everyone. Remember, there was a wall of hostility that needed to be broken down. Now, we should know that God came to save the whole world, and it should change how we reach out to Morton County. What should our response be?

Be Partners will all believers

EXPLAIN

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he celebrates their “partnership in the gospel”

Philippians 1:3–5 “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

This partnership extends beyond doctrine to tangible action—the Philippian church demonstrated their partnership by standing with Paul during hardship, being among the first to share in both giving and receiving, while believers are called to support one another so as to become “coworkers with the truth.”

We need to partner with other believers because we are stronger together. Jesus said we would do greater things than him. John 14:12 ““Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” The best way to do greater works is with each other.

ARGUE

Should we partner up with every church regardless of belief?

No, partnership has boundaries. Believers should not be “yoked together with those who do not believe,” as there is no partnership between righteousness and lawlessness. 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 “Do not be yoked together with those who do not believe. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, as God said: I will dwell and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

This principle protects the integrity of Christian community while maintaining the call to unity among those sharing faith in Christ.

ILLUSTRATE

Partnership involves both sides. Doubles Tennis team

APPLY

Partnership takes daily effort. We need to choose gentleness when we get frustrated and patience when misunderstood.

Share the mystery with others

EXPLAIN

We cannot keep this to ourselves. In verse 2, Paul shares that he was given the “dispensation” (NKJV) or “administration” (CSB) of God’s grace. Also, in verse 8 he says he was given the grace to proclaim to the Gentiles.

When we receive good news, we do not keep it to ourselves. We call or text as many people as possible to let them know what happened. We cannot wait to tell others. Another way people share news is through their social media profiles.

Since we have been told this amazing mystery (THE BEST NEWS EVER), we must tell other people. We cannot be a healthy body of believers and keep this mystery to ourselves. Some think the reason churches are struggling today is because people do not want to come to church. However, one of the reasons is because the church has stopped reaching out to the community.

ARGUE

We don’t know what to do to reach our community.

Many times we do not realize how many resources and connections we have.

ILLUSTRATE

The Gospel is meant to be a river throughout the world. Think of a lake that does not have an outlet. Endorheic lakes are these types of lakes. One interesting fact about them is that they are susceptible to pollution. If a body of believers are not looking to reach the community, pollution will creep into heart of the church. The pollution can look like this: lacking vision, disunity, and lack of true biblical leadership. Not every church that is “inside focused” has all of these qualities, but they are warning signs of pollution in a church.

On the other hand, a church that looks outward to reach the people outside of the church, or the Gentiles in the time of Paul, is a lake that is pouring out. These lakes are healthier because the moving water prevents pollution from happening. They are not perfect churches because there is no such thing as a perfect church.

APPLY

Be outward in our lives.

Share our story

Share the gospel

One Verse Evangelism with Romans 6.23

Romans 6:23 CSB

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Be bold and humble

EXPLAIN

We need to know the boldness God places inside is for two reasons. The first is boldness of coming to God in prayer. His wisdom is able to meet every need we have in our life. Sometimes people look to God for the same answer someone else received. However, God does not have a rubber stamp of answers to all situations. His all-knowing wisdom gives us the answer we need when we ask. Sometimes the answer is no. The second reason God gives us boldness is to share with others what He has done for us and them. Paul was an administrator of this grace and mystery. Therefore, we are administrators as well to the fact that Jesus’ death on the cross set us free from eternal separation from God.

Paul showed boldness in how he spoke, and humility in his heart.

ARGUE

So I can boldly tell people they are dying and going to hell? Fire and brimstone style?

No, we must be humble within our boldness.

ILLUSTRATE

Fernando Mendoza is a standout quarterback for the Indiana University Hoosiers, celebrated for his extraordinary journey from an under-recruited high school talent to one of college football’s elite players. Hailing from Miami, Florida, Mendoza began his collegiate career at the University of California before making the move to Indiana, where he quickly revitalized the Hoosiers’ offense. During the 2025 season, he guided Indiana to an unbeaten record, clinched the Big Ten championship, and secured the school’s first-ever national title. He dominated the nation in key passing statistics, showcasing a powerful arm and dynamic playmaking skills. His record-setting performance earned him the prestigious 2025 Heisman Trophy—the first in Indiana’s history—alongside several Player of the Year accolades, solidifying his status as one of the most thrilling quarterbacks in college football.

With all the accolades he received, he always showed humility when interviewed. Gave honor and glory to God and shared spotlight with teammates and coaches.

APPLY

Have the attitude of Paul