A GREATER CAUSE

Ephesians 3:7–13 ESV

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:8–13 ESV

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

EPHESIANS 3:

1- THE TASK

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A- PAUL WAS MADE A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.

Ephesians 3:7 ESV

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

B- PAUL CONSIDERED HIMSELF TO BE THE LEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS.

Ephesians 3:8 ESV

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

1 Corinthians 15:9 ESV

9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

C- WHAT IS YOUR TASK?

Colossians 2:3 ESV

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 3:23 ESV

23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

COLOSSIANS 2:3

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

C- WHAT IS YOUR TASK?

2- THE DECLARATION

A-PAUL WAS SENT TO START A FLAME.

Ephesians 3:9 ESV

9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

B- WE ARE MEANT TO CARRY OUT THAT FIRE.

Ephesians 3:10 ESV

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Mark 16:15 ESV

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

3- THE PLAN

A- PAUL’S SUFFERING WAS SO, GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE COULD COME TO FULFILLMENT.

Ephesians 3:11–13 ESV

11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

EPHESIANS 3:

B- DO YOU CARE MORE ABOUT YOUR PLAN, THAN GOD’S?