Gospel Community

Introduction:

“Community is your middle name”

Search Committee made it clear that you want a pastor who is known in the community.

We had the privilege of seeing VBS with 2/3 of the kids coming from the community.

In my perspective, Chase County is our community including Cedar Point to Toledo and Matfield Green to North of the Tallgrass Prairie.

How Does a Church influence a Community?

The Church at Ephesus is the church that we understand the best.

Founding of the church in Acts

Organization of the church in the book of Ephesians.

Two letters to their Pastor - Timothy

Listed as one of the 7 churches in Revelation

As diverse people unite, God is exalted, the Gospel is proclaimed, and church members are encouraged to live in grace.

We live in a time that is more divided than any that I can remember. Race, gender, politics, economics, KU/KSTATE/ESU/WSU have left people suspicious, distrusting and skeptical of each other.

Turn with me to Ephesians 3:1-13 as we will see 4 images of a church living and proclaiming the Gospel within their community.

Even thought our English Bibles break this up into several sentences and 2 paragraphs, when the Apostle wrote it, it was one long sentence. It is similar to a 4-year old child who has just returned from his first circus—he is overflowing with excitement because of all the exciting things he has seen and his thoughts kind of run together.

Ephesians 3:1–13 ESV:2016

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 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.

Now that we have read the whole sentence, allow me to help us see 4 big thoughts.

God is pleased by Gospel Expansion Eph 3:1-6

Ephesians 3:1–6 ESV:2016

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

1. The Mystery was in the Hebrew Scriptures concealed. The Mystery is in the New Testament revealed.

In this section I see the word “mystery” three times and the idea of “made known, insight and revealed” 5 times.

It is like a room full of furniture with the lights out. If you try to cross the room you may stub your toe and become acutely aware that something is there, but you can’t see exactly what it is.

2. The Mystery has been revealed in v.6 as 3 ways that Gentiles have equal standing with God’s chosen people during this age.

Fellow heirs (awaiting an inheritance)

Fellow members of the body (people of God)

Fellow sharers of the promise (accepted in Christ)

The NIV repeats “together”3x; the NASB repeats “fellow” 3x; where the ESV follows the precedent of the KJV with “Fellow, same & partakers.” All these English translations are trying to communicate the same idea—what used to be separate is now united.

What makes this such a great mystery? Didn’t God make provision for foreigners living amongst the people of promise? Didn’t Boaz marry a Moabitess who what David’s great grandmother? Didn’t Daniel record that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar honored and glorified the Most High God after his time of temporary insanity? While God never excluded anyone from coming to Him in repentance and obedience, non-Jews were always kind of second class until the New Covenant.

I like to think of it like this. What God did at the tower of Babel was to confuse their language so that the people would scatter rather than attempt to reach God on their own terms. What God did at Pentecost was speak so that people heard in their own language how to come to God on His terms. Paul says that the revealed Mystery is that both Jews and Gentiles could come to God in Christ Jesus.

For Chase County in 2018 this means that it doesn’t depend on what denomination (if any) that your parents raised you. It doesn’t depend on how good of a person you’ve been (or not). It doesn’t depend on your social standing in the community. It doesn’ matter on if you were raised here or transplanted. Paul writes that God’s grace has now been revealed so that ANY who come to Him in Christ Jesus as revealed through the Gospel can receive this inheritance, participate in God’s family and share in His promises! Amen?

TRANSITION: God is pleased as more and more people join His family as they understand His Gospel and accept His grace. But God’s grace does not only save us, it enlists us. Look with me at the next 2 verses.

God Supplies Gospel Power Eph 3:7-8

Ephesians 3:7–8 ESV:2016

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,

1. God gives the gift of grace

Paul was ever mindful of his life before being converted. He was fully aware that he had participated in the unjust gang killings of people simply because they claimed to follow Christ. Paul creates his own word to describe his condition apart from Christ. He calls himself “leaster” of all the saints. Paul testifies that if God’s grace could be given to him and change him, then NOBODY is beyond God’s grace.

If you are sitting here today masking shame and guilt and thinking you are unworthy or unreachable. I offer you the words of Paul in v. 8 “I am the very least deserving, but God’s grace reached to me.

2. God gives the gift of ministry (accomplished by His power)

Too many people think the gospel is all about where we spend eternity. It is like a Hell Insurance policy with a one-time premium or like an immunization for tetanus--If I ever get stuck by a rusty nail, I’ll know I’m safe. But Paul writes that something else happens according to the gift of God’s grace.

Paul called it his “stewardship of God’s grace” in v.2.

By “stewardship” he means the role that he is to play in God’s plan. To use a sports metaphor, it is his assignment in the coach’s game plan. Or for any of you guys who are quilters, it is the square that you are to contribute to the quilt.

If you are sitting here today like the student who refuses to make eye contact with the teacher because you don’t want to be called on, I offer you the sentiment of Paul in v.7. “If God’s grace and power can make me a minister, I’m confident He can use you too.

The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians Bridging Contexts

To receive grace is to be taken into its service. Grace connects, enlists, and empowers. It will not allow us to be passive, for it is God’s power at work in us (cf. also 1 Cor. 15:10). This is the theology of grace the church must recover.

Susan has demonstrated excellence in the Christian Education ministries of the church. But she can’t do it alone, she needs a team of people who love kids and can speak the truth in grace. Brendan has a great burden for the teens of this area, but he and the other volunteers can’t impact the students of the High school as much as the students themselves can reach their friends. Whomever God has chosen as your next pastor will have to give an account to God for his stewardship of God’s grace, but if you look ahead at the next chapter in Ephesians, Paul will say that your Pastor and elders’ job is to equip you to steward God’s grace in your relationships and interactions.

TRANSITION: In the next 3 verses we find that something special happens when each member of the church family is taking care of his or her own stewardship in cooperation and unity with the rest of the community.

God Honors Gospel Unity Eph 3:9-11

Ephesians 3:9–11 ESV:2016

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,

1. “rulers and authorities in Heavenly places” is not “Angels”

Allow me to dispel a common myth, that is what I call “Tabloid religion”. Many people who have not given thought to what the Bible teaches about the afterlife, thoughtlessly post on social media “Heaven got another angel”. The truth of Scripture is that angels and demons are separate created beings from humans who have left this body and await either the Judgment Seat of Christ for believers or the Great White Throne Judgment for those outside of Christ.

The rulers and authorities in today’s text parallels an obscure verse in 1 Peter 3:19 where the crucified Christ made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits. For generations authorities, politicians and false priests had risen that were set on discrediting the purpose of God. After death these souls do not cease to exist. They continue on in the spiritual or heavenly realm awaiting the final resurrection and the Great White Throne judgment. Until that time God is not a sore winner, but He is setting the stage by reminding them that their plans came to nothing and that the wisdom and purpose of God are proven victorious through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the global unity and expansion of His church.

2. God’s wisdom and purpose in this age in Christ.

In contrast to the bully culture in may schools and workplaces, God’s wisdom is that EACH person is an image-bearer and deserving of dignity. Our society honors the powerful, the pretty, the performer, and sometimes the public hero. But those categories exclude most of us.

As bullying, depression, and suicide have an increasing influence on our young and old; As those with special needs are marginalized; and As our population ages and healthcare decisions begin to be made based upon cost vs. quality of life; we do well to remember the end of verse 9—God is the creator of all things. He has chosen to place His image in every single human being, and as image-bearers, we reflect His wisdom and eternal purpose when we unify with believers who are different from us.

TRANSITION: The fact that Jews and Gentiles lived together in Ephesus pleased God, operated in His power, and communicated God’s eternal purpose to the living and the dead. But this text gives us one more dimension of the Gospel.

God’s Gospel Provides Hope Eph 3:12-13

Ephesians 3:12–13 ESV:2016

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

1. Boldness (in witness)

Grace is not only the gift of eternal salvation, it is also the gift of current ministry with eternal consequences. I hinted at this a little when we were talking about your stewardship of grace. But I have frequently heard “that’s just not me” when various types of service, witnessing or mission are discussed. I admit that it can be awkward to bring up faith, religion or God in conversations around town or with your friends. But Paul writes that God’s purpose is through Christ to give you boldness to get past those nervous awkward reservations.

Penn Gillette Video from 2:35 to 3:40. Penn is half of the Las Vegas illusion show Penn and Teller. Mr. Gillette is an avowed atheist. But in a video that went viral about 8 years ago he told of a man who approached him after a show and offered him a Gideon Bible.

I’m not going to promise you that if you step out of your comfort zone and risk the awkwardness, that your thoughts will be received as non-judgmentally as Penn Gillette. But if we truly believe and truly love, we have access to boldness in Christ Jesus.

2. Confidence (in prayer)

Under the old covenant, access was restricted by the veil separating the holy place from the Holy of Holies, through which only the High Priest could enter and he could only do so after serious ceremonial cleansings on the Day of Atonement. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom indicating that all humanity now had access to the Mercy Seat.

Ephesians 2:18 ESV:2016

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

illust: picture of jack jack under Kennedy’s desk

Paul’s description is not only of access, but confident Access.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV:2016

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

(Because we have access through Christ and we are called to exercise that access with confidence, we pray in faith, believing - bring an umbrella to prayer meeting!)

3. Encouragement (in suffering)

Because of our boldness and confidence, Paul tells us to remain positive in the face of suffering. Paul doesn’t go into much detail about his suffering, other than to admit that it was a real challenge.

Paul’s theology of hardship does not focus on the hardship, but on his Lord, His gospel, and His people (cf. Phil. 1:12–30). His theology is aware of something larger than his own circumstances. (Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996), 166.)

I don’t know what threatens you to lose heart.

Kids who have had one too many weeks of summer vacation?

Too much month and not enough money?

Dry pastures threaten your herd?

Breathing or arthritis symptoms that are just relentless?

Uncertainty about education plans for the fall?

A child who is far from God and making foolish choices?

Anxiety over relationships, fertility, parents in memory-care programs, etc.

That prayer request that you have petitioned for weeks, months or years.

I’ve been counseling with someone who is very close to me. She has struggled for the last couple of years. She’s talked with a biblical therapist. She’s consulted with medical advice about physiological deficiencies. She’s surrounded herself with positive, godly women. She’s searched her heart and confessed every known sin, but she still carries the burden of discouragement and depression. She thinks she has learned the lessons God wants to teach, but still her circumstances do not change and she can’t find the joy she once had. In short, she’s losing heart.

I’m reminded of all the saints who learned a theology of suffering because life wasn’t all signs, wonders and miracles. Joseph was in prison and Potiphar’s house a long time before he was established in the palace. Daniel and the other Hebrew men suffered for doing what was right. Nehemiah faced strong opposition when accomplishing God’s rebuilding plan. Paul prayed 3 times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed. John was in exile when he received he words of the Revelation. In each of these situations God was at work. In today’s text Paul was able to view his suffering positively because (according to v. 11) it was all within God’s eternal purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I have found that 2 truths give me hope when I am dealing with discouragement.

Suffering eventually has an endpoint (Heb 12:2)

Testing has a purpose (Ps 66:10) - tempering & refining.

Conclusion

We need to be gospel people; that is what the word evangelical denotes. We must give attention to the gospel, be defined by the gospel, and solve our problems by applying the gospel. Once again this calls for a distinction between gospel and culture. Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians, The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996), 170.

When we, individually and collectively, live as gospel people in Chase county, it will be a powerful witness to our friends, neighbors, and co-workers of the transformational power of the Gospel both in the afterlife and in the Monday-Saturday lives that we all must live.