"The Gospel Revealed for All"

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3 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.

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Good Morning Son
(ESV)

3 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.

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 3For 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.
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.
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Epiphany is season of light but is squeezed between Christmas and Lent. The message of this season ought to shine brightly for it teaches an important topic: the mission of the church.  It progresses from bright star guiding the Magi to the shining dove at the Baptism of Jesus to the glory of the Transfiguration. The structure of the season proclaims the mission of God’s people.
Well, Today is the start of yet another church season … The season of Epiphany. Today, more particularly, is know as the Epiphany Of Our Lord. In case you are not familiar with Epiphany … Epiphany is known as the season of light and it’s squeezed between Christmas and Lent. The message of this season ought to shine brightly for it teaches an important topic: the mission of the church. This is a topic that i have been highlighting throughout my time her at St. Paul’s. The mission progresses from bright star guiding the Magi to the shining dove at the Baptism of Jesus to the glory of the Transfiguration. The structure of the season proclaims the mission of God’s people.
The story of the Magi is that of distant people coming to Christ.  The light draws the wise men from far off to worship Him. The Church calls people who are isolated from God to come. But the invitation is not to some idea or theory but to “God in man made manifest” (LSB 394). The Church’s mission is to call sinners to communion with the life-giving flesh of Christ.
but to “God in man made manifest” (LSB 394). The Church’s mission is to call sinners to communion with the life-giving flesh of Christ.
The first Sunday after the Epiphany takes us to the waters of the Jordan. There John baptized Jesus, who numbers Himself among sinners.  The bright dove, the Holy Spirit, points out Christ in the water. Outreach to the world and into the Church points to the same water.  Those whom the mission calls to join Christ and His Church are called to the light of Christ in Baptism.
The remaining Sundays of Epiphany focus on the ministry of Jesus.  He is the light of the world. He preaches. He prays. He heals those afflicted by Satan. In other words, He does mission work.  The Church does also. Jesus also calls us the light of the world. The mission of the Church is like Jesus’ ministry: long and patient. The Church’s mission is not to simply bring in as many as we can through the front door. It is to keep shining the light of Christ through His word, season after season, so that those living in darkness may continue to see the great light.
The finale of the Epiphany season is the Transfiguration. God in flesh is at the center but now not Magi but the glorified saints of old and the trembling disciples surround Christ. The light that pointed to Jesus at His Baptism now shines through Him. This is the goal of the Church’s work: to bring people into God’s presence for eternity. The light of Transfiguration shows us how important the Church’s work really is. The mission of the Church is aimed at that divine joy.
You have heard me talk about our mission to the community and beyond which extends past our parking lots. We must truly realize that we are here to take the light that Christ has given us and reflect in all that we do, whether in this building, or past that parking lot. We are tasked to save lives … ALL lives in Christ’s name.
The thing that i hope you picked up as we read this passage of scripture is that Paul is directing this message to the Gentiles specifically. The Early Church, surprisingly, did not universally approve of the mission to the Gentiles. Paul argues that Christ Himself commissioned him to fulfill God’s plan to bring the Gentiles the message of salvation through faith apart from works. Paul received the Gospel from Christ Himself, including the commission to preach it to Gentiles
Paul received the Gospel from Christ Himself, including the commission to preach it to Gentiles
The Early Church, surprisingly, did not universally approve of the mission to the Gentiles (cf ). Paul argues that Christ Himself commissioned him to fulfill God’s plan to bring the Gentiles the message of salvation through faith apart from works.
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In verses 1-13, Paul is trying to explain his role within the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians is one of four letters that Paul wrote from prison (along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). He is also urging his readers not to worry about the sufferings caused by his imprisonment.
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In verses 1-13, Paul is trying to explain his role within the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians is one of four letters that Paul wrote from prison (along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). He is also urging his readers not to worry about the sufferings caused by his imprisonment.
In verse 4 Paul explains what is meant by the phrase “the mystery of Christ.” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God has invited Gentiles (non-Jews) to join His people—expanding the scope of His salvation to include the entire world, not just Israel . This stunning revelation is the heart of Paul’s gospel and missionary work.

the mystery of Christ Paul explains this phrase in v. 6: Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God has invited Gentiles (non-Jews) to join His people—expanding the scope of His salvation to include the entire world, not just Israel (compare Isa 49:6; Gal 3:8). This stunning revelation is the heart of Paul’s gospel and missionary work. Compare Rom 11:13–16.

the mystery of Christ Paul explains this phrase in v. 6: Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God has invited Gentiles (non-Jews) to join His people—expanding the scope of His salvation to include the entire world, not just Israel (compare Isa 49:6; Gal 3:8). This stunning revelation is the heart of Paul’s gospel and missionary work. Compare Rom 11:13–16.

This compares well to another passage Paul wrote in .
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13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
Paul is trying to be all inclusive with his message. The Jews of the day did not like this at all because as God’s chosen people, the Jews were heirs of the blessings promised to Abraham. That is all well and good, but through Christ, non-Jews also become heirs of God’s promise. That enraged many Jews, because they felt that they alone were the “Promised Race.” I find this ironic considering the Jews dont look at Jesus as anything more than a prophet. Why all the fuss with Paul’s revelation of Christ’s Gospel to the Gentiles?
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Ephesians is one of four letters that Paul wrote from prison (along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). The location and time of this imprisonment are unclear
Christ, non-Jews also become heirs of God’s promise
As God’s chosen people, the Jews were heirs of the blessings promised to Abraham

Though Paul received a special vision of Christ (v 3), the other apostles received no less spiritual revelation and commission through Christ

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Though Paul received a special vision of Christ (v 3), the other apostles received no less spiritual revelation and commission through Christ

Verse 5 talks about the mystery being revealed … Though Paul received a special vision of Christ, the other apostles received no less spiritual revelation and commissioning from Christ. This revelation to the apostles and prophets does indeed show that even though all Christians are Holy before God through baptism … the apostles and prophets were set apart for a unique office and had a unique challenge set before them.

The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets

The mystery of the call of the Gentiles (of which Paul speaks here) was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets

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The mystery of Paul’s call to the gentiles was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets. But, they probably didn't know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be considered equals to the Jews in partaking of the Grace of God. The gift of “The Spirit” in its fullness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The heirs of Christ are to be equal.
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old testament prophets. But, they probably didn't know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be considered equals to the Jews in partaking of the Grace of God. The gift of “The Spirit” in its fullness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified.
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tells us …
6  he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
In this verse, Yahweh reveals that the mission is not to Israel only, but to all the nations of the world. Redeeming Israel alone was too easy; Yahweh wishes for a greater display of His sovereignty. Again Yahweh is referred to as a light to the nations. The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship. The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant. Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God.
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Poetry 49:1–50:9
Oracle, Salvation 49:1–12
a light to the nations Compare 42:6, where Israel may be given this mission to be a light to the nations (see note on 42:1–9). The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship.
Psalm, Hymnic 7–12
Psalm, Praise 49:13
Disputation; Oracle, Salvation 49:14–26
be my salvation to the end of the earth The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant (see ). Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God
Holidays: Mother’s Day — A day set aside to honor mothers.
Alcohol, Assurance, Calling, Comfort, Covenant, Doubt, Election, Eschatology, Faith, Family: Children, Family: Mothers, Freedom, Glory, God: Faithfulness, God: Grace, God: Love, God: Mercy, God: Power, Guidance, Holiness, Honor and Shame, Hope, Injustice, Judgment, Kingdom of God, Mission, Music, Power, Prophecy, Prophecy: Jesus, Redemption, Restoration, Salvation, Sanctity of Life, Service, Suffering, Victory and Defeat
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The Servant announced His mission to Israel in v. 5. Now, Yahweh reveals that the mission is not to Israel only, but to all the nations of the world. Redeeming Israel alone was too easy; Yahweh wishes for a greater display of His sovereignty.

a light to the nations Compare 42:6, where Israel may be given this mission to be a light to the nations (see note on 42:1–9). The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship.

be my salvation to the end of the earth The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant (see Acts 13:47). Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

The Servant announced His mission to Israel in v. 5. Now, Yahweh reveals that the mission is not to Israel only, but to all the nations of the world. Redeeming Israel alone was too easy; Yahweh wishes for a greater display of His sovereignty.

a light to the nations Compare 42:6, where Israel may be given this mission to be a light to the nations (see note on 42:1–9). The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship.

be my salvation to the end of the earth The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant (see Acts 13:47). Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God

You see, even in the Old Testament this literary use of Christ as a light to the WHOLE world was used to show the inclusion of the Gentiles. It wasn’t just about the Jews.
​
In verse 8, Paul says … 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,
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Paul reminds me a great deal of one of the mentors that i have had in my life. One of the men who had the greatest influence in my life was a man named Don Inks. He was one of the original group of three that started the Veteran’s Home Ministry at Charlotte Hall and maybe you have heard me mention him before in prior messages. He had served in the Marine Corps. He was saved by the grace of God, but he always separated himself as the lesser of the Christians. I think Paul is doing the same thing here because of the fact that he was once the primary oppressor and persecutor of Christians. Even though He was now preaching the gospel of Christ, he once killed because of it. He had a complex similar to that of my friend Don. Grace is just that. It doesnt discriminate based on what you have done in your life. It changes your life and sets you up to do His will, no matter what you have done.
You see, thats the whole point of this scripture passage. Christ was the light that was meant for the whole world, not just parts of it. Today that means the Muslims, the Hindu’s, the Buddhist’s, The New Age-Oprah worshippers, the Mormon’s, the Seventh-Day Adventists, and even the Jews. I could go-on but i hope you get the point. The point being that the Gospel is for all of mankind. It is our responsibility to share that message with the ignorant lost souls in the world today. Thats why we should support missionaries in far-away lands. They are taking the charge of bringing the Gospel to the world seriously. We dont have to go to Asia or some far away land to do this … there is much work that needs to be done just in our community and county. Just like the apostles and the disciples before us … we must start somewhere. We must take a stand for Christ because we love Him and we must also share that message with everyone else who is lost because he paid the price for their sins too.
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(ESV)
3 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.
Goal: For the Hearer to Understand that Christ’s Message was truly for all to hear!
Good Morning Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.
Well, Today is the start of yet another church season … The season of Epiphany. Today, more particularly, is known as the Epiphany of Our Lord. In case you are not familiar with Epiphany … Epiphany is known as the season of light and it’s squeezed between Christmas and Lent. The message of this season ought to shine brightly for it teaches an important topic: the mission of the church.
This is a topic that I have been highlighting throughout my time here at St. Paul’s. The mission progresses from bright star guiding the Magi to the shining
dove at the Baptism of Jesus to the glory of the Transfiguration. The structure of the season proclaims the mission of God’s people.
The story of the Magi is that of distant people coming to Christ. The light draws the wise men from far off to worship Him. The Church calls people who are isolated from God to come. But the invitation is not to some idea or theory but to “God in man-made manifest.” The Church’s mission is to call sinners to communion with the life-giving flesh of Christ.
The first Sunday after the Epiphany takes us to the waters of the Jordan. There John baptized Jesus, who numbers Himself among sinners. The bright dove, the Holy Spirit, points out Christ in the water. Outreach to the world and into the Church points to the same water. Those whom the mission calls to join Christ and His Church are called to the light of Christ in Baptism.
The remaining Sundays of Epiphany focus on the ministry of Jesus. He is the light of the world. He preaches. He prays. He heals those afflicted by Satan. In other words, He does mission work. The Church does also. Jesus also calls us the light of the world. The mission of the Church is like Jesus’ ministry: long and patient. The Church’s mission is not to simply bring in as many as we can through the front door. It is to keep shining the light of Christ through His word, season after season, so that those living in darkness may continue to see the great light.
The finale of the Epiphany season is the Transfiguration. God in flesh is at the center but now not Magi but the glorified saints of old and the trembling disciples surround Christ. The light that pointed to Jesus at His Baptism now shines through Him. This is the goal of the Church’s work: to bring people into God’s presence for eternity. The light of Transfiguration shows us how important the Church’s work really is. The mission of the Church is aimed at that divine joy.
shines through Him. This is the goal of the Church’s work: to bring people into God’s presence for eternity. The light of Transfiguration shows us how important the Church’s work really is. The mission of the Church is aimed at that divine joy.
You have heard me talk about our mission to the community and beyond that which extends past our parking lots. We must truly realize that we are here to take the light that Christ has given us and reflect in all that we do, whether in this building, or past that parking lot. We are tasked to save lives … ALL lives in Christ’s name.
The thing that I hope you picked up as we read this passage of scripture is that Paul is directing his message to the Gentiles specifically. The Early Church, surprisingly, did not universally approve of the mission to the Gentiles. Paul argues that Christ Himself commissioned him to fulfill God’s plan to bring the Gentiles the message of salvation through faith apart from works. Paul received the Gospel from Christ Himself, including the commission to preach it to Gentiles
In verses 1-13, Paul is trying to explain his role within the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians is one of four letters that Paul wrote from prison (along with Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). In verse 4 Paul explains what is meant by the phrase “the mystery of Christ.” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God has invited Gentiles (non-Jews) to join His people—expanding the scope of His salvation to include the entire world, not just Israel . This stunning revelation is the heart of Paul’s gospel and missionary work. He is also urging his readers not to worry about the sufferings caused by his imprisonment.
This compares well to another passage Paul wrote in which says … 13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead? 16 If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.
Paul is trying to be all inclusive with his message. The Jews of the day did not like this at all because as God’s chosen people, the Jews were heirs of the blessings promised to Abraham. That is all well and good, but through Christ, non-Jews also become heirs of God’s promise. That enraged many Jews, because they felt that they alone were the “Promised Race.” I find this ironic considering the Jews don’t look at Jesus as anything more than a prophet. Why all the fuss with Paul’s revelation of Christ’s Gospel to the Gentiles?
Verse 5 talks about the mystery being revealed … Though Paul received a special vision of Christ, the other apostles received no less spiritual revelation and commissioning from Christ. This revelation to the apostles and prophets does indeed show that even though all Christians are Holy before God through baptism … the apostles and prophets were set apart for a unique office and had a unique challenge set before them.
The mystery of Paul’s call to the gentiles was not unknown to the Old Testament prophets. But they probably didn't know that the Gentiles were to be admitted without circumcision or that they were to be considered equals to the Jews in partaking of the Grace of God. The gift of “The Spirit” in its fullness was reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The heirs of Christ are to be equal.
reserved for the New Testament that Christ might thereby be glorified. The heirs of Christ are to be equal.
tells us … 6 he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
In this verse, Yahweh reveals that the mission is not to Israel only, but to all the nations of the world. Redeeming Israel alone was too easy; Yahweh wishes for a greater display of His sovereignty. Again, Yahweh is referred to as a light to the nations. The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship. The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant. Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God.
You see, even in the Old Testament this literary use of Christ as a light to the WHOLE world was used to show the inclusion of the Gentiles. It wasn’t just about the Jews.
In verse 8, Paul says … “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,”
Paul reminds me a great deal of one of the mentors that I have had in my life. One of the men who had the greatest influence in my life was a man named Don Inks. He was one of the original group of three that started the Veteran’s Home Ministry at Charlotte Hall and maybe you have heard me mention him before in prior messages. He had served in the Marine Corps. He was saved by the grace of God, but he always separated himself as the lesser of the Christians. I think Paul is doing the same thing here because of the fact that he was once the primary oppressor and persecutor of Christians. Even though He was now preaching the gospel of Christ, he once killed because of it. He had a complex similar to that of my friend Don. Grace is just that. It doesn’t discriminate based on what you have done in your life. It changes your life and sets you up to do His will, no matter what you have done.
the grace of God, but he always separated himself as the lesser of the Christians. I think Paul is doing the same thing here because of the fact that he was once the primary oppressor and persecutor of Christians. Even though He was now preaching the gospel of Christ, he once killed because of it. He had a complex similar to that of my friend Don. Grace is just that. It doesn’t discriminate based on what you have done in your life. It changes your life and sets you up to do His will, no matter what you have done.
You see, that’s the whole point of this scripture passage. Christ was the light that was meant for the whole world, not just parts of it. Today that means:
· the Muslims
· the Hindu’s
· the Buddhist’s
· The New Age-Oprah worshippers
· the Mormon’s
· the Seventh-Day Adventists
· and even the Jews.
I could go on, but I hope you get the point. The point being that the Gospel is for all of mankind. It is our responsibility to share that message with the ignorant lost souls in the world today. That’s why we should support missionaries in far-away lands. They are taking the charge of bringing the Gospel to the world seriously. We don’t have to go to Asia or some far away land to do this … there is much work that needs to be done just in our community and county. Just like the apostles and the disciples before us … we must start somewhere. We must take a stand for Christ because we love Him and we must also share that message with everyone else who is lost because he paid the price for their sins too. If He doesn’t discriminate, how can we?
somewhere. We must take a stand for Christ because we love Him and we must also share that message with everyone else who is lost because he paid the price for their sins too. If He doesn’t discriminate, how can we?
The final 4 verses bring the whole meaning into completion … Let’s look at them again … 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.
Again, there is a reference to light. Make everything known to all is what I believe Paul is trying to say here. You see verse 10? “That through the church” … My Beloved, we have a part in this as I have been saying throughout this message. We need to carry the gospel into the world … to all rulers and authorities. Think of it … the very existence of a Church in which Jews and Gentiles are united stands as a testimony to Christ’s victory over the devil’s divisive schemes.
God’s purpose … rests solely on Jesus Christ. Christ is the One whom God promised to send to save His people. This Jesus, who is the Christ, demonstrated Himself to be Lord over all by His nature, life, death, and resurrection. No one is Lord over Him, but He is Lord over all. That is the great saving plan of God …. Jesus! Jesus is the Brightest light in a very dark world. And when we work in His name, we carry that light with us.
Verse 12 gives us a very important insight as well … 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
We must remember that we have access to the Father because of the Son. When we pray, it is Our God who hears. And it is Our God who will answer. We can count on that without a doubt. So, in this New Year … Be His light in the World! Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light! So, if we are in Him, then Satan has nothing for us. Amen?
Let Us Pray … Father we thank you for the gift of Your Son. From the beginning of time He has been teaching and illuminating the minds of many unbelievers. Help us to carry that light in our words and in our deeds so that the unbelievers that we will encounter may see something different in us than they see in the world. Let the Light of Christ ever guide our Paths. We ask this is the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. AMEN
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
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6  he says:

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant

to raise up the tribes of Jacob

and to bring back the preserved of Israel;

I will make you as a light for the nations,

that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

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and to bring back the preserved of Israel;
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The Servant announced His mission to Israel in v. 5. Now, Yahweh reveals that the mission is not to Israel only, but to all the nations of the world. Redeeming Israel alone was too easy; Yahweh wishes for a greater display of His sovereignty.

a light to the nations Compare 42:6, where Israel may be given this mission to be a light to the nations (see note on 42:1–9). The mission that was Israel’s corporately is reassigned to the Servant individually, who fulfills Israel’s obligations to Yahweh in order to restore their relationship.

be my salvation to the end of the earth The entire world—not just Israel—will have access to Yahweh’s salvation through the Servant (see Acts 13:47). Isaiah has elsewhere hinted that the nations would one day be included in the people of God

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I will make you as a light for the nations,
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that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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