The Mystery - The Church

Ephesians 3:1–3 NASB95

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief.

I. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO PAUL

For this reason - refers back to chapter 2.

The Gentiles were dead in their trespasses and sins.

They formerly where in the world.

They formerly walked according to Satan.

Prisoner

Paul’s ministry began as the one to take the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15)

Paul was at times considered an outsider. He was not in the click. Some felt he was prejudices towards the believing Jews in Jerusalem and Judea.

Paul was a prisoner for the Gentiles because he preached the Word to them and he preached that the Word was for them.

Minister

Paul was a steward (manger, so one responsible) for of God’s grace.

Paul was responsible with the mystery of the Gospel

The death, burial and Resurrection of Christ.

That Jews and Gentiles were to be united together as ONE in Church as the CHURCH.

Quote from Warren Werisbe - In the New Testament, a mystery is not something eerie or inscrutable, but rather “a truth that was hidden by God in times past and is now revealed to those who are in His family.” A mystery is a “sacred secret” that is unknown to unbelievers, but understood and treasured by the people of God.

Ephesians 3:4–8 NASB95

4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,

II. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE GENTILES

They were heirs with the Jews.

They were heirs with the Body of Church (the CHURCH).

Fellow partakes of the promise in Christ Jesus

Romans 11:13-21

1. The Power - Working - we get our English word energy (Paul was given the power, energy to do want He was called to do.)

2. The Riches of Christ

Ephesians 3:9–10 NASB95

9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

III. IT IS IMPORTANT TO THE ANGELS.

Administration - the Responsibility of management.

Mystery - God’s plan has been hidden until now.

Through the Church

It is the through of the CHURCH that the angels both good and evil learn of God’s full plan or redemption.

Angels are created beings

Nehemiah 9:6

Colossians 1:16

Angels are not omniscient.

Ephesians 3:11–13 NASB95

11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.

IV. IMPORTANT TO US THE CHURCH

The Word

Entrusted to Paul - 1 Timothy 1:11

Passed down to faithful men - 2 Timothy 2:1-2

The Mystery

Old Testament fortold

New Testament revivled

Acts the beginning

The Strength

Holy Spirit

One Body

Unity.