Making the Gospel Known

Ephesians 3:1-7

Ephesians 3:1–7 CSB

1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

Recap:

In chapter 1

God’s rich blessings

Chosen

Adopted

Grace

Redemption

Forgiveness

To know His plan in Christ

Inheritance

Sealed in the Holy Spirit

In chapter 2

We come from death to life

We were dead in trespasses and sins

But because of God’s love for us we were made alive in Christ Jesus

Not because of anything we have done, but because of His grace and His work on the cross

Unity in Christ

We are to remember

Who we used to be

Sinners and trespassers

· Where we came from

A lost and fallen world

Who we are now

Saints, believers in Christ Jesus

Where we are now

On mission in a lost and fallen world

What we are now

Untied in Christ

Without division and hostility

No longer separated, but being built to together as the dwelling place for God’s Spirit.

Ephesians 3:1-2

Ephesians 3:1–2 CSB

1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you.

Paul the prisoner

Paul said that he was a prisoner of Christ Jesus

Paul was a man with a mission

Paul’s mission was to share the gospel to the Gentiles

Paul devoted his life to this mission

This devotion landed him in prison

Paul was arrested for sharing the Gospel of Christ

Take note of what Paul said

He was a prisoner of Christ

Not that he was a prisoner of Roman authorities

Why would he say that?

Consider what verse 2 says

Paul is an administrator, or steward, he is a manger of God’s grace.

As a manager Paul recognized that he was not arrested for any capitol crime such as theft, or murder.

These shameful acts are worthy of arrest

But sharing the Gospel is not shameful, therefore, as Paul was imprisoned, he recognized that he was there because of the Gospel, making him a prisoner of Christ Jesus and not of anyone or anything else.

Ephesians 3:3-7

Ephesians 3:3–7 CSB

3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

The Mystery of Christ

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

All things brought together in Christ

Christ inside you

Servant

Paul said he was made a servant

He did not become a servant on his own merit

But instead he was created by God to accomplish His great works.

Just like all Christians everywhere

To serve, is to submit your will to that in which you serve

To serve God is to know and understand His will for you

It is to surrender yourself to the gifts that you have been given