Gods great church

God’s Great Church

Ephesians 3:1-13 (NIV)

1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

                    I.            Introduction:

                  II.            The Church Reveals The Mystery of God’s Redemption: The Greatest Secret Ever Known

a.       A Hidden Mystery: The Secret Kept

                                                                           i.      Hidden For Ages

                                                                         ii.      Hidden in God

b.      A Revealed Mystery: The Secret Told

                                                                           i.      Revealed By God

                                                                         ii.      Revealed By Preaching

                III.            The Church Reveals The Community of God’s Redemption: The Greatest Bond Ever Forged

a.       Members united Together

                                                                           i.      We Share An inheritance

                                                                         ii.      We Share One Body

                                                                        iii.      We Share In A Promise

b.      Members Given Access

                                                                           i.      A Special Privilege

                                                                         ii.      A Confident Approach

                IV.            The Church Reveals The History of God’s Redemption: The Greatest Story Ever Told

a.       The Church Reveals God’s Unfolding Plan: The Story of Redemption

b.      The Church Reveals God’s Eternal Purpose: The Strategy of Redemption

                  V.            The Church Reveals The Glory of God’s Redemption: The Greatest Show Ever Seen

a.       Glory Seen In Service To God

                                                                           i.      Serving At Personal Expensive

                                                                         ii.      Serving To Encourage Others

                                                                        iii.      Serving That Glorifies The Church

b.      Glory Seen by  Angels Above

                                                                           i.      They Observe the Church

                                                                         ii.      They Learn God’s Wisdom

                VI.            Conclusion: