Mystery of the Gospel Eph 3:1-21

The Mystery of The Gospel

Main Point:

We are all called to be ministers/stewards of the Gospel, whatever your gifting, we are to build the kingdom by dispensing the Word of God to all with no restrictions

We are to specifically tell of the fellowship of believers [the church],

of the available wisdom through Christ and know the depth of that wisdom and love

We are called by God to Preach to all so to Grow ourselves and then share with purpose with others

in this way God starts the work in us to tell them about Christ so that others will grow in him for the eternal purpose of Heaven.

Minister of the Gospel - vs.1-5

Paul proclaims that his mission is to minister to the Gentiles,

God has revealed the mystery of the church,

so believers are responsible to proclaim this mystery wherever God takes them

and should not be discouraged because of suffering.

Anders, M. (1999). Galatians-Colossians (Vol. 8, p. 129). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

WHO IS PAUL?

Paul has the Jewish Background

Revelation direct from Christ

Through the Gift and Inspiration of the Holy Spirit

Damascus Road,

Study with Barnabas

Study with Apostles

Paul put in the time in addition to the revelation

Paul glorified God, by Growing Himself in order to Grow Others

Good model for us

Illustration - in karate there is a saying “ never mastered” it is a statement that states the forever learning and improving.

it is said that your First Kata is your best because you have done that one the most.

it should always continue to improve.

you never stop learning the basics — you seek to improve everytime

There is a sense with our Christian Growth that should embrace that concept.

forever learning, never mastered,

keep on the basics,

focus on improving

— memorization - doctrine - practice

- eyes, feet, hip, hands

This process in our Christian Walk is:

making the commitment

Doing the learning

gaining the wisdom

preserving in struggle

Paul states “prisoner of Christ Jesus”

Committed to Christ -

Commanded by Christ to do HIS work

Serves Him Only

The original word is more like BONDED to - not like jailed —

Analogy would be a Prisoner of love — your love bond with your spouse

Paul states his Purpose

To bring the Gentiles to Christ- “to me for You”

To build the church based on Christ alone

To preach, teach and strengthen the Gospel

Paul is the overseer

Paul is the steward of the Gospel — caretaker, defender, protector, guide and rebuker of the Truth of Christ

Paul mission is to build the church based on Christ Jesus work on the Cross and to proclaim the grace that is the foundation of the Church

THIS is Paul’s Life -to proclaim and Care for the TRUE Gospel to shepherd and build the Bride of Christ --- His CHURCH

Paul is the First Under Shepherd of Christ — to take the Jewish and Gentile sheep and form them into a new Flock.

Paul confirmed the truth of prophesy from God to the Jews

Paul shared the truth of hope and grace with the Gentiles

1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

Funnel of Truth

Paul always appears to bring the complex to simple

it is like a funnel to the truth and Paul has the direction right [Diagram][on screen to display] paul has a gift to make the Truth become the only purpose. Paul pushes away the leaves to see the fruit.

Sons of Man

Ephesians 1–3: Introduction, Translation, and Commentary on Chapters 1–3 (Notes)

all members of God’s people, but only specifically elect servants of God are meant

Application:

We - God’s elect (chosen) are all called to be prisoners and preachers of Christ

Paul is referring to us.. remember the Letter of Ephesians is written to Believers

used 93 times in the Book of Ezekiel

Here it is the Jews — and maybe even all humans --- it was prophesy but the real knowledge of Christ was not fully revealed.. BUT NOW IT IS>

Mystery of the Gospel - vs 6-11

The mystery of the Gospel is that God wants ALL to come to faith in Himself. Jews and Gentiles joined in the New Nation

This is the point of the last message - Creation of a New Nation

to BE the first evangelist to lead the new nation - Christian

Verse 5 “…not made know to the sons of men...”

The Jewish of the OT, were not aware of this fully - Prophesy but not the Reality

They know exclusive, not inclusive Grace of God

They knew the Law, not Grace

they knew TO DO — but not the IT IS DONE

Paul is so encouraging in the Chapter.

He humbles and states his reality. He lives for Christ, in Christ, and because of Christ

acknowledges that it ALL comes from Christ through the Spirit

He is the least — paul seeks the leadership of the Holy Spirit and submits to the church leaders --- in Antioch or Jerusalem

Paul prays, seeks, listens and seeks confirmation — other apostles

Then he states that he is to “preach…the unsearchable riches”

He is called to Education, Rebuke, Correct, Encourage ( 2 Tim 3:16)

This is based on REDEMPTION - the depth of the Grace of God

God “how about that thing in my past.... forgiven… yes but how about that other thing… forgiven. You are NEW. part of new nation for christ and not the world

We carry the past, God uses it for our Growth - but doesn’t count it again us.

This is a Riches that is beyond our understanding

We love Him so much we cannot help but share Him with others

This is part of God’s eternal plan and the GOOD NEWS the GOSPEL is that God in his time revealed Christ Jesus, the fulfillment of OT prophesy

--- it was an opening of a door that was promised for thousands of years to be open --- Paul is saying

--- ITS OPEN, we want you all to come in

.--- The key FAITH in CHRIST JESUS

— THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE (John 14:5-7)

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (B. Paul’s Great Mystery (vv. 2–13))

The cross has provided salvation which cleanses us of sin, forgives us, makes us holy, and thus enables us to enter the presence of the Holy one

Paul is preaching the eternal purpose of God that was given in the OT, is now here.

We all can and should approach the throne with Freedom and Confidence

The Goal or Purpose is for us to reside with Him in Heaven Forever

By the Spirit - vs 12-13

Revealed to Paul by the Spirit

Revealed to US - through Christ {Faith}, Spirit {submission}, and Leaders {church}

the Glue [Paul] of the New Church

fellow heirs

Members

Partakers of the Promise

OT: spirit came upon to direct

NT: Spirit is INSIDE, directing

Explanation:

Some times we wonder about the actions and thoughts of humans in the OT.

There certainly is conflict between the Jews and everyone else.

we struggle with the evil in the OT

killing of whole people groups

mass murder

destruction, devastation

it is hard to understand YET we must take into account the NEW NATION, NEW CREATION, and the Foundation of Grace

Now Paul gives us a beautiful Prayer

Prayer of Strength - vs 14-19

Beautiful prayer full of love and unity.

Note that Paul is praying to the Father —

this bowing is a position of humbleness and submission.

Asking God to grant strength and power to US (CHRISTIANS)

Paul opens his heart to:

Strength

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians C. Paul’s Prayer for Power Resumed (vv. 14–19)

The first request is for inner spiritual strength. This is not the “when the going gets tough the tough get going” kind of power. This is not self-discipline or the power of positive thinking. This is not mental renewing, or self-talk, or getting a grip on yourself, or turning over a new leaf. This is a fundamental work of God from his Spirit to our spirit

power through the Spirit

Christ indwelling

Deep faith in Christ — seeing Christ in you. Distance NO MORE

Grounded in LOVE - DEEP< ABUNDANT LOVE Love that is the very foundation in our Christian life

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (C. Paul’s Prayer for Power Resumed (vv. 14–19))

We need foundations for our experiences and relationships.

We can’t handle life unless we are assured that God loves us and has accepted us,

that we are dear to him,

precious to him

. When we know this, then we know who we are.

Then we have a sense of well-being. Love gives us that.

This sense of identity and being loved gives us the ability to relate to others, so we can comprehend with all the saints the magnitude of the love of God.

Knowing God’s love is not an individual accomplishment. It occurs only in the loving context of the church and involves the whole church, not isolated individuals.

Comprehension [understanding] of the breadth, length, height and depth of God’s wisdom and Christ’s love

To truly KNOW the LOVE of Christ

and to continue to be FULL of Christ — let is pour out onto others

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians (C. Paul’s Prayer for Power Resumed (vv. 14–19))

The inner strength of the Holy Spirit, which is a gift which God gives to those who pray for it,

leads to the indwelling of Christ,

which leads to abundant love,

which leads to God’s fullness in us.

That is to be satisfied with God.

We all want to be filled up to the fullness of God.

The only way it will happen is if we pursue him.

If we pray for him to strengthen us with power by his spirit by the inner man, Christ will be at home in each room of our heart

Paul closes this section with Purpose

Glory to Him from the Work of the Church -vs 20-21

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians D. Paul’s Great Doxology (vv. 20–21)

God should receive eternal glory for what he has done for us

This is the mission of Horizon Glorify and Grow

Glorify Him

and Grow others

We acknowledge HIS

Sovereignty of God

His Omnipotence

His Glory

His Design for our lifes, not our own

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Show and know the abundant LOVE OF CHRIST

Grow in Christ produces obedience to Christ and increases our love for others

This is the mission of Horizon

Glorify and Grow

Glorify Him

and Grow others

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians D. Paul’s Great Doxology (vv. 20–21)

Members of Christ’s church should mature spiritually and experience the fullness of God.

Conclusion:

We are all called to be ministers/stewards of the Gospel, whatever your gifting, we are to build the kingdom by dispensing the Word of God to all with no restrictions

We are to specifically tell of the fellowship of believers [the church],

of the available wisdom through Christ and know the depth of that wisdom and love