The Purpose of the Mystery

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

The truth is that none of us are worthy of the grace that God has bestowed on us, and that is exactly why it is grace.

Romans 3:10, 23

Romans 3:10 NKJV

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23 NKJV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 11:5-6

Romans 11:5–6 NKJV

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

If we were worthy, there would be no grace involved.

But Grace IS given to all who believe, and that grace is given for a reason.

The Purpose of the Mystery

We are given two reasons why grace was bestowed upon Paul:

To show the Gentiles the “unsearchable riches of Christ”

To show them the “fellowship of the mystery”

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

These things had been hidden “in God”, whom Paul identifies as the creator “through Jesus Christ”

John 1:1-3

John 1:1–3 NKJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The fact that He is the creator sets an important context, as we will see.

As the creator, His riches would be endless. Every resource is His to command without end.

They are so vast, that we would never be able to discover an end to them.

Romans 11:33

Romans 11:33 NKJV

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

These riches are available to all believers. As “less then the least of saints”, Paul had no special claim to the riches, yet he shared in them.

What are these riches?

Things of great value are usually rare, that is what causes them to be valuable. However, in this case the riches are in endless supply.

I think its very valid to ask what could possible be of value to God. He is the creator of everything that exists.

There is nothing of material value that He cannot simply make more of, so what are the riches?

Perhaps they are comprised of His limitless grace, compassion and love, of sanctifying, comforting, and transforming power, all without limit, and capable of satisfying every need, want, craving, and yearning of the heart, now and forever.

These are certainly things of the highest value.

Just the thought of Him having such riches to offer, elevates Him above all else. It shows Him as the highest and most glorious.

What we know for sure is that these unsearchable riches are just that...unsearchable.

They are unknowable and incomprehensible to us, but one day we shall surely know them.

For now, what Christians have recieved from Christ is of immeasurable value, and should not be taken for granted.

The Fellowship (or Plan) of the Mystery

So what is God’s plan for this mystery, which is now revealed?

As has previously been discussed, it had been kept hidden until New Testament times.

There was a purpose to Paul’s calling, which was to share the mystery with the Gentiles.

And as with everything God does, there is a purpose to the sharing of this mystery, which is seen in verse 10.

v.10:

The purpose involves the church and “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”.

God is educating the angels by means of the church!

Angels (both good and bad) are created beings, and they are not all knowing.

Peter said that in the Old Testament angles were curious about salvation.

1 Peter 1:10-12

1 Peter 1:10–12 NKJV

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

It is indicated that angels watch the activities of the local church.

1 Corinthians 11:10

1 Corinthians 11:10 NKJV

For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.

Angels even rejoice at the repentance of a sinner.

Luke 15:10

Luke 15:10 NKJV

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The angels are definitely paying attention to the church, but what are they learning?

According to our text, they are learning the wisdom of God.

The angels certainly have much knowledge of God, but the church is new to them, and they are watching the great depth of God’s wisdom unfold in this new creation...the church.

Likewise, the fallen angels are learning that their leader, satan, has no wisdom.

This is a quite amazing aspect of it, and I couldn’t say it any better then Warren Wiersbe did.

“Satan knows the Bible, and he understood from the Old Testament Scriptures that the Saviour would come, when He would come, how He would come, and where He would come.

Satan also understood why He would come, as far as redemption is concerned. But nowhere in the Old Testament would Satan find any prophecies concerning the church, “the mystery” of Jews and Gentiles united in one body!

Satan could see unbelieving Jews rejecting their Messiah, and he could see Gentiles trusting the Messiah, but he could not see both believing Jews and Gentiles united in one body, seated with Christ in the heavenlies, and completely victorious over Satan!

Had Satan known the far-reaching results of the Cross, no doubt he would have altered his plans accordingly”

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 29). Victor Books.

God had a great purpose in hiding this truth, and revealing it when and how he did.

vv.11-13

The purpose was carried out through Jesus Christ

This purpose was carried out through Jesus Christ 2000 years ago.

Through His death and resurrection the church, His body was created.

Both Jew and Gentile can become equal members of His body, His family, through faith in Him.

Galatians 3:28

Galatians 3:28 NKJV

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 NKJV

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

A Christian has direct access to God

As a Christian, you have direct access to God, and can approach Him anywhere at any time.

Hebrews 4:16

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

For this reason, Paul was telling them not to be discouraged because of his suffering.

A Christian should not fear tribulation

Likewise, believers should not fear tribulation. When we suffer in Christ, we will be glorified with Him.

Romans 8:17

Romans 8:17 NKJV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

God had a secret, but He is done hiding it. It is a secret no more, and God wants it to be spread.

He wants us to understand our position in Christ and live up to it, by sharing it with others.