Sermon Tone Analysis

Ephesians 3:1–13

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Simplicity of the Gospel

In World Vision, writer Tony Campolo tells of taking an airplane from California to Philadelphia one stormy night.

It was late, but when the man in the next seat learned that Campolo was a Christian, he wanted to talk.

“I believe that going to heaven is like going to Philadelphia,” the man said.

You can get there by airplane, by train, by bus, by automobile.

There are many ways to get to Philadelphia.

Campolo writes:

As we started descending into Philadelphia, the place was fogged in.

The wind was blowing, the rain was beating on the plane, and everyone looked nervous and tight.

As we were circling in the fog, I turned to the theological expert on my right.

“I’m certainly glad the pilot doesn’t agree with your theology,” I said.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“The people in the control booth are giving instructions to the pilot: ‘Coming north by northwest, three degrees, you’re on beam you’re on beam, don’t deviate from beam.’

I’m glad the pilot’s not saying, ‘There are many ways into the airport.

There are many approaches we can take.’

I’m glad he is saying, ‘There’s only one way we can land this plane, and I’m going to stay with it.’

”

There is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:1–4

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Mark 16:16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Revealed Mystery

Romans 16:25

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Peter 1:10–11

10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Hebrews 1:1–2

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Equally In Christ

Some might think that they have more of Christ and His riches because of their standards, beliefs, and long history of church membership, and even what possition they hold to within the church function.

Jesus clearly states that we are all equal in Christ.

Each of us have in this world equal access to

Christ’s unsearchable riches

Means that his riches are impossible to understand on the basis of careful examination or investigation.

Ephesians 1:7

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

1 Timothy 1:14

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Christ’s authority and wisdom is to be made known through each of us.

Psalm 104:24

24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works!

In wisdom hast thou made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.

Romans 11:33

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

How can we make known this kind of wisdom?

Colossians 1:28

28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

1 Corinthians 1:24

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

We each have access to Christ because of our faith in Him

Hebrews 4:13–16

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

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

Illustration: There is a structure being built on the corner of Bilby and willard parkway.

Each time I pass it I am forced to try and imagine what the finished product will look like.

I am not sure what the building is going to be used for.