Scripture
Intro Questions
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
Prison Epistles
Salvation — Ministry and the Mystery
Ephesians 3:1-13
The Gentiles Included As Children of Promise -- That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel…that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Ephesians 3:6 and Galatians 3:14)
There are monumental implications when we become children of promise through faith in the promises of God. One of the consequences of outstanding significance is highlighted in our present verses. It involves the Gentiles.
It is quite obvious in the Old Testament that God had great plans for the Jews (for Israel, His chosen people). "'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel" (Exodus 19:6). God's plans ultimately included the Gentiles (the nations of the world). "Oh, praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!…The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Psalm 117:1 and Isaiah 60:3). Nevertheless, the Jewish people would have a special place in God's purposes. "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 14:2).
In light of these Old Testament truths regarding Israel, imagine what an astounding revelation (or mystery) it was when the Holy Spirit began to unfold, through the Apostle Paul, the full participation that the Gentiles would have in the promises of God: "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs." By believing in the promises of God, the Gentiles would have full partnership shares ("fellow heirs" ) in the inheritance of God for His people. The Gentiles would also be "of the same body." This body that included Gentiles and Jews was the church of Jesus Christ. "And He is the head of the body, the church" (Colossians 1:18). God’s church is truly multicultural. Jew and Gentile would comprise one new unit, the church. There is no longer a separation. Also, the Gentiles would be "partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel." Through the promises of the gospel of grace, Gentiles would share fully in eternal life, daily blessing, and intimate access to the Lord. By faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac Jacob, & Joseph, the Gentiles would also enjoy (along with any Jew who believed in Jesus as Messiah) the promise of the Spirit: "that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Yes, now the Holy Spirit would dwell in the lives of all who would put their faith in Christ-not only the Jew, but also the Gentile!
Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:
· We are going to look at “mysteries,” do you have a favorite mystery?
God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles — Ephesians 3:1-13
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 people 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 the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless 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 that 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.
Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will
1. What is meant by the phrase “Paul a prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles?
2. What exactly is the mystery Paul is talking about? Is it understandable? (v. 4) What degree of understanding can the reader of this epistle have as compared to the understanding of the apostle Paul?
3. What does Paul have to do with that mystery? Where does the church come in? How does the church make known “the manifold wisdom of God?”
4. The mystery came to Paul by revelation. What does that mean and could a new & different revelation come to people today?
5. When did this mystery take on meaning in your life?
6. Is Paul being hard on himself in verse 8, or just appropriately humble?
7. How would you compare Paul’s passion to share this mystery to your own passion? This has an impact on making disciples.
8. Purpose — what is “the eternal purpose” of God? Whose is it and how is it made know? (v. 11)
9. How would you explain the way one can know God? (2:18; 3:12)
10. Does God allow Christians to suffer? How could Paul’s sufferings benefit others? (v. 13)
1. If Paul lived in our community, who in particular would he go after for Christ?
2. Where does the unifying Gospel (v. 6) challenge you? Examples of racism, missions, concern for the poor and elderly?
3. To what degree do you agree that God certainly desires everyone to experience His grace?
4. Where is God calling you to be an ambassador for him? Why has he chosen you?
5. Confidence, v. 12 says we should have it along with boldness, how do you feel about it?
6. How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?
— 2 Timothy 1:9
Living for Jesus in Ephesians 3:1-13
Today the apostle Paul helps us understand the purpose of the mystery of Christ in Ephesians 3:1-13.
God's Blessing to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3)
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