July 25, 2017
Evening Service

We found chapter 2 of this letter to be filled with really great stuff.  We saw that our salvation comes as an act of grace (unmerited favor) from God as a gift that cannot be earned or paid for.  We saw where each of us are created as a masterpiece set aside for good works in Jesus Christ.  This morning Paul explained to us how that the blood of Jesus brought peace and unity to all believers putting us on an equal plain before God.  One of the early church’s’ biggest struggles was to unify the Jews and Gentiles into one family of believers.  The challenge of unity continues in today’s church as well.  Paul also revealed to us that all of us are being built together into a beautiful sanctuary where God can abide and work.  The challenge was for each of us to find a way to use our talents for the edification of all.  We are better together.

As we begin in chapter 3, Paul explains to us the mystery of church that has now been revealed to us all.

Ephesians 3:1-5  For this cause, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you nations,  (2)  if you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me toward you,  (3)  that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in few words,  (4)  by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  (5)  which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

·         Here Paul actually was under house arrest in Rome for preaching that Jesus was the Christ or Messiah.  It was his Jewish adversaries who had him arrested and tried for what they said acts that “turned the world upside down.”  He had appealed to the emperor to hear his case and was awaiting trial.  He used this time to write letters back to some of the churches he had established.  Little did he know that they would one day these letters would be used in compiling what is now the NT of our Bible?

·         God had revealed many things to Paul through the Holy Spirit and had chosen him to be the apostle sent to the Gentiles.  He now begins to explain the mysteries he has been given the understanding to.

 

 

Ephesians 3:6-8  that the Gentiles  should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partaker of His promise in Christ through the gospel.  (7)  Of this gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of His power.  (8)  This grace is given to me (who am less than the least of all saints) to preach the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ among the Gentiles,

·         The mystery revealed is that the Gentiles were no longer excluded from a relationship with God, but now are fellow heirs and members of the same family of God.  They are not only included but given the full benefits of a relationship with God as well.  This fact was actually prophesied of in the writing of Isaiah.

·          It was given to Paul to be made a minister to them, the apostle to the Gentiles, and to preach to them gospel message making this prophecy a reality in God’s perfect timing.

Isaiah 49:6  And He said, It is but a little thing that You should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to bring back the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You for a light to the Gentiles, to be My salvation to the end of the earth.

·         It was God who had prepared Paul for this time of ministry.  He was a strict Pharisee and lived a disciplined and devoted life even persecuting the church at every opportunity.  God chose the church’s biggest enemy to be one of its greatest leaders.  God plus a willing vessel and anything is possible.

 

Ephesians 3:9-12 and to bring to light what is the fellowship of the mystery which from eternity has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;  (10)  so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies 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 through His faith.

·         The inclusion of the Gentiles (whosoever will) has been the plan from the beginning of creation.  The OT proved we could not earn our salvation on our own by living a life worthy of God.  It proved that we need a Savior who we can access at any time with all faith and confidence.  We don’t have to rely on our righteousness because we are given Christ’s righteousness.

 

Ephesians 3:13 For this reason I desire that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

·         Paul tells those at this church who know and love him not to worry or lose hope in his suffering or imprisonment.  If he had not preached the gospel to them he would not be in prison.  Accepting to follow Jesus is not an easy task; it will come with many hardships and even suffering.  But as Paul says his pain became their gain.  To what lengths have you gone to see a loved one saved?  Was it worth the price you had to pay?  Certainly and much more if it were needed!

·         Paul began this letter telling the church that he was praying for them to know the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance for us, and the exceeding greatness of His power.  He continues that thought here as he closes this chapter.

 

Ephesians 3:14-21  For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  (15)  of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named,  (16)  that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;  (17)  that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  (18)  may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height,  (19)  and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.  (20)  Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21)  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen.

·         Isn’t that a beautiful prayer for the church?  He prays we would be strengthened in our inner man with might by His Spirit; that we would have the courage to stand against persecution.

·         He prays that Christ would dwell in our hearts by faith; knowing that it is our heart that motivates us to action.  He prayed that our heart would be grounded (have a foundation) on love.

·         He them prays that Christ would give us a true comprehension of the width, length, depth and height of the love He has for us.  A love that is above knowledge and fills our heart and soul.  A love that I continue to be amazed by even after years of serving Him.

·         He then closes with a prayer for glory to be given to “Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us.”  He asks that this glory be given in the church through Jesus to all generations.  It has been done so far and will continue to be done until He returns.

 

Lord, we stand amazed at Your love, power, might and grace You have given to us.  Grant us the ability to understand it even to a greater level.