The Man, The Mystery, The Mission

Ephesians 3:1-13

1. The Man

a. Paul

i. “Prisoner” (vs 1)

ii. “Apostle” (vs 5)

1. “One who has seen the risen Christ, is a witness of His resurrection, and, is commissioned by Him to preach the gospel.” -ISBE

iii. Humble “Minister” (vs 7-8)

iv. Shepherd (vs 13)

b. Christ Jesus (vs 1)

2. The Mystery

a. What is the mystery?

i. verse 6, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

b. His Word is Sufficient and Final

i. “mystery was made known to me” (vs 3)

ii. “Has now been revealed” (5)

iii. “was given” (vs 7)

iv. “might now be made known” (vs 10)

v. God’s Word changes people and culture, people and culture don’t change God’s Word.

vi. “Accordingly, the establishment of peace between Jews and Gentiles in the church is a signal to all powers in the universe. For Paul, there is no more basic division in the human race than that between Jew and Gentile. That they can be united with each other in Christ and be at peace in the church displays the profound wisdom of God, and it proves even to supernatural powers that Jesus is Lord of the universe.” -RC Sproul

3. The Mission

a. Follow God’s Will

b. Understand The Word of God

c. Be Captivated by His Blessings

i. “I am bold to tell you that my Master’s riches of grace are so unsearchable, that he delights to forgive and forget enormous sin; the bigger the sin the more glory to his grace. If you are over head and ears in debt, he is rich enough to discharge your liabilities. If you are at the very gates of hell, he is able to pluck you from the jaws of destruction.” (Spurgeon)

d. Tell Others of His Love

e. Go to Him in Prayer