Ephesians 3:1 (HCSB)
For this reason, I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles -
Prisoner of Christ
Paul was fully captive to the call of Christ
His only choice was obedience
His call to the Gentiles
We are all captive to something
Sin – Acts 8:23
Acts 8:23 (NLT)
for I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin."
Prisoner of Christ
Paul was fully captive to the call of Christ
His only choice was obedience
His call to the Gentiles
We are all captive to something
Sin – Acts 8:23
We’ve been set free
Christ broke the bondage of sin and the condemnation of the law – Romans 7:6
We become a prisoner of Christ by choice
Romans 7:6 (HCSB)
But now we have been released from the law, since we have died to what held us, so that we may serve in the new of the Spirit and not in the old letter of the law.
Ephesians 3:2-3 (HCSB)
You have heard, haven’t you, about the administration of God’s grace that He gave to me for you? The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above
Not Information…
but REVELATION
God had revealed His plan for all men
Jew and Gentile are both recipients of God’s favor
Ephesians 2:13-14
Ephesians 2:13-14 (NLT)
But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ.
[14] For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us.
Not Information…
but REVELATION
God had revealed His plan for all men
Jew and Gentile are both recipients of God’s favor
Ephesians 2:13-14
God seeks to reveal Himself to us
Not just facts about Himself
But to reveal Himself personally
Psalm 98:2
Psalm 103:7
Psalm 98:2 (NLT)
The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!
Psalm 103:7 (NLT)
He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
Ephesians 3:4-5 (HCSB)
By reading this you are able to understand my insight about the mystery of the Messiah. This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
Spiritual Sight
The Holy Spirit reveals spiritual truth
About God
About the lordship of Jesus Christ
About Salvation
Matthew 16:16-17
1 Corinthians 2:10
Matthew 16:16-17 (NLT)
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
[17] Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
1 Corinthians 2:10 (NLT)
But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God’s deep secrets.
Spiritual Sight
The Holy Spirit reveals spiritual truth
About God
About the lordship of Jesus Christ
About Salvation
Matthew 16:16-17
1 Corinthians 2:10
The revealed truth was passed on by Paul
Letters and writings
Spoken word
Are you passing on the revealed truth of God?
Ephesians 3:6 (HCSB)
The Gentiles are co-heirs, members of the same body and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Partners of the Promise
God has always intended for the Jew and the Gentile to be joint heirs.
Isaiah 49:6
Isaiah 49:6 (NLT)
He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."
Partners of the Promise
God has always intended for the Jew and the Gentile to be joint heirs.
Isaiah 49:6
God’s gift of salvation is available to anyone
John 3:16
Romans 10:13
John 3:16 (HCSB)
For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:13 (NLT)
For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Ephesians 3:7 (HCSB)
I was made a servant of this [gospel] by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of His power.
Saved to Serve
We are indebted to God’s grace
We willingly yield ourselves to his service
Out of gratitude
Out of a burden for others
God equips us to carry out our call
The Holy Spirit speaks through us
Acts 4:8
Mark 13:11
Acts 4:8 (NLT)
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Leaders and elders of our nation,
Mark 13:11 (HCSB)
So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to you in that hour – say it. For it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:8-9 (HCSB)
This grace was given to me-the least of all the saints!-to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
Unlikely Vessels
Paul knew that he was not worthy of the call
God chose Paul for a specific purpose
Paul was equipped for the journey
Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit
No one is ever qualified to serve God
We are chosen by his favor
We are equipped by His hand
We are empowered by His Spirit
Ephesians 3:10 (HCSB)
This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens.
The Call Upon the Church
The church is God’s vessel for taking the message of Christ to all nations
The church is comprised of Jew and Gentile alike
The unity of the church bears witness to Christ
John 13:35
A “church” that doesn’t make Christ known is not being faithful to it’s call
John 13:35 (NLT)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
Ephesians 3:11-12 (HCSB)
This is according to the purpose of the ages, which He made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness, access, and confidence through faith in Him.
Nothing to Fear
In Christ we have access to God’s throne
Mark 15:37-38
Mark 15:37-38 (HCSB)
But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. Then the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom.
Nothing to Fear
In Christ we have access to God’s throne
Mark 15:37-38
Anytime
Anywhere
You are welcomed with open arms
Fear is erased
Lack of eloquence
Lack of worth
Ephesians 3:13 (HCSB)
So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
The Joy in Suffering
Paul knew that his suffering was not in vain
He was able to bless through his writings
His encouragement would carry them further in their faith
Even in the tough times God’s presence will be revealed in your life
Others will be encouraged
Others will be strengthened
Are you captive to the call on your life?
Are you operating in God’s strength and grace?
Are you making Christ known to the world around you?
**Powerpoint available on request
