Ephesians 3:1-13 – Bring to Light for Everyone

Ephesians 3:1-13 – Bring to Light For Everyone

TCBC is studying through Ephesians. Resources and sermons are available at tcbchurch.org/ephesians. Need help getting started or have questions? Join us every Wednesday at Behind the Message.

---

Ephesians 3:1-13
[1] For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—[2] assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, [3] how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. [4] When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. [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. [7] Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. [8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, [9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, [10] so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. [11] This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, [12] in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. [13] So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

We might be tempted to read over Paul’s personal call in 3:7-10 and dismiss ourselves. We were not literally blinded by the light of God’s revelation (Acts 9). Still, there are parallels with our calling that are worth noting.

1. We are ministers of the gospel by God’s grace. (Eph. 4:7, 1 Cor. 12:11, Rom. 12:6)

[7] Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

2. We are called to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. (Mark 16:15, 2 Cor. 5:18-20)

[8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

3. We are called to teach everyone to observe all that Jesus has commanded. (Matt. 28:19-20) 

[9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

We, the church, with these parallels in mind, like Paul have been set apart in Jesus for Jesus. Our lives are living sacrifices, redeemed to worship Jesus through the proclamation of his saving grace. And if we shall suffer like Paul, or so many other fellow heirs that we read about in the New Testament, let us stand firm and not lose heart (13). Our boldness, confidence to proclaim Jesus as the Savior and Lord, is through faith in him (11-12).  

Go. Worship. Bring to light for everyone the gospel of Jesus that has been revealed.

---