March 10, 2024
Series: Ephesians
Teacher: Paul Mermilliod
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.
Big Truth: Jesus Followers Are Fellow Heirs through the Gospel
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. (Ephesians 3:6)
Big Idea: Our Adoption into God’s Family is a Mystery
- The mystery was previously unknown, but now is revealed.
- The mystery is the adoption of Gentiles into God’s family.
Big Idea: Our Adoption into God’s Family is a Miracle
- In Jesus we are “fellow heirs.”
- In Jesus we are “members of the same body.”
- In Jesus we are “partakers of the promise.”
Ephesians 1:13-14
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…
Big Idea: Our Adoption into God’s Family is a Ministry
- The ministry is to “preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
- The ministry is to “bring to light for everyone the mystery of the gospel.”
- The ministry was given to the apostle Paul.
- The ministry was given to God’s people, the church.
Big Idea: Our Adoption is God’s Masterpiece
- “The mystery (was) hidden for ages in God”
- “That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known…”
- “To the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places”
- “This was according to the eternal purpose that He (God) has realized in Christ”
Ephesians 2:7
so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
IN LIGHT OF OUR ADOPTION, HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?
Big Idea: Jesus Followers Draw Near (3:12)
Big Idea: Jesus Followers Take Heart (3:13)
Big Idea: Jesus Followers Make Known the Gospel (3:10)
In Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and are fellow heirs through the gospel.
Draw near to Jesus. Fight discouragement– take heart in God’s perfect plan (3:12). Purpose to share the good news of the gospel with those who are far from God (3:9; 2:17).
Feel awe in light of the miracle of our adoption into the family of God. We were once far off, now we are brought near by the blood of Christ (2:13).
Long to love the church well. Desire to walk in the ministry of making the unsearchable riches of Jesus known to others.