Text:              Ephesians 3:1-13

By:                 Ogumor, Sunny (Bishop)

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Paul was called as a minister to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen. Before his calling, Paul had persecuted the church as an unbeliever. Only God’s divine grace saved Paul, and only God’s divine grace causes the family of the church to grow and sustain.

Eph 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles.

Paul’s Assignment;

Paul had been imprisoned for the sake of the gospel which he was called by God to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16) 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”.

Christ revealed Himself to Paul on the road to Damascus at which point Paul’s heart was changed, from there on he was commissioned to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. This was the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to him for their sake.

The Jews did not like him for bringing the Gentiles into their mist. Paul was branded an opposition and was arrested, but he was already given an assignment by Christ which he will not leave undone.

Eph 3: 2 Surely you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God (the official documents) that was given to me because of you. The strategy, the curriculum, the assignments, the authority given to me because of you. Know that God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles.

Assignment Confirmed:

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” Act 22:21.

The apostle goes on to relate how he was confirmed in the change he had made. The Lord have chosen Paul a sinner, that he should know his will. “Who told you a sinner cannot work for God”; Christ came to save sinners after that they are put to work not to seat idle.

Paul was humbled, enlightened, and brought to the knowledge of Christ and his blessed gospel. This should be clear to us on how to utilize our calling to the glory of God. Put your talent to use.

Those whom God has chosen to know his will, must look onto Jesus, for by Christ, God has made his will, known to us, that is why we accepted Christianity. As we are baptized into his body through the gospel so we have the privilege of sons and heir. But know that nothing can reconcile man’s heart to the gospel, except the special grace of God.

As Paul was recognized to have been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. Gal 2:7-9.

 Did it surprise you that God chose a persecutor of the church to be the main minister of the mystery, the mystery of the work of the gospel in bringing Jew and Gentile together into one new body. Do not be surprised those who washed their hands clean will dine with the elders. Repent and be baptized said Peter. and be added to the body of Christ and thou shall be saved.

By revelation He made known to me the mystery. Eph 3:3

Paul said, God gave me the revelation and I am only His messenger of this truth. It cost Paul a lot to hold on to this mystery. If it were some of us the troubles Paul passed through will make us to run away and that is what some have done anyway, but remember those who endure to the end shall be saved.

Note that in Eph 2:11-13 Paul said that the gentiles were “excluded from Israel’s privileges”, but at the right time this was changed. Those who are far off have been brought near-by Christ.

The mystery was not made known to people in other generations. Eph 3:5.

The mystery, is that secret, hidden purpose of salvation through Christ. This was not so fully and clearly shown in the ages before Christ, as done now unto Apostle Paul and other Apostles. This was the great truth made known to the Apostle, that God would call the Gentiles to salvation by faith in Christ.

This was something which those before Paul and the time of the apostles did not fully understand 1 Peter 1:10-11 They understand that the gospel was purely for the Jews only so they challenged Peter for going to the gentiles, Act 11:3.

 But through Paul and the other apostles in the early church, this mystery was revealed and explained. This mystery Paul is referencing here specifically was that the gospel extended to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18)

The time have come. They, too, could be the chosen people of God, being joint heirs with Christ and part of the promised eternal life in Christ. Believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation will be part of the body of Christ. All nations will flow into it, Isa 2:2. With your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. Rev 5:9

The mystery described. Eph 3:6-7

The mystery itself – is that believing Jews and believing Gentiles are joined together into one body of Christ, into one Church, and no longer separated before God.

This privilege was no longer reserved only for the believing Jews, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name through the gospel.

It is clear here that through the gospel everybody has an equal standing in Jesus Christ.

We have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13.  This is how the mystery concerned us greatly.

 I am the least amongst the people; Eph 3:8-9

Since you have been baptized do you still consider yourself the least amongst the brethren? We share the same spirit. Why be-littles yourself amongst the brethren, we have equal right to preach the gospel, so be smart and challenge yourself.

The same God, who worked in Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in Paul as an apostle to the Gentiles, Gal 2:8-9, and continued till date with us as his children. They agreed that Paul should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. Everyone has the opportunity to fit perfectly to a role, use your talent well to the glory of God.

Paul said, I am less than the least of all the saints, (but) this grace was given to me, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul felt it a great privilege to be allowed to preach the gospel. What about you? He did not look upon his calling as a boring or unpleasant work, but with great determination he was committed to the work, and the success in it greatly humbled him. 

If we follow his example in all our personal efforts to spread the good news of salvation, sure a crown of righteousness might be waiting for us on that day like he boasted. Not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

When we consider Paul’s personal history, we see that his calling really was all of grace. He has committed atrocities to the church. But do not continue in sin because grace will not continue to follow you. Rom 6:1,2.

We are supposed to grow in grace not only as Christians but also for the work we are called to do. We are to search the Scriptures, teach ourselves, preach to others and be committed to prayer. Preaching simply means “to announce the good news,” of what God has done in Jesus Christ. Salvation has been brought down go and tell it to the world, tell it today that salvation is free. What is your take in this, why do you forsake evangelism?

The unsearchable riches of Christ are really some kinds of great riches for the Gentiles. They become privileged to get what originally was out of their reach. They can now come before God in their believe that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

Having been entrusted with such riches, that you now know of, your passion is to make this gospel known to all people. God wants everybody to see and share in the fellowship of this mystery – All to came to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Tim 2:4. 

What is the Fellowship of the mystery. It demonstrates that the church is not only to be known and joined but also a life to live, united in Christ Jesus with other believers, without any separation such as existed between Jew and Gentile then.

The truth is that the fellowship of the mystery was hidden before but was revealed after the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. I will build my church HE said. Matt 16:18. This statement settles the question once for all concerning the existence of the church, the body of Christ. And all nations shall flow into it.   Isa 2:2-3. 

The purpose of the revealed mystery. Eph. 3:10-12.

Is to preach the gospel to the gentiles and to make the manifold wisdom of God known to all.

• His intent was that, now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

The mystery reveals God’s eternal purpose in Jesus, previously described in Eph 1:10 – This is the plan: At the right time God will bring everything together under the authority of Christ, everything in heaven and earth. At the name of Jesus every knee must bow. Phil 2:10. 

The church now appears to be God’s pilot scheme for the reconciled universe, the mystery of God’s will to be administered in the fullness of the times when the things in heaven and the things on earth are brought together in Christ. 

Access with Boldness and Confidence through faith in Him. Eph 3:12.

The church has made this possible.

For all who are led by the spirit of God are the children of God. You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. This is how we have the right to call him, Abba, Father. Rom 8:14-15. Believers has this privilege.

Been added to the body thru baptism gave you the access to Christ so you have the boldness to speak with confidence those things pertaining to the faith. Heb 4:16.

Do not lose heart: Eph 3:13.

When you agree to become a Christian do not look back be hold all things become new. Temptations are everywhere it is only God that can lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil. Do not lose heart when temptations come your way but hold on to your faith and God said he will not leave you nor forsake thee. From every temptation there is a lesson.

Though under arrest for the sake of the gospel, Paul asked his readers not to lose heart. He did not want them to be discouraged for his sake, for being in prison.

In prison Paul was still being used in the service of God’s eternal plan.

He wrote the Letter to the Ephesians from prison.

He lived his whole life with the passion to bring salvation to his people. Rom 9:1-3. 

His Roman imprisonment produced the letters of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. They all certainly have a place in God’s eternal plan.

In the same manner, each of us has a place in the service of God’s eternal plan. Knowing this and working towards it is a great guard against losing heart in the midst of tribulation. We all have a talent to showcase, exhibit yours to the glory of God.

Your prison may not be restriction to the four walls of a room but conscience seared with a hot iron causing you to only think of evil, it is very possible to come out of the situation. Paul was a murderer who later became a saint. Act 22:4-21. There is room for repentance. So, Paul encouraged every Christian not to lose heart during tribulation. The grace of God is always standing for His children. 

Conclusion:

• 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.
• In the church wish is the body of Christ Jews and Gentiles are one family. Whether black or white.
• Christ has riches beyond the dream of imagination. (ask in his name)
• The purpose of the mystery is that the manifold wisdom of God is now made known through the church, join hand to spread the gospel.
• Through faith in Him: means that Christians has nothing to do with nationality or ethnic identity, only with faith in Him (Jesus Christ) we are one.

May the Lord add blessings to these words in Jesus Name, Amen.

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