"Father, reveal to us your marvelous revelation of what we are about to read. Father, reveal the truth to us in a deep and personal way so that we will begin to know, understand, and experience the security of your unchanging love. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen. "
Please read Ephesians Chapter 3
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
and prays 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
1. Do you see any connection between Ephesians 2 and Ephesians 3? Explain.
Yes...they both share what they learned from the Lord Jesus Christ and how they applies them to their lives personally. This needs to be our goal as Children of God.
2. Now let's look at Paul's ministry. Remember, we are saved by grace and are God's workmanship created in Jesus Christ unto good works which God perpared for us to walk in (Ephesians 2 and Ephesians 3). What did God give Paul to do (be thorough)? God gave Paul much humility,grace,boldness,wisdom and confidence in Christ to share the Gospel to the Gentiles.
3. There's so much to learn from Pauls life and faithfulness so lets start by looking at other scriptures which should lead us to follow his exhortations to the Corinthians when he wrote, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ".
Acts 20:36 "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
Acts 21:5 "And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed."
Eph. 3:14 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,"
a. Read John 17:4 "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
and note what Jesus said as the hour came for Him to be glorified.
Jesus came to earth so we would be able to Glorifiy GOD!!!
b. Look at Paul's statements in Galations 2:7" But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"
and Romans 15:20 "Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:" Did he understand his calling?
Yes, It is called Precept upon Precept.
c. Second Timothy is Paul's final epistle, written during his final imprisonment in Rome.
1) Look at 2 Timothy 1:12 " For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
Once again what do you learn about his ministry and discharge of duties? As you obvserve this passage, keep in mind all you have seen in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians. Anything here in Timothy that rings an Ephesians bell? If so, list it.
Preacher, Apostle, teacher of the Gentiles. Him and Paul are all alike
4. Look up the greek word Mystery and tell what it means.
Mysteries: Mystery: 3466. Greek is, "musterion." A mystery, as in something into which one must be initiated, instructed, before it can be known, something of itself not obvious and above human insight. In the N.T. spoken of facts doctrines, principles, etc. not fully revealed, but only obscurely, or symbolically set forth.
5. Turn to Colossians 1:24-29 "24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."
This is a parallel passage on the mystery of Christ. And see what you learn that can substantiate what we've seen and explain it from another perspective.
Let Scripture interpret Scripture. Write down your insights.
27-29 says it well. As listed above
6. Did you notice the word administration in Ephesians 3:9? Look at the meaning in Greek and
Administration greek word ~ Oikonomia - the management of a household or of household affairs
specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other's property the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship administration, dispensation
Paul felt humility. It also refers to the footsteps of God in the unfolding of His plan for man of the riches od His Grace. Romans 11:33 is another good place to look at too
7. Finally how does Ephesians 3:11-13 fit into what you just explained? Pay attention to the word purpose. Review it use in Ephesians 1:9-12.
The eternal purpose is to have creations free of moral agents who have been thoroughly tested and purged of all possibility of rebellion, so that God can show the exceeding riches of His grace toward them in all the ages to come without fear of eternal rebellions.
8. How can you apply Ephesinas 3:12 to your life? Compare this with Hebrews 10:19-22.
If the Spirit comes upon me to say something it will come forth with no hesitation if this is what God would have me to do.
9. Paul's prayers can become our prayers prayed with understanding. Read Ephesians 3:14-21 in your Bible. Note how Paul describes the One to whom He prays in 3:14-15. What prototype did God originate?
10. List the main points in Paul's prayer. What is Paul asking God for and why? Watch for the pronoun that.
11. Look at where and how the word power is used in these final verses of chapter 3. What did you learn? You may have written it down when answering the previous question.
12. Power is used in the New Testament, which makes it an important word and concept. Take a few minites to explore some of these scriptures to see what you can learn from them for your lives. Record your insites and and note how they fit orcomplement Ephisians 3:13-21.
First Look at what Ephesians says.
a. Acts 1:8
This is kinship to me cause we are sealed. But we are that if we are saved w/o this.
b. Acts 3:1-12; 4:5-12
c. Corthinthians 12:7-10