The Epistle to the Ephesians

1. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 Running start: • Over the last two weeks, Paul has been discussing the “great mystery.” • This mystery is that, through Christ's work on the cross, both Jews and Gentiles have been united in one body. • Paul explains how his stewardship is to teach the church about these great truths. • Paul is clear that, not only is this mystery totally of Grace, but his stewardship is of Grace as well. • God's intent is that we know and understand these teachings, for they are knowable and understandable. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

2. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, Looking back: • Paul is well aware that he can deliver this awesome message only by the grace of God. • Paul is also well aware of the tremendous scope of this message. • As he has so often in the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us of the “unfathomable riches of Christ.” • It will take us eternity to know the extent of these riches. • These blessings are ours solely because of Christ. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

3. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; What is Paul's stewardship? • Paul's task was twofold. • Paul was to “preach” the riches we posses in Christ (v.8). • “Preach” is the same word used in 2:17. It means to proclaim the good news. • Thus, he was to first tell us that we have something of tremendous value. • Yet, Paul's ministry went beyond simple proclamation. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

4. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; • Paul's second task was to “bring to light” this mystery. • “Bring to light” is a good translation. • Paul was to assist everyone so that they could see these truths clearly. • Proclamation and enlightening do not always accompany one another. • God's intent is that we understand both what the mystery is, and how it works. • Paul brings to light not just the mystery, but the “administration of this mystery. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

5. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; When did this mystery come about? • The church was not a last minute decision. • The mystery had been hidden “in God.” It was always part of His plan. • “For ages” (or “for the ages”) refers to time past. • This mystery was hidden in God. Why does Paul remind us of God's sovereign power? • We saints need to be constantly reminded that God is in control, as He always has. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

6. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly {places.} Did God come up with the church as “second option”? • The church was a part of God's “manifold wisdom.” • “Manifold” is a word that means “multi-colored” or “multi-sided.” • God's wisdom is certainly rich and full. • God's wisdom is clearly evident, now that the full mystery has been revealed. Can we judge a painter by a partially completed work? Through what is God's wisdom made evident? J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

7. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly {places.} To whom is the wisdom of God made known? • The receiving party is the “rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” • This most likely refers to angelic beings, both good and evil. • The good angels in heaven can see a glorious example of God's infinite wisdom. • The demons can see that God is truly in control, and has thought of everything. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

8. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 11 {This was} in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, • Paul reminds us again that the church was part of His plan from the beginning. • Christ is the turning point in all of human history. • Christ is the sole reason that the Church exists today. • God is sovereign. He is the one who carried out His plan through Jesus Christ. • Nothing has ever happened, nor could anything happen, that would cause God to change His plans. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

9. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. What is one of the primary benefits of this mystery, the church? • Part of God's eternal purpose is that we might have fellowship with Him. • As we saw in 2:18, we now have intimate access to the Father. • The means of our access is the work of Christ. • We can go before the Father only by faith in what has already happened. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

10. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. What does it mean to go before God with boldness and confidence? • “Boldness” indicates our freedom of address. • We have freedom to speak to God. There is no indication in Scripture we have to speak to God in a specific way. God wants to hear what we want to say. • Examples of this are Moses and David in the OT, and in the NT we can look to Jesus in Gethsemane. God's intent is that we speak frankly and directly to Him. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

11. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. • “Confidence” indicates our freedom of approach • Since we possess the necessary clearance, we need not hesitate before entering. • While we understand our place before God, we can go before Him without reservation. • It will be difficult for us to go before God without faith in what He has told us. • This access is something we possess now, and will continue to posses throughout eternity. J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009

12. The Epistle to the Ephesians God's Eternal Purpose—Ephesians 3:9-12 In conclusion: • Isn't it amazing that God's plan from the very beginning was to place us in Christ? • Isn't it amazing that God chose us so long ago to be recipients of His Grace? • Isn't it amazing that God has given us unrestricted and unlimited access directly to Him? • Isn't it amazing that God's desire intimate, personal fellowship with us? • Isn't He amazing? J. Doan—Holly Hills—April 12, 2009