The Mystery of Christ

April 10, 2022 Pastor: Jared Cornutt Series: Ephesus: A Study from Life to Death

Passage: Ephesians 3:1–13

Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, April 10, 2022 Ephesians 3:1-13
The Mystery of Christ

Introduction: In these verses Paul shows us how our lives, both individually and as a church, fit into God’s glorious eternal purposes. When we see this, it will help us deal with the trials and difficulties that come our way.

Paul begins to pray, but then interrupts his prayer to tell the Ephesian Christians why they should not lose heart:

  1. Because in God’s glorious purposes, He has now revealed the mystery of Christ. (3:1-6)

    ...When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations... 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.

    The word “mystery” here means simply something once hidden from human knowledge, but now revealed by God. The mystery is that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings people together in a new body and a new family.

    Father, thank You that You have made us all brothers and sisters in Your family, and that our unity bears witness to Your transforming power through Christ!

  2. Because in God’s glorious purposes, He gave grace to Paul to minister the gospel. (3:7-9)

    Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace... to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery...

    Paul says God gave him the undeserved privilege of declaring the gospel message, which includes both preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ and revealing the unfolding plan of God for all of history.

    No matter what life throws at us, we can be confident of two things:

    • The God of the plan never changes.

    • Because of His plan, the gates of hell will never prevail against the church.

      Father, please help us trust in Your unfolding plan; help us never to lose hope and never to give up.

  3. Because in God’s glorious purposes, His eternal plan for the church includes you. (3:10-12)

    ...so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

    God’s plan for the ages has a cosmic audience! You are “Exhibit A” to the angels to show how God in great wisdom has brought together all kinds of people to love one another, love His Word, and love Him.

    Father, thank You for Your glorious purpose for our church to display Your wisdom to heaven!

Conclusion (3:13): So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

The greatness of the mission is worth the hardship of suffering. Paul is willing to pay the price for the church to go forward. There is no greater purpose in this life than to be a part of God’s people, living together, serving together, worshiping together, and even suffering alongside one another, as God’s eternal purposes are being accomplished in us all.

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