God Has A Plan-And We're Part Of It
Ephesians 3:1–6
We are faithful stewards when we use what we have to minister to those within the family of God and witness to those who are without.
What is a Biblical Mystery?
Something previously undisclosed, but now known through “revelation.” Wierbse says it is a “sacred secret … now treasured by the people of God.”
- First, both Jews and Gentiles now share in the “promise” (ver. 6);
- Secondly, it is “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (ver. 8).[1]
Why is Paul Happy about Being in Jail?
Twice in this letter, Paul reminds his readers that he is a prisoner (Eph. 3:1; 4:1), and at the close he calls himself an “ambassador in bonds” (Eph. 6:20).
Although Paul had been a prisoner for about two years in Caesarea and two years in Rome, he did not consider himself to be a prisoner of any government or person. Rather, he knew he was under Christ’s control, and every aspect of his life was in the Lord’s hands. He suffered imprisonment for preaching to Gentiles
He recognized that God was in Control & was using his situation to spread His Gospel.
Dispensation” means a stewardship, an administration, or management.
Why is this Mystery so Important?
- God’s revelation of His plan for the ages (chpt 2)
- God’s revelation of Our New Relationship
- One Plan of Salvation
- One Mediator between God and Man
- One Church with Christ at the Head
- One Inspired Truth – One Revelation
- No longer an emphasis on Nationality
Paul realized that spiritual knowledge must precede practical application. What is not properly understood cannot properly be applied.
Application
- Learn to see the hand of God in your life ;
Learn to trust the hand of God when you cannot see - Realize the blessings of belonging to something God created – church
- Understand that your purpose in God’s plan might get bumpy
[1] Findlay, G. G. (1903). The Epistle to the Ephesians. In W. Robertson Nicoll (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible: Ephesians to Revelation (Vol. 6, p. 42). Hartford, CT: S.S. Scranton Co.