Lesson 6 Review: The Mystery of the Gospel

      

Introduction

Memory Text: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20, 21, NIV).

We can draw inspiration from Paul’s passion for the gospel. We see Paul’s commitment to the mystery at the heart of the gospel, the mystery that, in the church, Gentiles are on equal footing with their Jewish brothers and sisters. We learn too of the hardships He faced with extending the gospel to the Gentiles. This follows Paul’s opening theme, “ that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6, NKJV).

Why does Paul identify as “prisoner of Christ Jesus” (NKJV)?

He identifies as prisoner of Christ as his way of arguing that though he may reside in Roman Captivity and appear to be under the authority of the Roman Empire, there is a deeper, divine purpose being worked out in his life.

What does it mean when Paul mentions of his “Suffering” (Eph. 3:13, ESV) and his later mention of his chains (Eph. 6:20, ESV)?

When Paul mentions of his “Suffering” (Eph. 3:13, ESV) and his later mention of his chains (Eph. 6:20, ESV), he suggest that he is not under relatively comfortable house arrest (compare Acts 28:16) but is in prison.

What was perhaps Paul’s worry?

Paul’s worries perhaps is centered on the emotional impact of his imprisonment on believers, since being a prisoner was a social disgrace in the context of an honor-shame culture.

How does Paul make the Ephesians see his imprisonment?

He makes them see it as part of God’s plan. He is suffering for them, and what appears to be a source of shame will in fact turn out to be for their “glory” (Eph. 3:13).

Who does Paul address Ephesians 3 to?

Paul writes this part of the letter specifically to Gentile believers in the house churches of Ephesus (Eph. 3:1).

Who does Paul claim to be the recipient of in his letter?

Paul claims to be the recipient of something he labels “the stewardship of God’s grace,” given to him “for you,” for Gentile believers (Eph. 3:2, ESV). This is a way of describing the commission given to him to preach the gospel (“God’s grace”) to the Gentiles (compare Eph. 3:7, 8, ESV).

How does Paul want to be understood concerning the gospel?

Paul does not wish to be understood as the inventor of the gospel, but he does lay claim to a God-given ministry to proclaim it.

How do we know that Paul is not alone in proclaiming this gospel?

The Spirit has also revealed it to Christ’s “holy apostles and prophets” in a way that surpasses the revelation of God’s plan to earlier generations (Eph. 3:5). These prophets refer to those possessing the gift og prophecy among early Christian house churches rather than the prophets of the old testament.

What is the mystery that Paul proclaims?

“The mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Eph. 3: 6, ESV).

What are the building blocks of God’s community?

The Jews and Gentiles have become the building blocks of God’s community. They are now transformed from being enemies to being “co-heirs,” “co-bodied” (included in a single body, the body of Christ), and “co-partakers” of the gospel promise (see Eph. 3:6).

How does Paul identify as a Minister?

He identifies as a “minister” through “the gift of God’s grace” (Eph. 3:7, ESV; compare Eph. 3:1,2). He describes Himself also as “the very least of all the saints” (Eph. 3:8, ESV). He introduces Himself too as “not worthy to be called an apostle” (1 Cor. 15:9, NKJV) and as the “chief” (NKJV) or “worst” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15, NIV).

What happens when you come closer to Jesus that must have been the case with Paul?

The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes and you will have clearer vision of your imperfections. See Steps to Christ, p. 64.

What impact does the unity of the church create?

The unity of the Church composed of both Jews and Gentiles becomes a ringing announcement to demonic “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” of God’s plan for the future, to unite all things in him [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (Eph. 1:10, ESV). They are put in notice that God’s plan is underway and their doom is assured. This unity signals their defeat.

What is the good news in Ephesians 3:14, 15?

The good news is that “every family in heaven and on earth” belong to “the Father”. Every family (patria) takes its name from the Father (patēr). This means that despite the imperfection of our families, our families are not in the cruel grip of fate but in God’s caring hands.

What is God’s prayer for believers in Ephesians 3:16-19?

Paul asks God to grant believers an abundant spiritual experience marked by inner strength through the Spirit’s presence (Eph. 3:16), intimacy with Christ, who is also portrayed as dwelling within (Eph. 3:17), and a settled spiritual identity (“rooted and grounded in love,” Eph. 3:17, ESV).

How do we see the four dimensions Paul uses in Ephesians 3:18 to describe the expansive reach of God’s blessings?

It may be best to see these four dimensions as describing the immensity of “the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:19), viewing the phrase “to comprehend…the breadth and length and height and depth” (Eph. 3:18, ESV) as parallel to the next phrase, “to know the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:19, ESV).

Does Eph. 3:20, 21 inappropriately elevate the church, placing it on par with Christ, in the phrase “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:21, ESV?

‘While Paul is highly interested in the church in Ephesians, it is clear that Christ is the Savior of the church since it is Christ who dwells in the hearts of believers (Eph. 3:17). In the doxology, Paul praises God for the salvation offered to the church through Christ Jesus.’

Does the phrase “throughout all generations, forever and ever” (Eph. 3:21, ESV) portray an unending, earthbound future for the church, with the return of Christ put on hold?

Ephesians exhibits a robust expectation for the future. For example, Ephesians 4:30 looks toward “the day of redemption” (ESV). Also, believers will experience Christ’s limitless, sovereign power in “the age to come” (Eph. 1:21, NRSV). Paul’s doxology should be read as a celebration of Christ’s unending power exercised on behalf of believers.

Where does Paul find strength looking back over Paul’s second prayer report (Eph. 3:14-21; compare Eph. 1:15-23)?

We see Paul finding strength in the cosmic scope of the Father’s care (Eph. 3:14, 15), the ready availability of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16), the partnership of Christ Himself (Eph. 3:17), and the immeasurability of the limitless love of Christ (Eph. 3:18, 19).

Where does Paul intend to raise our vision?

The imprisoned apostle raises our vision to the grand horizon of God’s purposes and grace, reminding us that, whatever our current circumstances, we are participants in God’s ultimate plan (Eph. 1:9, 10), and His power is at work in us.

In Conclusion,

All the families of the earth belong to God, the Father. Irrespective of our flaws, we can be sure that we are in God’s caring hands, the immensity of God’s love is one we cannot even comprehend, but we must let God fulfill His plan for us in our lives. I pray that God’s Holy Spirit fills us with the strength to allow us to experience more of God’s love in Jesus’ name. 

REMEMBER THE LORD YOUR GOD

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18, NKJV).

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth,

Before the difficult days come,

And the years draw near when you say,

“ I have no pleasure in them”:” (Ecclesiastes 12:1, NKJV).

What do you put your youthful energy into?

Some of us are obsessed with the things we see, and/or hear.

We dedicate our time to things that should not matter, or worse, things we should not even do.

Why not remember the Lord your God in the days of your Youth?

God chose to listen to you and granted you admission, would you not also chose to listen to Him?

Scarcely would you successfully outsmart your fellow man, can you outwit God?

And you shall remember the Lord your God for it is He who gives power to make wealth.

It is not such a nice idea to forget God simply because we feel we have what we wanted, or because we are in a foreign land.

You will still need God to write your exams, be there for you in your Job Interview, bless your marriage, heal your sickness, give you contracts.

My brothers and sisters will you keep remembering God only when we are in troubles?

Is it not possible that these problems keep coming simply because it is only in problems we remember God?

Would you prefer to serve God at old age?

You cannot tell your fate; you say you will return to God after you have enjoyed; but what If you never get to return?

What if you die in the course of enjoying these things?

More readily would one attend church/fellowship activities than doing God’s commands.

Remember also that at old age, the pleasures of life seem to be diminished, your strength seems to fail, and even the ability to do many things seem to be lacking.

Would you then under this condition work so passionately and effectively for God?

Some of us prayed so earnestly to God for the admission we now have, many of these prayers did not end without promises of faithfulness to God.

Would you prefer to serve God at old age?

You cannot tell your fate; you say you will return to God after you have enjoyed; but what If you never get to return?

What if you die in the course of enjoying these things?

More readily would one attend church/fellowship activities than doing God’s commands.

Remember also that at old age, the pleasures of life seem to be diminished, your strength seems to fail, and even the ability to do many things seem to be lacking.

Would you then under this condition work so passionately and effectively for God?

Some of us prayed so earnestly to God for the admission we now have, many of these prayers did not end without promises of faithfulness to God.

Lesson 4 Review: How God Rescues Us

Introduction

Memory Text: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4, 5, ESV).

God’s effort to redeem humanity is the grandest, most sweeping rescue mission of all time. Rescue stories like the one in the lesson
about how eighteen-month-old Jessica McClure was rescued from the well after two days were quite gripping, but God’s effort to save humanity is even more gripping.

What is the summary of Eph. 2:1-3, Eph. 2:4-7 and Eph. 2:8-10?

These three sections of the passage are summarized neatly in the phrases of Ephesians 2:5: (1) “we were dead in our trespasses”; (2) God “made us alive together with Christ”; (3) “by grace you have been saved” (ESV).

What was the sad reality of the pre-conversion existence of the audience of Ephesians?

In Ephesians 2:1,2, Paul underlines the sad reality of the pre-conversion existence of his audience by noting that they were spiritually dead, practicing trespasses and sins as their regular pattern of life (Eph. 2:1), and were dominated by Satan (Eph. 2:2).

What two external forces dominated Paul’s hearers reflecting on their past lives?

The first of the external forces is “the course of this world” (Eph. 2:2, NKJV)-the customs and behavior in the wider society of Ephesus that misshaped human life into rebellion with God. Satan is the second external force that dominated their prior existence. He is described as “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2, NKJV), he is also described as “the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2, NKJV).

What internal forces dominate human existence as well?

“the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind” (Eph. 2:3, ESV; compare James 1:14, 15; 1 Pet. 1:14).

What is the nature of human beings?

Human beings were “by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph. 2:3, ESV). We are bent toward rebellion against God and default, are caught in a pattern of self-destructive, sinful behavior, following the dictates of Satan (Eph. 2:2) and our own innate, sinful desires (Eph. 2:3). Though Paul’s phrase is in the past tense, it doesn’t mean that an inherent bent toward evil is no longer a reality for believers.

How can we overcome this nature of human beings that is bent to sinning?

Through the power of Christ, we can “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24, ESV) and do away with this “old self” that is bent to sinning.

What three compound verbs does Paul deploy to unleash the truth that, through God’s initiatives, believers themselves participate in important salvation history events that center on the Messiah, Jesus?

‘Believers are (1) co-resurrected with Christ; (2) co-raised up with Christ (which Paul probably uses to indicate the participation of believers in Christ’s ascension to heaven); and (3) co-seated with Christ “in the heavenly places” meaning that believers participate in Christ’s “seating” on the throne of the cosmos.’

How do we know that Jesus is over all evil and spiritual powers, the very ones who once dominated the lives of believers?

In Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation, He gains the victory over all evil and spiritual powers, the very ones who once dominated the lives of believers.

What is the magnitude of the grace God has bestowed upon us through His Son?

God’s plan, though, does not end with a grace-filled past and a mercy-bathed present. God’s plan, rooted in divine councils in time immemorial (Eph. 1:4), stretches forever into the future.

What does Paul think of God’s grace?

Paul thinks of God’s grace as a treasure or fortune of unfathomable value (compare Eph. 1:7, Eph. 3:8) from which believers may draw to meet any need.

Jesus was to reveal God to?

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels.

What is the root of the salvation of believers?

The salvation of believers does not occur because of their good behavior or winsome qualities. Instead, their salvation is rooted in God’s inexplicable love-a love that cannot be explained based on any worth in the object of that love. The Salvation of believers is a divine work, not a human one. It does not originate in us but in God’s gift.

In Conclusion,

God rescues us from the death that awaits sinners. We receive this salvation not by any physical effort from us, but by grace. We only need faith to accept this grace, I pray that God grants us the faith to accept this grace of salvation in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 3 Review: The Power of the Exalted Jesus

Introduction

Memory Text: “Through the Holy Spirit, believers may know “what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19,20, NKJV).

Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus is that they experience through the Holy Spirit the immensity of the power God makes available to them in Jesus. Unlike the auto manufacturer showing off the prototype of its Devel sixteen, God’s divine might is not measured in horsepower, or magic but is seen in four cosmos-shifting, salvation-history events: (1) the resurrection of Jesus; (2) His exaltation at the throne of God; (3)all things being placed in subservience to Christ; and (4) Christ being given to the church as its Head (Eph. 1:19-23).

What do Paul’s prayer reports in Ephesus suggest as the native language of prayer?

‘Paul’s prayer reports in Ephesians suggest that thanksgiving is the native language of prayer. We gather up the blessings of God and thank Him for them.’

What does it mean to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17)?

‘It does mean that, blessed by God’s Spirit, we move through life with hearts open to the presence and power of God, seeking cues for thanksgiving to Him. It means a readiness to process the issues of life in the presence of God, to seek divine counsel as we experience the twists and turns that life brings.’

Why did Paul pray for a fresh blessing of the Spirit?

Paul prayed for a fresh blessing of the Spirit to give needed spiritual insight focused on a deepened understanding of Jesus (“in the knowledge of Him,” Eph. 1:17).

What three topics does Paul pray for special insight on for the Ephesians?

1.       “the hope to which He has called you” (Eph. 1:18, ESV)

2.       “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18, NKJV)

3.       “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:19, NKJV).

What did Paul mean when he prays for special insight on these three topics?

1.       ‘When Paul prays for insight for them about “the hope to which He has called you” (Eph. 1:18, ESV), he prays that they will be alert to the past actions God has already taken for their salvation (Eph. 1:2-9,11-13) and to the glorious future He has planned for them (Eph. 1:10, 14).’

2.       ‘When he prays for insight into “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18, NKJV), he is recalling the Old Testament idea of believers as God’s inheritance (Deut. 9:29, Deut. 32:9, Zech. 2:12; compare Eph. 1:11).’

3.       ‘When Paul prays for spiritual insight about “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:12, NKJV), he imagines the Holy Spirit bringing fresh understanding of the immensity of God’s power and actualizing it in their experience.’

What is Paul’s intention in his prayers in summary?

‘In all these prayers, Paul wants these people to experience for themselves what they have been given in Jesus.’

How does God begin the expansion of the third topic of insight?

Paul begins by pointing to two salvation history events as the premiere illustrations of God’s power: (1) the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and (2) the exaltation of Jesus to the throne of the cosmos (Eph. 1:20).

Why are these two topics the premiere illustrations of God’s power?

The resurrection of Jesus is a nonnegotiable belief of the Christian faith. It is because Christ is risen that faithful believers await the grand, future resurrection to eternal life at the time of Christ’s return.

The imagery, that God “seated Him [Christ] at His right hand” (Eph. 1:20, NKJV), is drawn from Psalm 110:1. The exaltation of Christ has a high profile in Ephesians. Believers are “seated with… Him [Christ Jesus] in the heavenly places” Eph. 2:6, ESV). Paul refers to this illustration as a prelude to Christ’s filling all things and giving gifts to His church (see Eph. 4:8-11).

How should we see the exaltation of Jesus Christ?

Rather than a merely static image of Christ on the Father’s throne, we should see the exaltation of Jesus Christ as the dynamic NT picture of the exalted Christ going forth by His Spirit in all the world, conquering and to conquer.

What is one of the notable features of religious life in Ephesus?

The interest in naming deities and powers in spells was a feature of religious life in Ephesus (See Acts 19:13), and among some even today.

What is the relationship between Christ and “the powers”?

The exalted Jesus is “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:21, NKJV).

What benefit does the exaltation of Christ to the throne of the cosmos and His rule over all things in heaven and on earth provide for His church?

‘God has made Christ victorious over all evil powers. The church, closely identified with Christ and supplied by Him with all its needs, is itself guaranteed victory over those foes.

How can we believers know the exalted Christ and experience God’s power in our lives?

Paul believes that God will answer his prayer. He also affirms the efficacy of celebrating God’s power, revealed in Christ, in God’s own presence and asking for it to be active in the lives of believers.

In Conclusion,

The power of the exalted Christ is available to us all, the Church closely tied to Christ can have the guarantee of victory over foes. I pray that God helps us to understand what we have in Christ in a way that what we have in Christ saves us in Jesus’ name.

Lesson 2 Review: God’s Grand, Christ-Centered Plan

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3, ESV).

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with a majestic thank-you note. Neil Armstrong did the same, twenty-five years later after becoming the first person to walk on the moon, he wrote a thank-you note to the creative team who designed the spacesuit and others. Paul’s opening here makes Ephesians especially valuable in modeling how to worship God and to praise God for the many blessings He has provided.

What does a thank-you note usually include?

A thank-you note usually includes a description of the gift or gifts received.

Where does Paul include his received gifts in his letter?

Paul includes a long gift list in Ephesians 1:3-14 as he thanks God for the blessings of the gospel.

What does the phrase “in the heavenly places” and “in the heavens” mean in Ephesians (the only place it is used in the New Testament)?

In Ephesians the phrases “in the heavenly places” and “in the heavens” or “in heaven” point to heaven as the dwelling place of God (Eph. 1:3, Eph. 6:9), to the location of spiritual powers (Eph. 1:10, 20, 21; Eph. 3:10, 15; Eph. 6:12), and to the location of Christ’s exaltation at the right hand of the Father (Eph. 1:20).

What other connection do the heavenly places have?

Though “the heavenly places” have become a place of blessing for believers, they are still the location of conflict from evil powers that contest the lordship of Christ (Eph.3:10, Eph. 6:12).

What does it mean when the New Testament discusses Redemption?

It highlights the costliness of setting the slaves free.

What does it mean to be Redeemed?

“To be redeemed is to be treated as a person, not an object. It is to become a citizen of heaven, rather than a slave of the earth”¾Alister E. McGrath, What Was God Doing on the Cross? (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992), p. 78.

What does it mean that God pays the price of redemption to Satan?

God paid the price of redemption to Satan is a medieval, not a biblical, one. God neither owes nor pays Satan anything.

What other benefits does Calvary include?

“the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Eph. 1:7, ESV).

What three labels does Paul use for God’s plan?

1.       “the mystery of his will,”

2.       “his purpose” and

3.       “a plan for the fullness of time” (ESV)

What is God’s final ultimate plan?

To unite everything, everywhere, in Jesus.

What is the sequence of God’s plan?

God begins His plan to unify all things, rooted in the death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation of Jesus (Eph. 1:15-2:10), by founding the church and unifying disparate elements of humankind, Jews and Gentiles, in it (Eph. 2:11-3:13).

Who are Believers?

Rather than being ‘victims of haphazard, arbitrary decisions by various deities or astral powers. They are the children of God (Eph. 1:5) and have access to many blessings through Christ based on the deep counsels and eternal decisions of God.’

How does Paul show the value of Christians to God?

Paul shows the value of Christians to God by showing that they not only possess an inheritance from God (Eph. 1:4, Eph. 3:6; compare Eph. 5:5), but they are God’s inheritance.

What two images does Paul use for the Holy Spirit?

He first pictures the Spirit as a “seal,” identifying a sealing presence of the Spirit that occurs from the time of conversion. The second image Paul uses for the Holy Spirit is that of “guarantee.” The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance, which looks toward the moment when the inheritance is to be given in full (compare 2 Cor. 1:22, 2 Cor. 5:5).

Do Believers pay the down payment?

Believers do not pay this down payment but receive it from God with a grateful and submissive heart.

In Conclusion,

God’s eschatological plan is to unite all in Christ. However, we are to have a grateful and submissive heart to accept it. I pray that God grants us this kind of heart in Jesus’ name.