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.