Reference

Ephesians 3:1-13

Sermon Notes

  1. Paul’s prayer ______ (v. 1)
  2. Paul’s job: make the _______ known (v. 2-6)
  3. ___ this mystery is made known (v. 7-13)
    1. For Christ’s _____ (v. 7-9)
      1. It’s ___ about Paul (v. 7-8a)
      2. It’s about the _____ of Christ (v. 8b)
      3. Illuminating the _______ (v. 9)
      4. God’s multi-faceted ______ (v. 10)

Going Deeper

  1. Paul was the apostle, teacher, and preacher to the Gentiles (1 Tim.
    2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11), so the sufferings he experienced during his ministry
    were on their behalf (2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23).
  2. Read how Paul ended up arrested in Acts 21:15-36.
  3. What commission has Christ give you that will cost you something?
    What will you do this week to be obedient to Christ’s call?
  4. Read Ephesians 2:11-22 again. What is the mystery that is now
    revealed?
  5. Gentiles are co-heirs. Read Rom. 8:17; Gal. 3:18; Col. 3:24.
  6. R. Kent Hughes says this mystery is “further opened” in Eph. 2:15 when
    we see that Jews and Gentiles become “one man in place of the two” or, as
    Hughes puts it: “a new humanity—a third race of humans—the Church.”
    How can we live this reality out in our world today in how we treat one
    another? In our attitudes toward others?
  7. How, specifically, did God show His grace to Paul (Eph. 3:7-8a)? How
    has God shown grace to you in your life? Take time to thank Him.
  8. Read the second half of v. 8. R. Kent Hughes says: “Christ never
    subtracts from life; he always enriches it with untraceable riches.” How
    have you seen this true in your life? Read Romans 11:33.
  9. How will you shed light on this mystery that is now revealed (Eph. 3:9)?
  10. Why is the church so important according to Eph. 3:10?
    John Stott says, “It is through the old creation (the universe) that God
    reveals his glory to humans; it is through the new creation (the church)
    that he reveals his wisdom to angels.”
    In what ways do you need to engage more in the life of the church?
  11. Read Eph. 3:11-12. Now read Hebrews 10:19-25. What should we do as
    those who are in Christ?
  12. Are you afflicted or suffering? What will you do to trust in the Lord in the
    midst of your affliction? Read Proverbs 3:5-6; Heb. 12:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:58.