Ephesians 3:1-11
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles – 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Introduction
As we continue on in our journey with the concept of fellowship, discovering and exploring the various ways in which our relationship with the Lord fosters and strengthens our relationships with each other, this week we see how the person of Christ Jesus is not only our Saviour but also the one who enables to be part of God’s chosen people.
Questions
For what reason does Paul give for being a prisoner in Ephesians 3:1? What does Gentiles mean?
Paul uses the word ‘revelation’ in Ephesians 3:3. What is a revelation? Explain from Ephesians 3:3 what the apostle says happened in this revelation that he received.
Why is it that we often do not think about Christ as being so special? What is wrong with our understanding? Why do we tend to think the world is more exciting with its upcoming movies and technologies?
Conclusion
Before Christ the chosen people were the Jews exclusively. Those who he liberated from Egypt, to who He gave a land overflowing with milk and honey and with who He resided day and night. Before Christ liberation and sanctification was only achievable by the Jews. After Christ it is available to all, Jew and heathen, man and woman, rich and poor. Thank God that He came and thank God that all of us form part of God’s chosen people today due to Christ’s sacrifice.
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