The Great Mystery of Grace
Central Truth: God's grace makes it possible to know the love of Christ.
Focus: Study how God in Christ revealed the mystery of grace and confidently proclaim the gospel of grace.
Evangelism Emphasis: God's grace makes it possible to know the love of Christ.
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:19): And to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
introduction
- God hid the glorious truths of the Church and revealed them through His Son
- Church is a spiritual organizsm which lives and breathes through Christs Spirit
The Mystery of Christ Revealed
A. Revealed to paul
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:1-4): 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,
b. revealed to us
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:5-6): which 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.
Our Business
God is not saving the world; it is done. Our business is to get men and women to realize it.--Oswald Chambers
Proclaiming God's Revealed Plans
A. God's multifaceted wisdom
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:7-10): 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,
Q: In verses 8 and 9, how does Paul describe his calling?
B. God's Purpose Accomplished
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:11-13): according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
An Open Door
The Lord is glad to open the gate to every knocking soul. It opens very freely; its hinges are not rusted, no bolts secure it. Have faith and enter at this moment through holy courage.--C. H. Spurgeon
3. Experiencing The Fullness of Christ's Love
Confidence expressed
daily devotions
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:14-15): For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
Q: Why did Paul "kneel before the Father" (v. 14 NIV)?
b. Requests made
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:16-19): I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
God's Yearning Heart
God loves to be longed for, He loves to be sought, for He sought us Himself with such longing and love; He died for desire of us, marvelous though! And He yearns now to be with Him above.--William Webster
c. praise given
Key Scripture (Ephesians 3:20-21): 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, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Q: How are you bringing the glory to Jesus Christ in your daily life?
truth revealed
- 'Mystery' implies knowledge withheld; it's Scriptural significance is truth revealed
M - God Reveals Deep Things (Job 12:13-22)
T - Revelation of Hidden Treasures Promised (Isaiah 45:1-7)
W - God Reveals Mysteries (Daniel 2:19-25)
T - Proclaim Christ Boldly (Acts 4:24-31)
F - Declaring Revealed Wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:6-11)
S - Revealed Mystery Proclaimed (Colossians 1:24-29)
