Lesson 6 – Ephesians Chapter 3:1-16
Looking back at chapter 2, we see that there are some doctrinal things to observe. First is the answer as to how a person is saved. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (vs. 8 and 9). This scripture is as clear to us as John 14:6, where Jesus makes the declaration that “He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life… that no one comes to the Father except through Him.”
Salvation only comes from God. What do we do to gain salvation? We receive it from God, it is a free gift from Him. What are the conditions in which we receive God’s gift? Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
The moment we try to add anything else to this, it becomes nothing but “works” on our part.
Chapter 1 ended by declaring that Jesus is the head of the Church, and that all believers are part of the Body of Christ. Chapter 2 ends on the topic of “unity,” that Jesus is the great Unifier. The liberal left cites equity as their ideology, but they want nothing to do with God’s pure equity. God sees everyone as the same, and in the body of Christ everyone is equal. There is no separation. Jesus is the Unifier and the Chief Cornerstone.
Eph. 3:1
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles.”
For this reason… when Paul uses this phraseology, it’s similar to when he says “therefore.” For this reason refers to the Jews and Gentiles being unified “In Christ.” Then Paul declares himself the prisoner of Christ Jesus. Paul had been a prisoner for about five years, two years in Caesarea and then the rest of his imprisonment in Rome. Paul had faced hearings before the Sanhedrin, before the Roman governor Felix, before Felix’s successor who was named Festus, and even before King Agrippa. Lots of authorities had hold of him, but Paul didn’t consider himself a prisoner of any of them, except that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Paul fully understood that whatever was going on, whatever circumstance he found himself in, Jesus is always in control. Paul wrote and lived Romans 8:28…
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
As the expression goes, Paul was “all in.” Paul always kept his focus; the big picture was continually in his view. He lived having total trust in God’s purposes, as we should as well. What was Paul’s mission? It was the Gentiles, to bring God’s gospel message to them.
John 4:35
“You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.” Or white for harvest! (NLT)
Paul was like Jesus, in that he was about his Father’s business, the business of saving souls. When it came to the Gentiles and the church, Paul never took it lightly, and his ministry eventually cost him his life.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
John MacArthur, “It was not that he himself knew his future or fully understood the divine purposes behind his afflictions, but that he knew his future, his afflictions, and every other aspect of his life were totally in his Lord’s hands.”
We know as believers that we are in God’s hands and that no one can take us out of His hands. It’s also important to know that He is watching and caring for each one of us, as the Good Shepard He is.
Eph. 3:2
“If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,”
The dispensation… means the management of a household or of household affairs. The NASB uses the word stewardship. You’ve probably heard the expression, be a good steward of all that God has given you. The Gentiles were given to Paul, and now Paul needed to be a good steward with what God had given him.
I Tim. 1:12
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,”
Paul knew he had been given a great responsibility, and he invested his whole life into his ministry. So, what’s in this for us? Every believer is a steward of what God has given them, whatever it might be… opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, finances, or skills, the list can be long. The point is, we’re accountable to all that God has given us, and it’s our job to take it seriously. Because Paul took his stewardship seriously, he found himself in a Roman prison.
Let’s remember that Paul never chose his calling or ministry. On the road to Damascus Paul wasn’t riding around hoping to find God, he was going after Christians, looking to destroy them. Instead, Jesus found Paul… talk about having a life changing experience. This encounter changed Paul forever, as it would any one of us. Paul was commissioned into ministry by God’s grace.
I Cor. 9:16-18
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.”
John MacArthur, “Everything we have belongs to the Lord, and we are therefore entrusted as stewards to manage our lives and everything we possess in behalf of the One to whom they belong. We are faithful stewards when we use what we have to minister to those within the family of God and witness to those who are without.”
Eph. 3:3-4
“How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge (insight) in the mystery of Christ),”
“As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed His mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.” (NLT)
A mystery is a “scared secret” that is unknown to unbelievers, but is understood and treasured by God’s children. The mystery Paul is talking about here is the fact that now as believers, the Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ.
To us today, it doesn’t seem like any big deal, but in Paul’s day, no one would have believed this could ever happen.
It’s like the changes we’ve seen take place in our country today; three years ago you wouldn’t have believed any of this could happen… but it did.
Paul’s knowledge or insight into this mystery didn’t come through his own discovery, it came from God. Verses 5 and 6 will further explain.
Eph. 3:5-6
“Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,”
“God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by His Spirit He has revealed it to His holy apostles and prophets. And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT)
These verses further show us that God is impartial. It makes perfect sense that the Jews and Gentiles who are in the body of Christ would share in the same inheritance.
Our human birth determines our racial differences, but our rebirth in Christ unites all believers as one in the same, within the body of Christ. The purpose of the church is to have a covenant community, and that God has given the Gentiles full privilege of His promises, which all started with the promise to Abraham. (Gen. 12:3)
Gal. 3:8
“What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when He said, “All nations will be blessed through you.”
Eph. 3:7
“Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.”
There’s really only one reason for Paul’s ministry. It wasn’t because he was pious (religious), spiritual, or even talented, it was only because of God’s grace. I think we can all relate to that, “but for the grace of God go I.” And Paul would be the first one to admit it.
Col. 1:29
“To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”
By God’s grace, He has brought various blessings into our lives. It could be a particular talent physically or mentally, or perhaps monetarily, whatever it is we must exercise it. And sometimes it requires time and effort on our part.
Eph. 3:8
“Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, He graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.”
The closer we get to the Lord, the more we are aware of the sin in our lives. Looking back, we probably thought we were doing pretty good, that most of our sins were for the most part unnoticeable. Paul knew this as well; he was always amazed that God would even use him… perhaps some of you feel that way too.
I Cor. 15:9-10
“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
It’s all about grace when it comes to living as a Christian. True humility precedes real grace, and real grace precedes effective ministry.
I am the least deserving of all God’s people…
Paul was humble, and he had his moments when he truly regretted his past. He was humbled that Jesus even used him, because of how he persecuted the church.
I Tim. 1:15-16
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.”
We are all treated by God better than we deserve. We would do well to exercise humility in the same way Paul did. Understanding the deep things of God’s Word doesn’t give a person an inflated ego, it gives them a broken and repentant heart.
The endless treasures available to them in Christ…
Other translations say, unsearchable riches of Christ or the unfathomable riches of Christ. The message Paul delivered was always about Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Christ’s riches include all His truths, all His blessings, and all that He is and has. Try to put a price tag on your salvation, it’s priceless.
Col. 2:2b-3
“Attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
The riches in Christ… I’ll just name a few; I’m sure you can come up with a long list yourselves.
• We became new creatures. (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15
• We are made righteous. (2Cor. 5:21)
• We are made alive to God. (Rom 6:11)
• We are complete in Him. (Col. 2:10)
• We are blessed with all spiritual blessings. (Ps. 84:12)
• We are sealed by the Spirit (being secure in Him) (Eph. 1:13)
• We are seated in the Heavenlies (Eph. 2:6)
• We are forgiven all our sins (Col. 2:13)
There is no limit to the riches of Christ. Try as we might, we can never fully grasp the depths of Christ’s worth.
Paul describes himself as the lowest of believers, while at the same time lifting Jesus up as the greatest of all. Every believer in humility should acknowledge the all-surpassing goodness and grace of God.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!”
The treasures of Christ are inexhaustible, they are unsearchable, and they are forever.
Eph. 3:9
“And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;”
“I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.” (NLT)
Paul’s ministry wasn’t just about him proclaiming the gospel and the indwelling of Christ, Paul made it known through his own actions. Again, this is being a good steward and setting an example for believers to live by, which Paul did.
Eph. 3:10-11
“To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,”
“God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was His eternal plan, which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)
The word manifold in the classical Greek refers to the beauty of an embroidered pattern or variety of colors in flowers in its various forms.
The manifold wisdom of God here is not speaking about redemption, but of the totally new relationship between the Jews and Gentiles. We could say the church is the vehicle which God is presenting this to the principalities. It is directed to both good and evil angels, and as these angels witness just what is going with the Jews and Gentiles, they must admit that this is evidence of God’s wisdom.
One commentary says, “The New Testament emphasis is on the holy angels’ concern with the church, but it is obvious that the fallen angels can also to some extent see what is going on, though they have no desire or capacity for praise.”
The church doesn’t exist simply for the purpose of saving people, even though that in itself is extremely important. The utmost purpose of the church, as Paul makes it clear, is to glorify God by manifesting His wisdom before the holy angels, who can then offer greater praise to God. Angels are indeed interested in what God does with His creation.
I Peter 1:12b
“And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.” (NLT)
Which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord…
I think part of the problem with mankind is his focus is mainly on his salvation and what can God do for him. The true purpose of salvation isn’t just about saving man from God’s judgment (which it does), but understanding that the glory of God is the supreme goal of creation. This is all accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. What has Jesus accomplished? He has redeemed mankind and this brings about angelic praise and worship.
Luke 15:10
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Rev. 4:8-11
“The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
Eph. 3:12
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
Who is whom? That would be Jesus, “In Jesus we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Though God’s eternal plan was accomplished in Christ 2,000 years ago, believers can still go to God freely and confidently.
Heb. 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
When the writer of Hebrews says we can come boldly, this describes our confident expectation, that we have full access to God. We can do this because our High Priest Jesus is sitting at the Father’s right hand interceding on our behalf. Again, this is what God accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter into the Holy of Holies, and that was only once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. If someone were to enter on any other day, it would mean certain death.
Today, for all those who have placed their faith in Jesus, they have full access to God’s throne room. That access that began 2,000 years ago when the curtain in the temple was torn in two, still exists today. We can come before the God of all creation with absolutely no fear of rejection because we are His children. But please take note, whenever we do approach the Lord, we do it with the utmost awe and respect. To do anything else is foolish.
Eph. 3:13
“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
There were many disciples of Paul, and they knew of his sufferings for Christ. It’s understandable that they had concerns for Paul, but he wanted them to know that everything in his life, both good and bad, was all for God’s glory.
Phil. 1:12
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,”
Eph. 3:14-16
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”
What reason is Paul talking about? This stems back to verse 1 when Paul was about to pray, but went in a different direction to elaborate on the mystery of the body of Christ, bringing Jews and Gentiles together as one in Christ.
I bow my knees to the Father…
This is Paul’s expressive posture in praying to the Father. Our entire being should be drawn in worship to God, the posture of our hearts is much more important than the position of our bodies. When the posture of our heart is one of humility and awe, our body will often follow the heart to express that in physical ways.
Matt. 26:39
“Jesus went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed,”
Psalm 95:6
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Kneeling, sitting, bowing, lying face down, bowing our heads, and lifting our hands are all physical expressions of the attitudes of our hearts. The key is always the “heart” when it comes to approaching God.
From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named…
This does not teach that God is the spiritual Father of every being in the universe.
John MacArthur, “It does not, as claimed by modern liberalism, teach the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man. Scripture clearly teaches two spiritual fatherhoods, God’s and satan’s. God is the heavenly Father of those who trust in Him and satan is the spiritual father of those who do not.”
The whole family in heaven and earth…
This speaks of every believer, the ones who have passed on and the ones still alive today. The whole family or every family of believers is a part of the one spiritual family of God, which there are many members, but only one Father.
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory…
Think about this for a minute, Paul is praying that God would give to us… according to God’s riches. So, we have to ask ourselves, how rich is God?
Here’s a small example; if a millionaire gives someone $50 or $100 dollars they are giving “out” of their wealth. Now on the other hand, if the millionaire gives a person $50,000 dollars they are giving according to their wealth.
For God to give to us according to the riches of His glory, that’s just mind blowing… there is no limit to God’s riches. This is what Paul is praying for God to do for the Ephesians. Maybe I shouldn’t have used a millionaire as an example, because that makes our minds go to the material plane.
Paul’s prayer is about the spiritual well-being of the Ephesians and not the material. This was common for Paul. Who benefits from this? The church and the kingdom of God.
Col. 1:9
“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”
This should be what we pray for as well. Pray this for yourself and pray it for others. I especially covet your prayers in this area, that God would bless me with all spiritual wisdom and knowledge every time I prepare a message for you.
I Thess. 1:2-3
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,”
Do you ever have a person’s name just pop into your head? It could be someone from your past or present, it might be someone you don’t know personally. When this happens, just start praying for them. Pray for salvation, pray for their well-being, pray that God would give them all spiritual wisdom and knowledge. It’s a good habit to get into.
We’ll close with this…
Tonight, we’ve talked about being good stewards with the grace that God has given you. Paul was a good steward and continually preached everything that God had given him, regardless of any suffering that came from it.
God used Paul to bring Jews and Gentiles together through the blood of Jesus Christ. This was from God’s wisdom and it is on display for all the angels to see.
We also saw a glimpse into Paul’s prayer life, along with reminders for us to be in prayer for those around us, and even those who aren’t with us.