But, I DigressBut, I Digress

Ephesians 3:1-13Ephesians 3:1-13

Stewardship of Life and ServiceStewardship of Life and Service• v. 3— “administration” or “stewardship”v. 3— “administration” or “stewardship”

• OikonomiaOikonomia—related to steward—related to steward

• Galatians 3:1Galatians 3:1

• Paul’s experience while unique and Paul’s experience while unique and unrepeatable corresponds to ours in unrepeatable corresponds to ours in principle principle

Centrally Focused on the Gospel Centrally Focused on the Gospel of of

EnlightenmentEnlightenment• We each have been given work to perform in We each have been given work to perform in keeping with abilities bestowed upon us by keeping with abilities bestowed upon us by the Lordthe Lord

• (4:1; 1 Cor. 12:4-6)(4:1; 1 Cor. 12:4-6)

• His gifts were given centrally to serve the His gifts were given centrally to serve the gospel (3:7,9)gospel (3:7,9)

• Paul saw this gospel as being empowered to Paul saw this gospel as being empowered to open blind eyesopen blind eyes

– v. 9—v. 9—photizophotizo

– Acts 9; 2 Cor. 4:6Acts 9; 2 Cor. 4:6

– Acts 26:15-18Acts 26:15-18

Centrally Focused on the Gospel Centrally Focused on the Gospel of of

EnlightenmentEnlightenment

• He Can Use Any of Us in This EndeavorHe Can Use Any of Us in This Endeavor

– 3:8– He may have been thinking of his stature 3:8– He may have been thinking of his stature and using a play on words (Paulus)and using a play on words (Paulus)

– He may be remembering his past life of terror to He may be remembering his past life of terror to the people of God (1 Tim. 1:13)the people of God (1 Tim. 1:13)

Centrally Focused on the Gospel of

Enlightenment

Prepared To Endure HardshipsPrepared To Endure Hardships

• v. 1—Paul in jail, but not a victimv. 1—Paul in jail, but not a victim

• He saw his life as being in Christ’s handsHe saw his life as being in Christ’s hands

• He is suffering for their glory—that is he has He is suffering for their glory—that is he has suffered for the vision he had for them (Acts suffered for the vision he had for them (Acts 21:27-29; 22:1, 20-22; Eph. 2:19-22)21:27-29; 22:1, 20-22; Eph. 2:19-22)