A Gift The Angels Awe

Ephesians 3:7-13

By David Turnerwww.BibleStudies-Online.com

Ephesians 3:7–13 (ESV)7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of

God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace

was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be

made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access

with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

It’s a gift of God’s grace to be a Minister of the Gospel

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

• This Gospel – The Good News that Jews and Gentiles are made one in Christ.

• Minister – servant (deacon).

• It’s a gift to serve.• If you are chosen to

serve, it’s by God’s power.

Nothing in us makes us worthy8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

• I’m not worthy of this gift.

• I’m not worthy to be a communicator of it.

• The content of the message is unfathomable.

Previously hidden, now for all9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,

• The message is to everyone.

• The messenger is to illuminate what was a secrete previously hidden in God.

The plan transcends mankind.10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

• Through the assembly of believers– The multi-colored

wisdom of God– Is made known to the

rulers and authorities in heavenly places

The Reconciliation of Jew and Gentile in the body of Christ points toward the reconciliation of all things in Christ. Ephesians 1:10  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

The Plan is Eternal11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

• The plan had its purpose in eternity in Christ Jesus.

• Because of him we have boldness and access with confidence to God because of our faith in Christ Jesus.

Suffering means little compared to the glory that is coming

13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

• Don’t loose heart due to suffering– Others– Your own

• Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

It’s a gift to share God’s gift.