Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles. A Prayer for the Ephesians. Ephesians 3:1-21

Transcription

1 1 Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles A Prayer for the Ephesians Ephesians 3:1-21

2 2 Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles A Prayer for the Ephesians Text: Ephesians 3: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2. If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3. How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4. whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5. Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7. Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

3 3 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Introduction: I. Coffman noted that chapter 3 is divided into two parts; viz., A. Initially, Paul gave further teachings on the mystery of redemption. (Verses 1-13) B. The concluding part of the letter has been called the boldest prayer every prayed. (Verses 14-21) Commentary: Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

4 4 Ephesians 3:1, For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, I. For this cause, reason, A. Paul continues in the attitude of prayer first begun in Ephesians 1:15. B. Paul was reminded of the blessings in Christ and of Christ s lordship and resurrection. (Boles) II. I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ... A. Paul affirms here his authorship of the letter, epistle to the Ephesians. B. Paul had been imprisoned many times because of his faith and devotion to Christ and was, when Ephesians was written, a prisoner in Rome. C. Paul was also a willing prisoner of Christ, in the service of Christ. III. For the sake of, on behalf of you Gentiles A. Paul was Christ s chosen emmisary to the Gentiles. B. Without Paul, there may well have never been a worldwide Christianity. (Barclay via Coffman) C. If Christianity were only a sect of Judaism, Paul would have been exempt from execution, because of Roman toleration of established religions.

5 5 D. Paul exposed himself to death for the faith because he presented Christianity as a world religion distinct from Judaism. Ephesians 3:2, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: I. If so be that, surely, seeing you have heard... A. Ephesians had indeed heard the gospel. B. The gospel was preached by Paul himself at Ephesus. C. If, since, seeing the Ephesians had heard the Gospel, Paul now gives the conclusion, result of that fact. D. This epistle may be read by others than the Ephesians who had not heard these things. II. of the administration, dispensation of that grace of God... A. 1 Corinthians 9:17, For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. B. Colossians 1:25, Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; C. Paul administered the gospel among the Gentiles. III. which was given me to you-ward, for you,

6 6 Ephesians 3: 3, 4, How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) I.... by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, A. Galatians 1:1, Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead) B. Galatians 1:11, 12, But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. C. Colossians 2:3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. II. as I wrote before in few words, written briefly. A. This could be a reference to an earlier letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians or nearby churches. B. It could and probably does refer to this letter to the Ephesians which is a short epistle of only six chapters, or to the first two chapters of Ephesians. III. Whereby, when you read, in reading this, A. Christians from the first have been urged to read the scriptures. B. Christians also are to study and live in keeping with the scriptures.

7 7 C. Epistles such as Ephesians were generally read in the assembly of the church for all to hear. IV. You can perceive, will be able to understand my insight, my understanding in the mystery of Christ. A. Paul urged the Ephesians to read what he wrote that they could understand as he did the mystery of Christ. B. The Old Testament speaks often of the Gentiles being subjects of Jehovah s love and salvation. C. What was new was that the Gentiles would be saved through Christ and not as Jewish proselytes. (Boles) Ephesians 3:5, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; I. Which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, which was not made known to men in other generations. A. Mystery refers to God s plan through Christ for the redemption of mankind. B. The mystery now is understood, but this mystery was not clearly revealed until Christ came to earth. C. In glory, by and by, we will understand it even better. II. As it has now been revealed... III. unto his, God s, holy apostles and prophets...

8 8 A. Paul was both an apostle and a prophet. B. Other apostles and prophets revealed the mystery of redemption to all to whom they preached. C. These were New Testament holy men because they had been set apart for God s service. (Boles) IV. In, by the Spirit. A. The apostles came to understand this mystery by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:6, That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: I. That is to say, to be specific, this mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are, A. fellow heirs together with Israel, 1. Israel had been exclusive. 2. Now, Jews and Gentiles were on an equal standing before God. B. fellow members of the body 1. The body is the church. C. fellow partakers, sharers together, 1. in, of the promise. 2. in Christ Jesus.

9 9 3. through the gospel. a. Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. II. In all respects, Jewish and Gentile Christians are equal!.. share all blessings in one body. A. Proselytes were never equal to Israelites in Jewish opinion. B. In Christ, all are equal. C. Ephesians 2:12, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Ephesians 3:7, Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. I. Whereof I was made a minister, a servant of this gospel, A. Paul does not present himself as an elevated cleric, but as a humble worker on behalf of the Gospel. II. by, according to the gift of the grace of God. A. Galatians 2:7-9, But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the

10 10 Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. B. Colossians 1: 24, 29, Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. C. Ephesians 1:19, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, III. which was given me through, according to the working of his power. Ephesians 3:8, Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; I. Although I am, unto me, who am less than the least of all the saints, God s people, A. Paul rejected all human pride and glory. B. 1 Corinthians 15:9, For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. C. 1 Timothy 1:15, This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

11 11 D. Paul was not needlessly putting himself down. By comparison, he was elevating God s grace. II. was this grace given, A. Paul s status as an apostle was due solely to the grace of God. B. Paul was deeply grateful for his appointment as an apostle. III. to preach unto the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. A. To be a proclaimer of the gospel of Christ in the greatest of all vocations! B. Acts 22:21, And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. C. Acts 26:17, Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, D. The unsearchable riches of Christ are totally inexhaustible. E. Colossians 2:3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. F. Colossians 1:27, To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: G. 1 Corinthians 2:9, But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

12 12 H. No sinner can become so vile as to put himself beyond the grace of Christ! Ephesians 3:9, And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: I. And to make everyone, all men, see what is the administration, dispensation of this mystery... A. The gospel is to be preached to all people world-wide in every generation to enlighten them. B. The purpose of this is to inform everyone of God s plan of redemption and to urge all to live in keeping with it to the saving of their souls. C. Acts 26:18, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. II. which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things. A. God s redemption plan had always existed in his mind, but was implemented through Christ, was kept secret until Christ came to earth Peter 1:10-12, Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto

13 13 themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 2. Colossians 1:26, Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: B. God, who created this salvation mystery, created absolutely everything else as well, things both physical and spiritual. Ephesians 3:10, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, I. To the, his, intent was that now unto the: A. principalities, rulers 1. Nations and their rulers are to hear the gospel. B. authorities, powers in the heavenly places, realms, 1. Caesar and his household are to hear the gospel. 2. Religious and political leaders need the gospel as well as everyone else. C. Boles defines these rulers and principalities as: 1. human leaders

14 14 2. angels of heaven. 3. the devil s angels. II. might be made known through the church... A. The church is given the task of proclaiming the gospel message far and wide, high and low Corinthians 1:26-31, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 2. As weak as the church membership may be, God chose the church to proclaim his saving gospel. III. the manifold, multi-colored, variegated wisdom of God. A. The mystery of redemption is diverse and a thing of sparkling beauty! (Coffman) B. 1 Corinthians 1:21-23, For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the

15 15 Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; Ephesians 3:11, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: I. According to the eternal purpose... A. God, foreknowing the fall of humanity, planned from eternity the redemption of mankind. B. This perfect plan formed by the omniscient God has never needed any modification. C. God kept this plan secret until he saw fit to reveal it in the fullness of time. II. which he accomplished, purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. A. It was God s purpose from eternity to save the world by means of Christ, his only begotten, unique Son. B. There was and is no other plan, name by which mankind can be redeemed! C. Christ himself is eternal, from eternity to eternity. D. Scriptures: 1. 2 Corinthians 1:20, For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

16 16 2. Hebrews 1:1-4, God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Ephesians 3:12, In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. I. In whom, him, we have boldness, A. Hebrews 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. B. Christians approach their service to God as a confident, not over-confident, strong, winning team working its way toward the Super Bowl. II. We have approach, access in freedom and confidence through our faith in him, Christ. A. Christians are priests and have, through Christ, the high priest, ready access to God the Father Almighty! B. Romans 5:1, 2, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

17 17 Ephesians 3:13, Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. I. Therefore, wherefore, I ask that you may not faint, be discouraged, A. Paul had suffered beyond measure for Christ. B. The Ephesians were not to be discouraged by the possibility that they too might undergo severe continuing persecutions. II. at my tribulations for you, because of my sufferings for you, A. Paul was totally unselfish. B. Paul s sufferings on behalf of the Ephesians are reminiscent of Christ s suffering for us all. C. Scriptures: 1. Philippians 1:12-14, But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 2. Philippians 2:17-18, Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

18 18 3. Colossians 1:24, Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 4. 2 Corinthians 12:9, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 5. Luke 18:1, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 6. 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16, Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 7. Galatians 6:9, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. III. which are your glory, to your benefit, honor, and prestige, heavenly glory. A. Paul s sufferings were for the Ephesians glory. B. Paul s sufferings were not to intimidate the Ephesians. A Prayer for the Ephesians Ephesians 3:14, 15, For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

19 19 I. For this reason, cause, I bow my knees, kneel, unto, before, the Father, A. Matthew 6:5, And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. B. Luke 18:11-13, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. C. 1 Kings 8:54, And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. D. Acts 7:60, And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. E. Acts 9:40, But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. F. Acts 20:36, And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

20 20 G. Acts 21:5, And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. H. Luke 22:41, And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, I. 1 Timothy 2:8, I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. J. Luke 5:12, And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. K. Jehovah, in a very special way, is the Father of the redeemed. L. The reason, cause is what God has done in Christ. M. Daniel 6:10, Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. II. from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, derives its name. A. Humans and angels were named by the eternal Father. Ephesians 3:16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

21 21 I. I pray that he would grant you, II. out of his glorious riches, according to the riches of his glory, A. God s riches are without limit. 1. Ephesians 1:7, 18, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 2. Ephesians 2:4, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, B. Boles stated that God s blessings are limited only by the measure of our own willingness to get in a position to receive them. III. that ye may be strengthened with power, A. Judges 6:34, But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon. B. Judges 8:10, Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword. C. Judges 14:6, And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and

22 22 he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. D. Judges 14:19, And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house. E. Judges 15:14, And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. F. Joel 2:28, And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: G. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; H. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my

23 23 strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I. Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. J. 1 Timothy 1:12, And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; K. 2 Timothy 4:17, Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. IV. through his Spirit in the inward man, in your inner being. A. Ephesians 1:1-3, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: B. Galatians 5:23, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Ephesians 3:17, That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, I. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

24 24 A. Colossians 1:27, To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: B. John 14:23, Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. C. 2 Corinthians 6:16, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. D. Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. E. Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. II. to the end that you, and I pray that you, III. being rooted and grounded, established in love, A. Galatians 5:23, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. B. Trees (rooted) and buildings (grounded) are the analogies, metaphors in view here.

25 25 C. This is to be achieved by love, the prime principle of Christianity. 1. Matthew 22:36-40, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 2. John 13:35, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 3. Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Ephesians 3:18, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; I. May have all the power, be strong to apprehend... II. together with all the saints to grasp, understand, III. what is the... A. breadth, how wide B. length, long C. height, high D. depth, deep

26 26 IV. is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:19, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. I. And to know the love of Christ, II. which surpasses, passeth all knowledge, A. The incomparable love of Christ is so immense that it is beyond our capacity to fully understand it. B. There is always more to know. (Boles) III. that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. A. Matthew 5:48, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. B. John 14:23, Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. C. Colossians 1:19, For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; D. Colossians 2:9, For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Doxology Ephesians 3:20, 21, Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the

27 27 power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. I. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly, immeasurably, II. more than, above all we ask or think, imagine, III. according to the power that worketh in us, IV. unto him be the glory... A. in the church Philippians 1:11, Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God Thessalonians 1:12, That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. B. and in Christ Jesus... C. throughout all generations for ever and ever. 1. Psalm 72:17, His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. 2. Psalm 45:17, I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

28 28 D. Amen! 3. Revelation 5:13, And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 1. Boles defined Amen as firm, sure, valid, binding. 2. Amen is used for the purpose of adopting as one s own what has just been said. (Lipscomb and Shepherd)

29 29 Questions Ephesians 3: What is the mystery of redemption discussed in verses 1-13? 2. List the several things for which Paul prayed in verses In what ways was Paul a prisoner of Christ Jesus? 4. How was Paul a prisoner for the sake of Gentiles? 5. How and when was the mystery made known to Paul?

30 30 6. When and about what had Paul written a few words previously to the Ephesians? Where is that letter now? 7. The Ephesians perceived Paul s understanding in the mystery of Christ. How did they arrive at this perception and what did they come to understand? 8. Unto whom, when, and by what means was the mystery revealed? 9. Gentiles are - together with, - of the, - of the in through the. In all respects and are!... share all in one

31 31. were never to in. 10. Paul was made a, a of the, by the of the of which was given to him by the of God. 11. Was Paul literally, really, less than the least of all the saints? If not, what did he mean by this statement in verse 18? 12. The was give to Paul to unto the the of. 13. No can become so as to put himself beyond the of! 14. The is to be to all - in every to inform everyone of s of and to urge all to in keeping with it to the of their. 15. When was God s plan of redemption formulated and implemented?

32 By what is the manifold wisdom of God to be made known to the world? How well or poorly is this being done? If not too well, to what can this less than optimal performance be attributed? 17. Christians have to God in and through our in. are and have, through, the, ready to. 18. How were Paul s sufferings for the Ephesians glory and, at the same time, that by which the Ephesians could be discouraged and caused to faint? 19. In what postures did people in the Bible pray? How important are our postures when we pray? In Lord s Day morning worship where you assemble, how often do the saints bow their knees, kneel before the Father?

33 Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through his Spirit in their inner beings. How are we to be strengthened in the inner man? 21. How do faith and love relate to Christ s dwelling in the hearts of Christians? 22. How broad, long, high, and deep is the love of Christ? 23. How can Christians today be filled with all the fullness of God? How can it be determined if a person is filled or only halffilled with the fullness of God? What does being filled with the fullness of God mean?

34 Now unto him that is able to do above all we or, according to the that worketh in us, unto him be the in the and in unto all for ever and What in this chapter means the most to you? What difference will this principle make in your life?