It's a Mystery - Examining Ephesians – September 10 Readings: Ephesians 3:1-7

Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 3:1-7

For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 31-33, 1 Corinthians 12, Psalm 105:23–29, Proverbs 22:17–19

 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  It's a Mystery    

I am always suspicious when people tell me that they have an insight into Scripture that no one has ever seen before. As a professor told us in seminary, "What are the chances that after godly people have been studying the Bible for 2000 years since Christ, you will see something no one else has ever seen?" It is possible, I suppose, but not likely.

Paul, on the other hand, did receive new revelation, direct revelation from God. In fact, he received what he called a "mystery." This term was twisted and misused by many, but Paul had a specific meaning in mind when he used it. Mysteries, to Paul, were truths that were not taught in Old Testament days but were made known by direct revelation from God to the Apostles, after Pentecost. They are New Testament truth. When he uses the term, he is generally referring to truth that focuses on the work of Christ in the church and often to the universal nature of church, including Gentile believers.

It would be a heady thing to receive such groundbreaking revelations, wouldn't it? In our world, even those who claim such revelations on shaky grounds often set themselves up as above dispute and exudes arrogance. Paul, in this passage, describes himself in two key ways. First, he calls himself a prisoner on behalf of the church. This was not just hyperbole - Paul was actually a prisoner in Rome when he wrote this. He did not see himself as privileged or special because he had these revelations, though. He was a prisoner in his service to Christ, willing to suffer to make Christ's name known. He also calls himself a servant, a slave. This was a lowly position, a humble one. The servant existed to make others successful, not for his own enjoyment. Paul saw himself as a servant of the church, not as some kind of royalty to be served by the church.

What was the gist of the message he'd received? That because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gentiles are joint-heirs with the Jews in blessings of Christ. This would have angered many of the Jews, especially those we sometimes call Judaizers, those of the circumcision party. They thought themselves superior by birth and blessing. Paul said no, all those who have been born again into the grace of God are partners in Christ. He was not backing down on his message of equality in Christ.

We must not back down either.

Father, help me to see people as you see them, not on the basis of human factors, but on the basis of Christ's work in us. 

Think and Pray:

Do you seek preeminence and glory in the church?
Are you a servant, willing to endure hardship for the sake of Christ?