Bible Study 30th May 2008

Paul’s Job Description.
Ephesians 3 vs. 1 to 13

The Apostle to the Gentiles will be-

 

Paul a Captive-v. 1

¹For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles -
Ephesians 3: 1 (NIV)

Why did Paul consider himself a prisoner?

• He was almost certainly under house arrest in Rome

Why a prisoner of Christ?

• His imprisonment was a direct result of serving Christ and following his will
  see also Ephesians 4:1 & 6:20

Why specifically for the sake of the Gentiles?

• See Acts 21:26-33 there was uproar because of what they thought
  had happened.
  They thought the barrier of the law had been broken. Eph. 2:14
• See Acts 28:16-20 & 30 Paul was under house arrest for three years
  in Rome and almost certainly wrote this letter to the Gentiles
  from Rome.

 

Paul a Teacher-vs. 2-6

²Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace
that was given to me for you, ³that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation,
as I have already written briefly. ⁴In reading this, then,
you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
⁵which was not made known to men in other generations
 as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
⁶This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel,
members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3: 2-6 (NIV)

How did Paul find out about the “Mystery of Christ” ?

• It was revealed to him by God. v. 3
• He was taught by God

Had this mystery been previously known?

• Only in a veiled way in the Old Testament
  but in due time God made it clear. v. 5 & 9
  (Just as the Book of Revelation will become clear
  when the time is right)

What was Paul’s specific area of ministry?  Vs. 2, 6 & 8

• It was to the Gentiles to whom he was writing

Did the other Apostles appoint Paul to this ministry?

• No they only recognised what God had already done. v. 2 & 7
  See acts 13: 2-3

Paul an Evangelist-vs. 7-11

⁷I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace
given me through the working of his power.
⁸Although I am less than the least of all God’s people,
this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
⁹and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,
which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
¹⁰His intent was that now, through the church,
the manifold wisdom of God should be made known
to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
¹¹according to his eternal purpose
which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3: 7-11 (NIV)

What two missions was Paul commissioned to carry out?

• To evangelise the Gentiles. v. 8
• To teach everyone the truth about Jesus and salvation. v. 9

In what way, other than teaching, does God’s plan of salvation
                involve the church? v. 10-11

• It is to be a witness to the world and specifically to the angels including Satan and fallen angels of God’s grace, love and wisdom.

 

Paul an Encourager-vs. 12-13

¹²In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
¹³I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,
which are your glory.
Ephesians 3:  12-13(NIV)

In what way did Paul worry that his imprisonment might harm the Gentile believers at Ephesus?

• He felt that they might become discouraged and fearful

How did Paul encourage the believers in these two verses?

• He reminded them that they were free to boldly
  and confidently approach God no matter what the circumstances.

How does Paul express his joy in these verses?

• His suffering will ultimately be used to bring the glory of Jesus
  in the church vs. 13 & 21

Respond

How can we approach God with confidence?

• See Hebrews 4: 14-16 & 10: 19-25

How can we develop more freedom & confidence in our prayer life?

• Take the bull by the horns and do it?

Paul took prayer very seriously.
             He started to pray in verse 1 but got sidetracked
                         but in verse 14 he gets back to the matter in hand.
We will look at this prayer next week.