Lesson 36 July 13, 2003
Chapter Three
Here He begins what is to be a prayer; vs:1
In vs:2-13 we have His digression.
With vs:14 and the second "for this reason" he actually starts his prayer.
Thought Flow:
3:1 He begins by reminding the Ephesian believers of his status, he's a prisoner for their sake, with the focus on its purpose.
3:2-13 In his digression he explains some of the unique characteristics of this new relationship. Does so as he explains the mystery and His ministry.
3:14-21 He resumes and completes the prayer which has tremendous implications for our lives as believers.
3:1 The purpose of his imprisonment!
"the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--"
- To the Ephesians' he says, my suffering is for your sake [
* To truly be free is to live our life in the will of God; to be consistently out of the will of God is to put yourself in slavery.
3:2 Paul's responsibility
- "If indeed" does not introduce doubt, it doesn't imply that they had not heard. [1cc]
- "you have heard of the stewardship" What is the stewardship??
The word is
The leading feature or characteristic of this administration is that its of God's grace.
One of Paul's objectives with the Ephesians, is to orient them to this grace plan of God's.
3:3-6 The revelation of the Mystery.
a. 3:3-4 Its source;
b. 3:5 It's uniqueness;
c. 3:6 It's nature.
a. 3:3-4 Its source;
What's a mystery??
As used here and throughout Eph. and Col. it takes on a special meaning; 3 aspects
1. It refers to something previously concealed but now revealed.
2. It was concealed in the past but is revealed in the present.
3. It speaks of a part, an aspect of God's will, His purpose, His plan, that was concealed from man in the past but is now revealed through Paul.
4. Very important: It is something undiscoverable by human reason; it was only known by divine revelation.
- Vs:4 deals with the purpose related to his writing it!
- Notice carefully what it says; "when you read you can, [you are able, have the ability -