Prisoners and Preachers (1)

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May 31, 2009 - Ephesians 3:1-13

Open It

  1. If you found buried treasure in your backyard, what would be your first course of action?

  2. Do you like to figure things out for yourself or get help as soon as possible?

  3. How good are you at explaining things to others?

Explore It

  1. Why did Paul go to prison? (3:1)

  2. How familiar was Paul with the company of believers at Ephesus? (3:2)

  3. What would the Ephesians have heard about Paul? (3:2-3)

  4. To what mystery did Paul refer? (3:2-3)

  5. How did Paul receive insight into the mystery of Christ? (3:4-5)

  6. Who revealed the mystery of Christ to Paul? (3:5)

  7. When was the mystery of Christ disclosed? (3:5)

  8. How did Paul reveal the mystery of Christ? (3:6)

  9. How was Paul enabled to be a servant? (3:7)

  10. What was Paul's attitude to his call? (3:8)

  11. What was Paul called to disclose? (3:9)

  12. Through what medium was God's wisdom communicated? (3:10)

  13. How did God accomplish His plan? (3:11)

  14. In light of God's work, how may believers approach Him? (3:11-12)

  15. Why were Paul's sufferings the glory of the Ephesians? (3:13)

Get It

  1. How do you think Gentile believers responded to Paul's explanation of "the mystery of Christ"?

  2. How should we all be involved in evangelism?

  3. How can you serve others who need salvation?

  4. What helps you to serve the Lord when it is inconvenient, awkward, or painful for you?

  5. What gives you confidence and freedom in approaching God?

  6. How is sharing the gospel with someone like discovering priceless treasure?

Apply It

  1. In the days ahead, what can you do to help outsiders feel welcome in your church?

  2. What can you do this week to help others understand the mystery of Christ's provision for sin?

  3. What can you do this week to develop a patient spirit so that you will not become discouraged by suffering?

Notes

3:1 Paul was under house arrest in Rome for preaching about Christ. The religious leaders in Jerusalem, who felt threatened by Christ's teachings and didn't believe he was the Messiah, pressured the Romans to arrest Paul and bring him to trial for treason and for causing rebellion among the Jews. Paul had appealed for his case to be heard by the emperor, and he was awaiting trial (see Acts 28:16-31). Even though he was under arrest, Paul maintained his firm belief that God was in control of all that happened to him. Do circumstances make you wonder if God has lost control of this world? Like Paul, remember that no matter what happens, God directs the world's affairs.

3:2, 3 Paul's "special responsibility" refers to the special stewardship, trust, or commitment that Paul had been given. He had been assigned the special work of preaching the Good News to the Gentiles, God's great plan shown to Paul in a revelation.

3:5, 6 God's plan was not revealed to previous generations, not because God wanted to keep something from his people, but because he would reveal it to everyone in his perfect timing. God planned to have Jews and Gentiles comprise one body, the church. It was known in the Old Testament that the Gentiles would receive salvation (Isaiah 49:6); but it was never revealed in the Old Testament that all Gentile and Jewish believers would become equal in the body of Christ. Yet this equality was accomplished when Jesus destroyed the "wall of hostility" and created "one new people" (2:14, 15).

3:7 When Paul became a servant of the gospel, God gave him the ability to share the gospel of Christ effectively. You are not an apostle, and you may not be an evangelist, but God will give you opportunities to tell others about Christ. And with the opportunities he will provide the ability, courage, and power. Make yourself available to God as his servant whenever an opportunity presents itself. As you focus on the other person and his or her needs, God will communicate your caring attitude. Your words will be natural, loving, and compelling.

3:8 When Paul describes himself as "the least deserving of all God's people," he means that without God's help, he would never be able to do God's work. Yet God chose him to share the Good News with the Gentiles and gave him the power to do it. If we feel that our role is minor, we may be right--except that we have forgotten what a difference God makes. How does God want to use you? Draw on his power, do your part, and faithfully perform the special role God has called you to play in his plan.

3:10 The "rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" are either angels who are witnesses to these events (see 1 Peter 1:12), or hostile spiritual forces opposed to God (2:2; 6:12).

3:12 It is an awesome privilege to be able to approach God with freedom and confidence. Most of us would be apprehensive in the presence of a powerful ruler. But thanks to Christ, by faith we can enter directly into God's presence through prayer. We know we'll be welcomed with open arms because we are God's children through our union with Christ. Don't be afraid of God. Talk with him about everything. He is waiting to hear from you.

3:13 Why should Paul's suffering make the Ephesians feel honored? If Paul had not preached the Good News, he would not be in jail--but then the Ephesians would not have heard the Good News and been converted either. Just as a mother endures the pain of childbirth in order to bring new life into the world, Paul endured the pain of persecution in order to bring new believers to Christ. Obeying Christ is never easy. He calls you to take your cross and follow him (Matthew 16:24)--that is, to be willing to endure pain so that God's message of salvation can reach the entire world. We should feel honored that others have suffered and sacrificed for us so that we might reap the benefit.

1. Life Application Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1988), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 2003-2004.

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