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Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, pastor Harry Behrens, and in today's episode we're going to be looking at Ephesians 3, verses 1-13, the mystery of the gospel revealed. In our last episode, we discussed the method of God's plan that we have been saved from sin and brought into life, found in Jesus, manifested in our relationships within the church body. We are to embrace this method as God's plan and way of glorifying himself, no longer to chase after the things of this world. Instead, we should put on the new man in Christ Jesus and recognize that we are now the holy temple of God in which his spirit dwells. Ephesians 4, 21-24, assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him.

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In chapter 3, paul delves into the concept of a profound mystery, the idea that God chooses to dwell within us. This notion may seem unfamiliar to us as humans, as we are accustomed to perceiving God as distant and separate from our daily lives. However, if God resides within you, it means that you are held to a much higher standard of conduct. As we will come to understand, this revelation is not an unattainable or lofty concept akin to the stringent laws of the Old Testament. On the contrary, it liberates us from sin and provides us with the strength to lead a life that is deeply satisfied in God and dedicated to glorifying Him. Verses 1-13 unveils the mystery that the church is now entrusted with the task of making known the diverse and profound wisdom of God to the world. It prompts us to ponder whether we are effectively fulfilling this responsibility in our own lives, as Paul did, as he emphasized the importance of believers understanding that they are now part of God's revelation to the world. Just as Israel was chosen to reveal God's greatness, the church has now become that light. In this chapter, paul emphasizes that the church is the revealed mystery spoken of from the beginning. As we will see, we are now responsible for giving directions to this lost world, just as Paul did for us, that we would enter into the promises God has prepared Ephesians 3, 1.

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For this reason, I Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, on behalf of you, gentiles, we are reminded that Paul was speaking from a place where he was literally in chains. When he wrote this letter, however, paul did not consider himself a prisoner of man, but of Christ. He saw that his chains were precisely where Jesus wanted him to be, and he understood that the problem with most Christians is that they seek to be freed. So they live a life full of grumbling and complaints about their situation because it doesn't seem to suit them. Have you ever stopped to consider if your situation suits Jesus? Maybe you are right where he wants you to be surrounded by people you don't like at work or in your family. He has given you a captive audience, just like he did Paul, except that Paul recognized that and used it for the furtherance of the gospel.

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While we tend to squander away the gift that God gave us, he put us where we are to effectively share the good news with those we are chained to. Philippians 1, 12-13. I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my. Now are we seeking freedom from our chains or embracing them as opportunities to serve a greater purpose in God's plan? It might be a good time to reconsider our current circumstances and align ourselves with God's will. As we discussed in our last episode, we often fail to appreciate the gifts that God has given us, one of which is the opportunity to point others towards Jesus in our current situation, this means sharing the gospel with our family, friends, co-workers and anyone else we encounter. Ephesians 3.2,.

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Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship, paul was given the important task of sharing the message that both Jews and Gentiles are brought together in Jesus and that the church now embodies Christ in the world. Instead of establishing a formal religious structure, god selected specific people to fulfill this mission. Each of us has been given a responsibility by God to oversee, whether it involves our family, employees, caring for the homeless or teaching the Word of God. Everything we possess is a gift from God and it is our responsibility to manage it well and guide others to that same truth. Ephesians 3, 3-5. To that same truth. Ephesians 3, 3-5.

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How the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations and has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, paul gained insight into the mystery that God had concealed in the scriptures. This revelation emphasized the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that the gospel would be shared with all nations. Paul saw the church as the vehicle through which God was achieving this, and his ministry focused on illuminating this truth by using the scriptures to support his argument. That was a mystery to the Jews that the apostles were now making known through the revelation of Jesus Christ, that the Gentiles were now grafted into the same promises of salvation that were made to Israel back in Genesis Genesis 22, 18. And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice. The promise was given by God, but at that time the method by which it would be fulfilled was unknown. It was a mystery how God would bring it to pass. However, we now understand that through Jesus, this promise has been revealed. Galatians 3.28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, and if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring heirs, according to the promise.

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The Jewish people found it challenging to come to terms with the idea that the promises made to them would also extend to all other nations. They had always viewed themselves as the chosen people of God, while seeing everyone else as inferior. The concept that non-Jewish people could also be saved was completely unfamiliar to them, and the notion that they would be instrumental in spreading the message of salvation through Israel's Messiah was beyond their comprehension. As a result of their refusal, the responsibility was transferred to the church, and this transition was facilitated by the apostles. Matthew 13, 11,.

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Jesus told his disciples that the mystery of the kingdom has been given to them In 1 Corinthians 2, 7,. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. The mystery of Christ has been revealed, bringing salvation to the entire world. Jesus is the key to understanding all scripture, and without him we are limited to a religious system that binds people to their sins. It is through the church that Jesus is continually being revealed, fulfilling the promise initially given to Israel Isaiah 49.6,. He says it is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel. I will make you as a light for the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. The promise of Israel being a guiding light for all nations to find salvation was fulfilled through Jesus, who came from the nation of Israel. Through him, we are all included in the promise given to Abraham, and by our faith we are unified in Christ, as stated in Galatians 3.28.

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Initially, the gospel was entrusted to Israel as their inheritance, but, due to their rejection, it was passed on to those of us who have been adopted into the family of God. We are now called to be the light that Israel was intended to be until the time when the fullness of the Gentiles comes. In Acts 13, 46. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying it was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. This is Israel, since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life. Behold, we are turning to the Gentiles, for so the Lord has commanded us, saying I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

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The Jews faced a significant challenge in understanding this concept, as their strong adherence to traditions and the law made it difficult for them to see beyond these cultural norms. Today, many people also struggle with this issue, as our society is deeply rooted in traditions that often distract us from spiritual connection. For example, while we may intend to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and commemorate his death at Easter. We often find ourselves prioritizing materialism through the exchange of gifts Instead of truly embracing the teachings of God. We tend to use them to serve our own desires. Traditions have a tendency to intertwine worldly values with spiritual truths, leading to a distortion of our perception of what is truly authentic.

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Jesus came to unravel this confusion and reveal the genuine truth. To truly embrace these revelations, we must be willing to let go of our traditions and fully embrace the truth, lest we fall into the same trap as Israel and forfeit the inheritance that has been bestowed upon us through our adoption into God's family. Ephesians 3.6. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. As fellow believers, we share in the inheritance with our believing Jewish brothers and sisters. As we have just observed, we are now all united as part of the same spiritual body, created by the same God and redeemed by the same Messiah. Romans 10, 11-13.

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For the scripture says Ephesians 3.7 which was given me by the working of his power, paul's ordination as a minister was not a result of human intervention, but rather an act of divine ordination by God. According to the scriptures, no individual can appoint themselves as a minister, nor can any educational institution or academic degree confer that status. The qualification for ministry is based on the gifting of the Holy Spirit and the evidence of results, rather than on formal education or degrees. In today's world, there is a prevalent belief that pastors require formal education from a school to be qualified to teach the Word, but this perspective is not explicitly supported in the Scriptures. Do we call the qualified or qualify the call? 2 Corinthians, 3, 4-6. Such is the confidence that we have, through Christ, toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

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Do you know what qualifies a pastor, evangelist, elder, deacon or missionary to be what they are? It's the gifting of the Holy Spirit that is manifested through their works. A few examples would be one God sends them so they go, regardless of what people think or say. Two the spiritually blind will see and hear the truth. Three they turn people from darkness to the light. Four people will be saved. Five they bring people into the fold. Six, they will work harder in ministry than anyone else. 1 Corinthians 15. 10. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

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7. They work to present the church holy and blameless to God. Colossians 121-22. And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. 8. They make the word of God fully known. Colossians 1.25. Of which I became a minister, according to the stewardship from God that was given to me, for you to present the church as mature through proclaiming, warning, teaching and all wisdom. Colossians 1.28. Everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

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Consider whether your pastor and leaders truly embody these qualities or if they fall short. Your life serves as evidence of their calling. If it is genuine and, just like them, you have been gifted for a specific purpose. The evidence of that gifting will be seen in your actions if you have truly been filled with the Spirit of God. Ultimately, whether you are a pastor, evangelist or a believer without a title, we all share the common desire to proclaim the gospel, and the evidence of that desire is reflected in our actions. Ephesians 3, 8-9.

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Paul emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that he considers himself the least of all the saints. According to him, recognizing our unworthiness is crucial if we want to be used by God. Paul's mission was to preach about the immeasurable wealth of God to the church, with the hope that the church would then reveal Jesus to the world. He highlights the necessity of being humble and submissive to God's will for this to occur. Only when we are humble and willing to submit to God's plan will he send us and utilize us, as he did with Paul. Paul also emphasizes that God has equipped us with everything we need to be effective ministers of the gospel, and all these resources are found in our relationship with him.

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2 Peter 1-3,. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him, who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted, he says, and glory with the world. When we embrace this, our lives will reflect the exaltation of Jesus, just like Paul's did. We will find ourselves ready to make sacrifices and enduring hardships in order to share the gospel with everyone, as this is our role in God's plan Ephesians 3.10, so that, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in heavenly places. God's plan and desires for his wisdom to be manifested through the church to the rulers of this world and even angelic beings. Now, these beings are demonic beings, and our position in the church is to submit to the Spirit of God and allow him, through his wisdom and power, to overcome the evil authorities that manipulate this world.

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1 Corinthians 6.3. Do you not know that you are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life? We must always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against evil spirits that have enslaved people to their sins. The wisdom bestowed upon us by God shines a light on the enemy's plans and allows the lost to find their way to salvation. We are free in Christ, and it is our job to show the lost that the freedom is offered through Christ Jesus If we continue to live as the world does, what do we have to offer? We must live in this freedom he has given to us, showing that we are indeed separated from this world and that Jesus has conquered the sin that once bound us.

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Ephesians 3.11. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The ultimate purpose of our existence is to honor and bring joy to God. We honor Him by surrendering to his spirit within us, allowing him to work through us for the noble purpose for which he has created us. As we have learned in Ephesians 2, we are like a beautiful poem that God is crafting to reveal his great love towards us. When we stop resisting God and wholeheartedly submit to him, he is most glorified in us. The amazing part is that we will experience our deepest fulfillment in Him when we do so. When we chase after worldly things, we are essentially rejecting the greatest satisfaction available to us. It's like a child who is so focused on themselves that they need to be told to settle down and listen, missing out on the good things their parent wants to give to them. Only by obeying can they receive. Similarly, we must have faith to receive the gifts that God has in store for us by humbling ourselves at the foot of the cross. It is only there that he will relieve us of our burdens and grant us true life Ephesians 3.12.

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In whom we have boldness and access with confidence. Through our faith in him, we can have unwavering confidence in Jesus and enjoy unrestricted access to the Father. When we seek to bring glory to Jesus, we can be certain that he will answer our prayers. He equips us with everything necessary to conquer the darkness in this world. Jesus promised that we could ask for anything in his name and that he would do it. Our assurance stems from the knowledge that he is our high priest, interceding for us before the father. Therefore, we could be absolutely certain that our prayers are heard and approach the father with boldness Hebrews 4, 15 to 16. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is, in every aspect, has been tempted as we are yet without sin. Let us, then, with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Paul understood that his challenges were meant to bring glory to God and to benefit others, that his challenges were meant to bring glory to God and to benefit others.

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It's essential to recognize that living a Christian life doesn't involve winning through violence against our enemies, as the world does. Instead, our victory comes when we choose to sacrifice ourselves for our enemies, just as Jesus did on the cross. He laid down his life for us while we were still sinners Romans 5.8. This sacrificial model was followed by the apostles and countless missionaries throughout history. Surprisingly, the church has often flourished in times of persecution more than in times of peace. When we lay down our lives, god proves faithful to bring about victory, and we can put our trust in that more than anything we can offer. Romans 8.18-25.

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For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us, for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God, for we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies, for in this hope we were saved. Now, hope that is seen is not hope for who hopes for what he sees, but if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. The world is home to countless believers who face persecution and even death for their unwavering faith in Jesus. Despite the immense challenges they endure, they cling to their joy and contentment in him as sources of strength. For them, jesus is invaluable, as they have tasted the life-giving water he offers.

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It's disheartening that many of us who live in freedom often fail to appreciate the very things these persecuted believers hold dear. The root of this discrepancy lies in the tendency for free individuals to prioritize their own desires and worldly passions, as discussed in chapter 2. Embracing Christ is often more challenging for those who live in freedom compared to those who acknowledge their bondage. This was evident in the Pharisees during Jesus' time. They believed they had everything figured out, yet they lacked the promise of eternal life and the accompanying joy as free individuals in our society. Following Jesus necessitates relinquishing our worldly attachments, akin to the rich young ruler, and wholeheartedly committing to him. Fortunately, nothing is beyond God's reach. Reach and he can extend salvation to anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

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In chapter 2, paul pointed out that we were all once slaves to sin. The idea of being a free person is merely an illusion created by Satan to keep us in bondage. If you are still living for your own desires, then you have completely bought into this deception. Jesus is calling you to let go of everything and follow him. This requires you to be willing to sacrifice everything and lay down your own life. Just as Paul mentioned, he considered everything he lost as insignificant compared to what he had gained. Once you realize that Jesus has promised you a far better life than the one you currently have, you will willingly give up everything for the rewards he has for you. The Christian life is not about loss. It's about receiving great rewards. The real question is where are you on this journey? Are you still holding on to the things of this world, or have you started the journey of abandoning everything for the incredible rewards that Jesus has promised, which will last for eternity Matthew 19, 16 to 26.

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And behold, a man came to him saying teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? And he said to him why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments. He said to him. Which ones? And Jesus said you shall not murder, you should not commit adultery, you should not steal, you should not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. The young man said to him all these I have kept. The young man said to him All these I have kept. What do I still lack? Jesus said to him, if you would be perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and come and follow me.

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When the young man heard this, he went away, sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying who then can be saved? But Jesus looked at them and said with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Let's pray, father, thank you for your love and mercy you have so graciously shown us. It's our desire to enter into the full joy of the Lord and I ask, father, that you would help us to overcome this world and the temptations that we face every day, that you would instill into our hearts the hope of the promises and rewards you have for us, that we would be able to lay down our lives for your glory, that some may be saved. Help us to realize that if we seek our lives, we will lose them, but when we lose them we will truly find life, a life that can only be found in Jesus. Father, we love you and we thank you In Jesus' name, amen. Now I want to thank you for joining us today. I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and you have a better understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know him.

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In our upcoming episode, we're going to delve into Paul's heartfelt prayer for the church, seeking to understand what it truly means to have the fullness of God dwelling within us. He patiently longed for believers to grasp this concept and lead lives that glorify God, so they could experience the same joy he did. The world may struggle to comprehend this joy, as it often pursues fleeting pleasures, but believers are called to find their joy in the. We often seek the benefits of joy before fully committing to serving, but that's not faith. Faith is about believing first and putting our knowledge into action, trusting that we will receive the promised reward.

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Paul exemplified this faith through action and reaped the reward of joy. His greatest desire was for all who put their trust in Jesus to share in the same joy. His prayer extends to all Christians throughout all time, wishing that we all may come to the fullness of the Lord's joy. It's also my fervent wish, and the very reason for this podcast's existence is so that you too may experience this joy. Now, before we go, I want to encourage you to visit us at thetakeawayfaith and on our website you can sign up to receive email notifications or send us a text message from the link provided in the description of this episode. We hope that you would use this podcast as a resource to help others and that you would send us a message, a word of encouragement or any questions or comments, as we would love to hear from you. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the Takeaway.