SECRET PLANS UNVEILED
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God that You care about every detail of my life.
Read Ephesians 3:1–13
God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This 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.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His 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, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How is God involving you in His plans?A vivid childhood memory is ‘helping’ my father with simple carpentry – I’m sure I got in the way! Involvement in God’s kingdom seems like that. He chooses to use flawed, frail, sinful people!
Paul’s concern to place his ministry in kingdom perspective frames this passage. Previously, he has given a thrilling panorama of Christ’s cosmic plans. Now we begin to see why. He writes from jail. For some, that will shake confidence in his ministry (13). But he is adamant. He is not a prisoner of Rome, but of Christ (1)! His imprisonment is part of those big-picture, kingdom plans.
Verses 2–6. The word ‘mystery’ comes three times (also in 9) – it’s clearly important. Originally, it meant something hidden that is then revealed (3, 4). The first clue to what that is comes in verse 2: the ‘administration of God’s grace.’ Presumably, that means how this grace gets shared. But the crunch comes in verse 6. What’s the surprise here?
Verses 7–12. Why does Paul say he is ‘less than the least’ of the believers? How has God shown His grace to him? Then comes God’s greatest surprise: His weapon for defeating evil is the church (10)! Not only is it included in His plan – the church that Christ died for is the plan.
Apply
How does this passage reassure us when we lose heart about God being at work? Have you lost heart in your unwavering trust of Jesus? Come to Him today and tell Him all about it.
Closing prayer
Thank You, Jesus, that I am part of Your body, the church. Help me to stand firm with my fellow believers as I follow You.
Book and Author Intros
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