Distribution Of God's Wealth Series

Series: Accounting [#9]

DISTRIBUTION OF GOD’S WEALTH

Ephesians 3:1-13

Introduction:

Ephesians 3 begins a new division in Ephesians. Paul starts the chapter with the phrase, “For this reason” or for this purpose. Paul is showing God’s eternal purpose for believers in every generation. Through Christ, God has created a New Body. In Christ, all God’s children are joint heirs. Each child of God will receive the same inheritance as Jesus.

Ephesians 3:1-6 (NIV)

1 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.

God has made His children stewards of His…

1. Grace.

A steward is someone who manages other’s finances. We know that it is through the mercy and grace of God that we can be saved; but our text also shows that God’s children are to show that grace to others.

Paul was a prisoner because he was falsely accused of taking a Gentile Christian into the Temple Courts. It was a lie used to get Paul punished. He wrote this letter to the Church of Ephesus from that prison. Paul also knew that he was created to be a steward of the grace of God.

The mystery that was made known to Paul is the same mystery that is made known to us- All people can be saved through Jesus. Each Christian here today is also stewards of the grace of God. All Christians are a part of the Body of Christ; and we are called to share the mercy and grace of God with all the people we encounter.

Ephesians 3:7-13 (NIV)

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.

God has made His children stewards of His…

2. Power.

It is only through the power of God that we can be saved. God’s children can experience His power in many ways.

We see the power of God through…

? His Word.

We are to share the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all called to tell others about the power of God and how He has changed our lives. It’s your testimony.

We see the power of God through…

? Those in the heavenly realms.

This is such an interesting part of the text. Not even the angels knew about this mystery. God is in control of all things and all people.

We see the power of God through…

? Prayer.

The simple fact that you can approach God with freedom and confidence shows the power of God. You can talk to God anytime you choose. The great part of prayer is that you can talk to God and He listens; and even better is the fact that He will speak back to you.

Conclusion:

God has called each of His children to be good stewards of His grace and power.