Marvelous Mystery Series

Today as we continue our study on Paul’s letter to the Ephesian’s, we will see how God used thousands of years of history to prepare the world for the arrival of His son as we explore the subject of the Marvelous Mystery.

Eph 3:1-13

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 men 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 God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable 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 which 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.

Prayer

I mentioned a few moments ago that sometimes the things of God are hidden from us until we can handle them. This was also true in biblical history. This administration of God’s grace that we call the Gospel, or good news, has always been hinting at, even in the Old Testament.

I. Hidden in the Old Testament

Bible scholars say that the Old Testament is Jesus concealed, while the New Testament is Jesus revealed.

But why did God conceal his plan from the patriarchs, or the leaders of the Old Testament. Even the prophets didn’t have the whole picture, but only the snippet God gave them.

First thing we have to realize is that God has been superintending a restoration project since the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden.

People often ask- “What does God want?”

I say, to go back to Genesis chapter 2- walking in the garden with you and me- completely innocent of sin, and existing in perfect love with you and I.

I didn’t really realize this, even when I was in bible school studying for the ministry. Actually, I found the more I studied the bible, the more questions I had.

That was kind of distressing for me, because I thought I’d get to have all the mysteries I’ve always wondered about answered as I went through school.

As I was studying the subject of soteriology- which is the study of the order of salvation, a ton of questions popped into my mind as I mentally dissected all of the teaching on that subject from both sides.