THE MYSTERIES OF GOD: REVEALING THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF ETERNITY
How to Strengthen Christians & Establish the Church (I Cor. 2:7-14; 4:1-2; Rom. 16:25-26)
What are the mysteries of God? The Greek word translated mystery has the idea of a hidden or secret purpose or counsel of God. The word is used 6 times in Ephesians and 21 times elsewhere in the N. T. Dictionary definition. 1. A profound secret; something wholly unknown therefore exciting curiosity or wonder. 3. Something beyond human comprehension until explained. Something awfully sublime or important that excites wonder. “Great is the mystery of godliness” (1 Tim 3:16KJV). (Webster's 1828: includes biblical definitions; free with e-sword.net).
The Scriptural definition of the “mysteries of God” is understood by comparing scripture with scripture. The N.T. "mysteries" are spiritual truth not revealed during the Old Testament, but now revealed by God to the whole world through the preaching of the Gospel. (Eph. 3:4-6; Col. 1:26; Rom. 16:25-26; Dan. 12:9-10). The mysteries of God give us a profound understanding of God, His Eternal Kingdom, The Church of our LORD Jesus Christ, and the spiritual warfare engulfing the Universe.
The Christian Minister has a responsibility to know and teach the Mysteries of God (I Cor. 2:7-14; 4:1-2). They are "foolishness to the natural man because they are spiritually discerned" (2:14). We must Pray for the Spirit of wisdom, & revelation in the knowledge of God (Eph. 1:17) if we are to grasp these Mysteries in a powerful life transforming way.
These Mysteries are very important. I Corinthians 4:1-2 makes it clear God calls us to be stewards of these mysteries! A steward is both a faithful servant & wise overseer of a household (read Luke 12:42-43 ff.; Gen. 39:4-6). A steward must be faithful (I Cor. 4:2). These mysteries are part of the "unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph. 3:8; 1:7). They are the Church’s glory (1Cor. 2:7) and a priceless treasure that can transform our lives & society for incredible good. Understanding the mysteries will establish us in the faith and bring about the obedience of faith among all nations (Rom 16:25-26). The following charts present an overview:
THE MYSTERIES OF GOD (Related to the Kingdom and Israel)
In Matthew 13:11 Jesus said: “it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them (without) it is not given. The Kingdom of heaven is an earthly literal, physical, visible kingdom guaranteed Israel by the Davidic Covenant (2Sam. 7:8-17) (also Matt. 11:25; 13:1-52; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:9-14). The 7 parables of Matthew 13 reveal what happens on Earth between the time Christ spoke them till He sets up His millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:1-6)
In Mark 4:11 and Luke 8:10 Jesus said: “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables" (also Lk. 8:4-21). The kingdom of God is a universal, spiritual invisible Kingdom (Lk. 17:20-21; Rom. 14:17). All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are part of this kingdom (Eph. 1:3). There are 4 parables of the kingdom of God in Mark 4:1-33. (The Kingdom of God & the Kingdom of Heaven overlap in many aspects but they are not completely synonymous). Eventually they do merge into one unified Kingdom (I Cor. 15:24-28; Dan. 7:27)
Romans 11:25 warns us: "Don’t be ignorant of this mystery… that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. This is the Mystery of God’s eternal plan for the Israel and the blessings & kingdom guaranteed to Her by the Abrahamic, Davidic, & New Covenant (Dan. 9:20-27; 10:14; Amos 3:7; Ps. 25:14). The church does not replace Israel in God’s plan. God will eventually fulfill His covenant promises to Israel. We will now give a brief overview of all the key Mysteries of God found in the New Testament. For more details and a full exposition see the full sermons on each Mystery that are uploaded in this series.
THE MYSTERIES OF GOD (Related to Trinitarian nature of the Godhead & incarnation)
The Apostle Paul mentions the Mysteries related to the Trinitarian nature of the Godhead in several Scriptures. In Ephesians 3:3-4 he says: “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. In Colossians 4:3 he asked for prayer that he would be able to proclaim this Mystery as he aught. In Colossians 2:2 the Scripture reveals that we must have “understanding, & acknowledge “the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.” As a Mystery of God we understand that this truth was not completely revealed in the Old Testament. Jesus is 100% God & 100% man so He alone can reconcile man & God (I Tim. 2:5; 2 Cor. 5:19). In I Timothy 3:16 (KJV) it is revealed: “. . .great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.” This is a great verse on the deity of Christ.
THE MYSTERIES OF GOD (Related to the Church)
In Ephesians 5:30-32 KJV it is revealed “we are members of his body, of his flesh, & of his bones. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Some aspects of this profound Mystery are expounded on in I Corinthians 12:12-13; 6:17. Ephesians 3:9 mentions the fellowship of the mystery which we know unites both Jew and gentile in the supernatural spiritual body of Christ (Acts 15:14-17).
Colossians 1:26-27 reveals the life changing Mystery of Christ "in" us! It mentions “the riches of the glory of this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Many other Scriptures expand on this mystery of Christ “in you” (2 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 3:17; John 14:23; Gal. 4:19; Phil. 2:13; Eph. 2:22).
In 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and I Thessalonians 4:13-18 we have some clear revelations of the Mystery of the Rapture of the church. The apostle Paul writes: “I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed... at the last trump.” (see also I Thess. 1:10; Rev. 3:10; John 14:1-3; Phil. 3:20-21)
THE MYSTERIES OF GOD (Related to evil)
The Mystery of iniquity reveals to us important insights into the spiritual warfare that rages around us and engulfs the entire world. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 we are warned: "the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. The mystery of iniquity culminates in the Antichrist (I John 2:18-22; 4:3; Dan. 11:36-45; 12:1-4; Eph. 6:10-18)
In Revelation 1:20 Jesus reveals "The mystery of the 7 stars & the 7 golden candlesticks." He reveals that "The 7 stars are the angels of the 7 churches: and the 7 candlesticks which thou sawest are the 7 churches." This would not be a Mystery if you interpret the angels as the human pastors of the churches. But understanding that Jesus is revealing the fact that angels have an important relationship with each church is a profound Mystery (see Heb. 1:13-14; 13:2; I Cor. 6:3). This Mystery would be very important in witnessing to Mormons who give an angel an especially important part in their beliefs (see Galatians 1:8-9).
In Revelation 17:5 we have the revelation of "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS & ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH." Mystery Babylon culmination of the apostate religious system (I Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-8; 4:3-4). Revelation 17 explains in great detail “the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her.”
THE CULMINATION & PURPOSE OF ALL THE MYSTERIES IS IN CHRIST:
The mysteries related to the kingdom & Israel find the culmination of their purpose in Christ. (I Cor. 15:24-25). Because “in {Christ} dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” when “all things are subdued unto Christ” then “God will be all in all” (Col. 2:9; I Cor. 15:28)
The mysteries related to the Trinitarian nature of the Godhead and the incarnation find their culmination and purpose in Christ. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). God had to become a man to save men (Heb. 2:14-18; John 1:1, 14)
The mysteries related to the Church find their culmination and purpose in Christ. (read Eph. 1:19-23). The mystery of the Trinity makes possible the mysteries related to the church (John 17:21, 23; see also John 14:10-11, 17, 20, 23; 15:5).
The mysteries related to evil find their culmination and purpose in Christ. For God the Father “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13; I Cor. 15:24-25). The mysteries of God empower us to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3) so we don’t fall victim to false doctrine & false cults that would result in a crippled Christian life or eternal damnation (I Tim. 4:16; Acts 20:28-32). A verse to keep the Mysteries in Eternal Perspective is I Corinthians 13:2!
SPIRITUAL DANGERS THE MYSTERIES PROTECT US FROM:
A solid grasp of the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God prevents us from thinking God could fail to keep His blood covenant promises to Israel or that Israel no longer has a place in the eternal plan of God.
A solid grasp of the mystery of Israel (Rom. 11:25) prevents us from ignoring our responsibility to evangelize the whole world. The church is God’s instrument to bring in the fullness of the gentiles (Rev. 5:9-10)! We know that God’s eternal plan revealed through Blood Covenant with Abraham & King David is eternally secure. It’s impossible for God to lie or break a Covenant Promise (Heb. 6:16-20). We know the church has not replaced Israel in God’s plan. We realize the grave danger of being anti-Semitic! (or prejudice against any race of people).
A solid grasp of the Mysteries of Christ, God, & the Father & godliness (Eph. 3:3-4; Col. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:16 KJV), prevents us from forming false concepts of the trinitarian nature God (the Godhead). Also prevents us forming false concepts of Christ: He is 100% God; 100% man!
A solid grasp of the mystery of the church as the body of Christ prevents us from thinking we are unlovable. (Eph. 5:28-9) How exciting life can be when we live it in anticipation that our bridegroom is surely coming back for us, and He could come for us at any moment!
A solid grasp of the mystery of Christ "in you" prevents you from believing you can be saved by your own good works. The power to live the Christian life comes from the supernatural power of Christ “in” me. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:11-13). This is why we pray & ask Jesus into our hearts! (Eph. 3:17). Each of us must make sure we pass the test given us in 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is i you, except ye be reprobates?"
A solid grasp of the mystery of the Rapture prevents us from living morally careless lives without hope (Titus 2:11-13; Matt. 24:45-51; I Cor. 15:32, 58; 2 Pet. 3:3-13). This is especially important during hard times! The Church is saved from “the wrath to come” (I Thess. 1:10; 5:9).
A solid grasp of the mystery of iniquity will prevent you from rejecting God or doubting His goodness because of the evil in the world. It will protect you from falling victim to churches and cults that that have fallen prey to “the god of this world” or the “spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2; I Tim. 4:1-3).
A solid grasp of the mystery of the 7 golden candlesticks which are the 7 churches (Rev. 2:1 – 3:22) teaches many important lessons about ourselves as the Church. We are protected from getting so busy with the work of the Lord that we forget the Lord of the work (Rev 2:2-5) We will never underestimate the importance of the local church or think we can be a good Christian without belonging to a local church.
A solid grasp of MYSTERY BABYLON keeps us from falling prey to religious systems & churches that have been corrupted by ancient Babylonian beliefs & understand how important it is to leave such false religious systems (Rev. 18:4-5).
So from this brief overview of the Mysteries of God we learn how important they are to strengthen Christians in their faith and establish the Church throughout the World. So let's dedicate ourselves to be faithful stewards of these world changing Mysteries of God! For more in depth study of each Mystery see the sermon outlines on each individual Mystery uploaded in this series.
