Revealing The Mystery

Revealing the Mystery

Ephesians 3: 1-7

Our text follows up on that which Paul had spoken of in the previous chapter. There he had discussed the marvelous transformation of those who were dead in trespasses and sin, being made alive in Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, not of our works, leaving us nothing to boast in except the grace of God. The saved are then placed within the body of Christ, as it has pleased the Lord, as a habitation for God through the Holy Spirit.

It is evident that Paul, having experienced salvation by grace through faith, is moved by such grace and is compelled to share this grace at every opportunity. The gospel transformed his life and had become the basis and focal point of his ministry. He is committed to sharing this great mystery with those who have yet to hear and respond to the gospel.

As believers, we share this same opportunity and obligation. There can be no doubt that the transformation received by grace through faith in Christ is the single-most important event in our lives. Like Paul, we ought to be moved by our salvation experience and committed to sharing the Good News with those who have yet to respond to the gospel. As we examine the assurances within the text, I want to consider the thought: Revealing the Mystery.

I. A Testimony of Grace (1-2) – Here Paul shares a testimony of his commitment to the gospel, being motivated to proclaim the Good News. Notice:

A. Paul’s Contentment (1) – For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…He offers a reminder that he is imprisoned for the faith, and yet there is no hint of despair or regret in his voice. It seems apparent that Paul is reminded of his call to serve as an apostle to the Gentiles, being called to proclaim the gospel to them. One who once enjoyed great status among the Jewish elite is now writing to Gentiles within the church in Ephesus and he is content with life as it is. 2 Tim.2:10 – Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

We live in a world that is becoming less tolerant of our faith and yet, like Paul, we need to remain content in Christ. He has called the church to proclaim the Good News to those who have yet to respond. While situations in life may be less than desirable, the Lord offers contentment that is not available in the world. Regardless of the struggles we endure in life for the faith, we can rest in the grace and provision of Christ.

B. Paul’s Engagement (1b) – For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…Paul reminds the church at Ephesus of his commitment to them. Clearly, life would have been much simpler and more prosperous had he continued the path he was on prior to meeting the Lord on the Damascus Road. However, his life had been transformed at that moment. The old man of sin had died and he had been resurrected a new creature in Christ. His life was no longer his to live as he pleased; Paul had been saved with purpose and he was committed to fulfilling the call he had received. There were no other options; he was committed to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

While this may appear a subtle detail within the text, it offers a great challenge to us. Paul had been imprisoned for his commitment to the gospel, and yet he refused to abandon the call regardless of personal cost. The Lord will likely ask us to move beyond our comfort zone as we serve Him, and like Paul, we must be willing to embrace the task and serve the Lord faithfully regardless of the difficulties and perceived personal cost.

C. Paul’s Management (2) – If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward. Paul speaks of the “dispensation of grace” he had received so that he might share it with the Gentiles. Dispensation has the idea of “stewardship, management, administration, ownership.” (i) The Lord had revealed the mystery of the gospel to Paul and he had been entrusted with sharing the gospel with the world. He had not received such grace to hold merely as a personal possession, but as a steward to faithfully administer this grace to others. Paul realized the significance of grace and he was aware of his responsibility to be a faithful steward.

That is very compelling and convicting. I realize that we have not received the specific call that Paul received, but every believer is called to be a steward of the grace of God. We have not received such abundant grace to keep it solely for ourselves. With the reception of grace comes the responsibility to faithfully steward grace. If we are to be faithful to the Lord and the grace we have received, we must learn to be good stewards of His grace. Matt.25:20 – And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.