Sermon Central
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Study On Epistle Of Ephesians Series
Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Dec 21, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Unity is our strength to spread the Gospel. Unity is maintained by love, forgiveness and acceptance of one another's weaknesses and strengths.
Day 5
Read Ephesians 3:1-13 & Ephesians 3:14-21
3: 1 Unity: Unity among the single community was ancient unity but now he talks about unity among various classes, races and nationalities
3:3, 5 & 6,11.Mystery: Though all men are created equal still many nations held themselves as high and great, having possessed of special privileges and honours. Gospel going to all is Mystery - Genesis 18:18, Isaiah 42:6, 49:6, 56:3-8, 60:3, Jeremiah 16:19, Zechariah 8:23. The ethnic, cultural and caste feelings have prejudice in us, however, Gospel is powerful. Gospel Teaches: Love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), bless those who curse us (5:44), to turn the other cheek (5:39) not render evil for evil (I Peter 3:9). Gospel calls for radical change in us.
3:7-8 Reaffirming the Call: Gift to become a servant of God and especially to a preacher to the Gentiles.
3:9-13 Let them know: Believers are a new creation. II Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 4:24.
v.10 God & Angels: God's eternal wisdom is expressed through the Church to the principalities and fallen and unfallen angels.
v.12. Access to God: Jesus the door (John 10:9). We have new and bold access to God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Access to God without fear and restriction, without need of any intermediaries, face God with clear conscience and frankness.
v.13 Wherefore I pray for your steadfastness in God.
v.14-21 Christ to dwell (katoikem= permanent residence) in hearts. Our Inner being strengthened with Width, length, depth and height of Christ’s love. His love cannot be fitted into any geometrical measure and circle. The radius can be the size of the globe in it every sinner can be accommodated.
v.20.Unimaginable blessings: Rich in mercy, unfathomable love, limitless grace abundant power, entire resources of heaven for the salvation. The Lord encourages us to lay before him our wants and perplexities, our gratitude and love. Every promise is sure. Jesus is our surety and mediator, commander of all resources. The efficacy is through the blood of Jesus Christ.
