Introduction

Welcome, dear friends and fellow believers. We gather here today, not as strangers or acquaintances, but as kin in the family of God, united in our shared love for Christ and His Word. We are here to engage with the divine mystery that is the Gospel, to seek understanding, to find courage, and to build confidence in our faith.

Today, we open our hearts and minds to the profound teachings in the third chapter of Ephesians. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, unveils the mystery of Christ, a mystery that breaks barriers, fosters boldness, and builds confidence.

Let us read the scripture together:

[Read passage]

As we delve into these truths, let us remember the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "The gospel is preached in the ears of all men; it only comes with power to some. The power that is in the gospel does not lie in the eloquence of the preacher otherwise men would be converters of souls. Nor does it lie in the preacher’s learning; otherwise it could consist of the wisdom of men. We might preach till our tongues rotted, till we should exhaust our lungs and die, but never a soul would be converted unless there were mysterious power going with it – the Holy Ghost changing the will of man. O Sirs! We might as well preach to stone walls as preach to humanity unless the Holy Ghost be with the word, to give it power to convert the soul."

Let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this gathering, for the unity we find in You, and for the mystery of Christ which we are about to engage with. As we break the bread of Your Word, we ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance and illumination. May we not just hear, but understand; may we not just understand, but believe; and may we not just believe, but live out these truths in our daily lives. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Breaking Barriers

In the heart of Ephesians 3, we find Paul, a prisoner for Christ, revealing a mystery that was once hidden. This mystery, now unveiled, is the inclusion of the Gentiles in the family of God. This is a radical shift, a breaking down of barriers that once separated Jews and Gentiles. The walls that once divided are now torn down. The mystery of Christ is a unifying force, bringing together those who were once estranged.

More than a simple revelation: It is a profound truth that changes the landscape of faith. It is a truth that was hidden in the past but is now made known. This truth is that through the Gospel, the Gentiles are now co-heirs with Israel. They are part of the same body, sharing in the same promise in Christ Jesus. This is a radical inclusion, a breaking down of barriers that once separated people based on their ethnicity or religious background.

More than a message for the Gentiles: It is also a message for the Jews. It is a message that challenges their exclusive claim to God's promises. It is a message that invites them to see God's grace extending beyond their borders, reaching out to those they once considered outsiders. This is a radical challenge, a breaking down of barriers that once protected their privileged status.

More than a theological idea: It is a practical reality that transforms relationships. It is a reality that fosters unity in the midst of diversity. It is a reality that encourages mutual respect and love among believers, regardless of their cultural or ethnic differences. This is a radical transformation, a breaking down of barriers that once fostered division and hostility.

More than a past event: It is a present experience that empowers believers. It is an experience that instills boldness and confidence, enabling believers to approach God freely. It is an experience that strengthens believers, enabling them to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. This is a radical empowerment, a breaking down of barriers that once hindered access to God and perseverance in faith.

Boldness in Faith

The mystery of Christ, as Paul reveals, is not just a theological concept to be understood, but a reality to be lived out ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO