Unsearchable Riches

Unsearchable Riches

Ephesians 3: 8-13

In our text today, Paul continues to expound upon the great mystery of grace, offered by the loving and gracious Lord to those who are undeserving. Having discussed the expanse of such grace and the obligation to be a good steward of the grace received, Paul goes on to discuss the gracious provision and purpose of the grace of God. Seemingly at a loss to adequately describe such grace, Paul declares it as the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Although written nearly 2,000 years ago, the text before us remains relevant and radiant to all who pause to ponder these words. Like Paul, those who are in relationship with Christ through salvation have received the unsearchable riches of His grace and are obligated to be good stewards of such grace. I pray, as we move through these verses, we will be reminded of the gracious provision we have received and renewed in our commitment to share this grace with those who have yet to receive this gift of God. As we examine the realities within the text, I want to consider the thought: Unsearchable Riches.

I. A Devoted Passion (8-9) – Here we discover Paul’s passion for the grace he had received through his awareness of such grace and his commitment to share it with the world. Notice:

A. Paul’s Amazement (8a) – Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given. We must not see this as a veiled attempt to appear pious and humble – Paul was genuinely amazed at the grace he had received. Being fully aware of the righteousness of God, Paul became keenly aware of his frailty and propensity to please the flesh. He remembered the man he was prior to salvation and the graciousness of God in coming to him in salvation. In essence, Paul is utterly amazed at the grace of God being offered to sinful men, of whom he viewed himself as chief of sinners.

That is quite humbling and convicting. If Paul viewed himself as the least of all saints, being keenly aware of the grace he received, how much more should we stand in amazement at the grace of God in our lives? Grace was extended to those who are undeserving. All that we are, or ever hope to be, is dependent upon His grace. Our standing with the Father is acceptable because of His grace.

B. Paul’s Discernment (8b) – that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Paul was aware that this grace he had received was special. He described it as unsearchable riches. This has the idea of being “unfathomable, unable to be traced out, inscrutable.” Rom.11:33 – O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (As we pause to consider such grace, it truly is unfathomable!)

Again, one must consider the urgency Paul felt in regard to such unsearchable riches. This was a treasure beyond comprehension, and yet he was compelled to share the wealth he had received with the Gentiles. This grace was a free gift, graciously provided in Christ, but it was not a treasure to be kept to himself; he was obligated to share the treasure with others!

C. Paul’s Excitement (9) – And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. I love to examine the Epistles verse by verse. Bear in mind, this is a prison epistle, and yet one can sense the excitement and dedication of Paul through reading his words. Having received the unsearchable riches in Christ, he was compelled to share this treasure with the world, that all might see this treasure for what it is and experience the fellowship of the mystery – fellowship with the Father, through the provision of the Son! (Isn’t that an amazing thought? We have experienced such grace in Christ! We have the privilege and obligation to share this treasure with the world.)

Paul affirms a core, biblical doctrine in the later part of the verse. As we discussed last week, this mystery had been hidden for generations. However, following the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the finished work of Christ on the cross, this mystery had been revealed for all to see by faith. One can also see that the provision of Christ, in His sacrificial, atoning death and triumphant resurrection, was not an afterthought with God – this was not Plan B. This had been hidden from the beginning of the world and was revealed in Christ as He fulfilled redemption’s plan! This great treasure of grace is centered in Christ!