The Manifold Wisdom of God Revealed Ephesians 3:8-12

1. The Manifold Wisdom of GodRevealed Ephesians 3:8-12

2. Ephesians 2-3 • We are all sinnerssaved by the grace of God through our faith (2:1-10) • Jesus on the cross brought us all together (2:11-22) • Paul’s purpose was to reveal this “mystery” – that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs (3:1-13)

3. Ephesians 2-3 • Paul consideredhimself least of all the saints (not inferior) (3:8) • Yet, God graciously used him to present the “mystery” - to preach among the Gentiles that they too can be saved • He revealed…

4. Unsearchable riches (3:8) • “Unsearchable”incomprehensible, unable to fully understand • The greatness of God • He do we know how to please and serve Him? • He tells us

5. Unsearchable riches (3:8) • Unsearchable riches – greatness of His gifts • Even with what we are told, it is but “the hem of the garment” • Romans 11:33Colossians 2:2-3 • Consider His grace, mercy, love, compassion, longsuffering, eternity, power, knowledge, etc.

6. Unsearchable riches (3:8) • It was preached among the Gentiles – not exclusive • His ultimate gift – our salvation! Titus 2:11, Eph. 2:1-10, Galatians 3:26-29, etc.

7. “Fellowship” of the mystery • “and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery,” (NKJV, KJV) • “and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery” (NASB95) • “and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery” (ESV)

8. “Fellowship” of the mystery • “make all see” - to illuminate, to cause to know • It is for ALL to see

9. “Fellowship” of the mystery • “fellowship” - sharing, association, communionThe spiritual relationship we have with God and one another!Phil. 2:1, 1 John 1:3, 6-71 Cor. 1:9 • NASB, “administration”, ESV, “plan” – “stewardship” slightly different Greek word – Paul revealing this message

10. “Fellowship” of the mystery • hidden from the beginning • God had not fully revealed His plan for all mankind until the time of Paul • 1 Cor. 2:6-7, see 1 Peter 1:10-12 • For example: Melchizedek – Psalm 110:4 • It was not a mistake – 2 Peter 1:2-3

11. Manifold wisdom of God • “Manifold” – many and varied • Heb. 11:33, His ways past finding out • When God acts we may not know how or why, but HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING! • Do NOT question Him – Rom. 9:20-21

12. Manifold wisdom of God • Now made known by the church • Is the church to reveal the wisdom of God? 1 Tim. 3:15, 1 Thess. 1:8,… • Here - the point is the very idea of the church REVEALS His wisdom • Consider this in light of “the mystery” – the church promotes unity! Gal. 3:26-27, Rom. 12:12-27, Etc.

13. Manifold wisdom of God • THOUGHT: If the church demonstrates the manifold wisdom of God, what is our attitude toward His wisdom if we seek to change the church – in work, worship, name, organization, mission, doctrine, etc?????Do we not then call into question His wisdom?

14. Manifold wisdom of God • Made known to principalities and powers • An expression of heavenly beings 1 Peter 1:12, “things which angels desire to look into.”

15. Manifold wisdom of God • According to theeternal purpose • This was in God’s plan from the beginning! • Prophecy is an amazing testimony! • Many of Paul’s letters appeal in detail to God’s former revelations to demonstrate this plan • 1 Peter 1:20, Eph. 1:4

16. Manifold wisdom of God • Which he accomplished in Christ Jesus • Jesus fulfilled the plan – Acts 20:28, Eph. 2:13-17, etc.

17. In whom we have boldness • Because of what God has done… • We have boldness – Heb. 4:14-16, 1 John 4:17

18. In whom we have boldness • Because of what God has done… • We have access – John 14:6, 1 Tim. 2:5 • He hears our prayers – 1 John 5:14, Eph. 2:18

19. In whom we have boldness • Because of what God has done… • We have confidence – 1 John 4:4, Rom. 8:37 – God is greater • Heb. 3:6, 10:35, 1 John 3:21-23

20. In whom we have boldness • We have confidence“through faith” • Faith is our part in salvation – Eph. 2:8Trusting Him enough to obey His gospel

21. What is the mystery? Salvation is for all! Will you receive it?