ephesians 3 1 for this reason i, paul, the prisoner of christ jesus for you gentiles-- 2 if indeed...

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EPHESIANS 3 EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the gift of the grace of God given to me by

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Page 1: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working

of His power.of His power.

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 31 “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles”1 “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles”

At the time of the writing of this book Paul was under house arrest in Rome. At the time of the writing of this book Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was actually a prisoner of Rome, but here he lays out his true position. He was actually a prisoner of Rome, but here he lays out his true position. He was imprisoned because of Christ Jesus. He proclaimed the gospel and He was imprisoned because of Christ Jesus. He proclaimed the gospel and was arrested for it. was arrested for it.

Paul wrote the Books of Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians Paul wrote the Books of Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians during his imprisonment in Rome. The Lord Jesus brought Paul to Rome to during his imprisonment in Rome. The Lord Jesus brought Paul to Rome to complete the mission that He had given his disciples just before his complete the mission that He had given his disciples just before his ascension into heaven. Acts 1:8 states that Jesus told his disciples they ascension into heaven. Acts 1:8 states that Jesus told his disciples they were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the were to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Paul, chosen as an apostle later, was brought to Rome to ends of the earth. Paul, chosen as an apostle later, was brought to Rome to help complete that mission. With the coming of Paul to Rome the gospel help complete that mission. With the coming of Paul to Rome the gospel was brought from the Jewish capital of Jerusalem to the Gentile capital of was brought from the Jewish capital of Jerusalem to the Gentile capital of the the worldworld, Rome. The Lord himself had told Paul, “Take courage! As you Rome. The Lord himself had told Paul, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). (Acts 23:11). It was the Lord’s will to have the gospel brought to Rome and Paul was His It was the Lord’s will to have the gospel brought to Rome and Paul was His messenger, not as one who was free to go about conducting his ministry, messenger, not as one who was free to go about conducting his ministry, but as an apostle in chains whose activities were limited because he was but as an apostle in chains whose activities were limited because he was held under house arrest and guard – a prisoner of Christ. held under house arrest and guard – a prisoner of Christ.

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2 “if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God 2 “if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you”which was given to me for you”

““dispensation”dispensation”1) the management of a household or of household affairs 1) the management of a household or of household affairs a) specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other's a) specifically, the management, oversight, administration, of other's property property b) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship b) the office of a manager or overseer, stewardship c) administration, dispensationc) administration, dispensation

Paul was provided the message of grace to share with the Gentiles. He Paul was provided the message of grace to share with the Gentiles. He was the apostle to the Gentiles: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch was the apostle to the Gentiles: “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office …” (Rom as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office …” (Rom 11:13) and “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and 11:13) and “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Ti 1:11). Also Acts 22:21.a teacher of the Gentiles” (2 Ti 1:11). Also Acts 22:21.

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 32 “if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the 2 “if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the gracegrace of God of God which was given to me for you”which was given to me for you”

Again Paul is clarifying that we are at peace through the Again Paul is clarifying that we are at peace through the gracegrace given given through the blood of Christ; which has abolishing the requirements of the through the blood of Christ; which has abolishing the requirements of the Law. (Jhn 1:17, Rom 6:14, Gal 2:21, 3:10-13, 5:4, and Eph 2:14-16). We Law. (Jhn 1:17, Rom 6:14, Gal 2:21, 3:10-13, 5:4, and Eph 2:14-16). We are not justified by keeping the law, but we are to keep His are not justified by keeping the law, but we are to keep His commandments if we love Him (Jhn 14:15 and 1 Jhn 5:3). There are commandments if we love Him (Jhn 14:15 and 1 Jhn 5:3). There are differing interpretations on the new covenant and to what degree the law differing interpretations on the new covenant and to what degree the law is abolished. is abolished.

Some of my thoughts: What commandments are we to keep? Are we to Some of my thoughts: What commandments are we to keep? Are we to keep the Sabbath? If not, why not? Some interpret it to mean we keep keep the Sabbath? If not, why not? Some interpret it to mean we keep only the non-ceremonial commandments? Then what about stoning your only the non-ceremonial commandments? Then what about stoning your son to death for rebellion? Why do we not put to death all adulterers? son to death for rebellion? Why do we not put to death all adulterers? Under the new covenant we are instructed to cast out an unrepentant Under the new covenant we are instructed to cast out an unrepentant brother who is in adultery – not kill him. There are many laws that brother who is in adultery – not kill him. There are many laws that obviously do not apply to the present day Church that were not merely of obviously do not apply to the present day Church that were not merely of a ceremonial function. We are in the dispensation of grace. a ceremonial function. We are in the dispensation of grace.

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The law is our tutor to bring us to Christ by faith - once we are saved it The law is our tutor to bring us to Christ by faith - once we are saved it is no longer the tutor, but it is then written on our hearts by way of the is no longer the tutor, but it is then written on our hearts by way of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 3:24-25 and Heb 8) We are told to love the Lord our Holy Spirit. (Gal 3:24-25 and Heb 8) We are told to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as our self. In these two commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ the entire our self. In these two commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ the entire law is fulfilled! (Luke 10:27) We should observe every day as the Lord’s law is fulfilled! (Luke 10:27) We should observe every day as the Lord’s day. We should not murder, or steal, or commit adultery - if we are day. We should not murder, or steal, or commit adultery - if we are loving our Lord and our neighbor as commanded.loving our Lord and our neighbor as commanded.

Obviously, we must read and study and memorize the entire Word of Obviously, we must read and study and memorize the entire Word of God to learn of our God; to allow Him to speak to us through His Word; God to learn of our God; to allow Him to speak to us through His Word; to walk in His ways; and to be able to give an answer to those who do to walk in His ways; and to be able to give an answer to those who do not know Him. We do not cast aside His truth. Every jot and tittle will not know Him. We do not cast aside His truth. Every jot and tittle will stand (it will all be fulfilled through Christ). Also, we are stand (it will all be fulfilled through Christ). Also, we are commandedcommanded to to obey Him. obey Him.

We will give an account!We will give an account!

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3““3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel”the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel”

Christ revealed to Paul a “mystery”:Christ revealed to Paul a “mystery”:

1) hidden thing, secret, mystery 1) hidden thing, secret, mystery a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals not to ordinary mortals b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding c) a hidden purpose or counsel c) a hidden purpose or counsel

This was hidden from those who preceded Paul’s time. Even the old This was hidden from those who preceded Paul’s time. Even the old testament prophets of God did not know the mystery that was revealed to testament prophets of God did not know the mystery that was revealed to Paul. There are a number of mysteries in the bible that are revealed at Paul. There are a number of mysteries in the bible that are revealed at certain times to men of God. This does not necessarily mean that God did certain times to men of God. This does not necessarily mean that God did not tell not tell ofof the mystery before it was revealed, but instead God may not have the mystery before it was revealed, but instead God may not have revealed the understanding of it until His appointed time (1 Cor 2:6-8). In revealed the understanding of it until His appointed time (1 Cor 2:6-8). In Daniel we learned that Daniel did not understand certain prophesies that Daniel we learned that Daniel did not understand certain prophesies that the Lord had revealed, and even so, he was to seal up the book for a later the Lord had revealed, and even so, he was to seal up the book for a later time (Dan 12:8-9).time (Dan 12:8-9).

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The letter S.

I am the beginning of sorrow, and the end of sickness. You cannot express happiness without me, yet I am in the midst of crosses. I am always in risk, yet never in danger. You may find me in the sun, but I am never seen out of darkness.What am I?

While on Safari in the wild jungles of Africa, Dr. Flanders woke one morning and felt something in the pocket of his pajamas. It had a head and a tail, but no legs. When Dr. Flanders got up he could feel it move inside of his pocket. However, Dr. Flanders showed little concern and went about his morning activities. Why wasn't he concerned?

It was a coin!

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3““MYSTERIES”MYSTERIES”

There are a number of mysteries in Scripture:There are a number of mysteries in Scripture:

The Mystery of the Incarnation - Jesus Is God in the FleshThe Mystery of the Incarnation - Jesus Is God in the Flesh

(1 Tim 3:16) “And without controversy great is the MYSTERY of (1 Tim 3:16) “And without controversy great is the MYSTERY of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.”world, Received up in glory.”

The Mystery of the kingdom of heavenThe Mystery of the kingdom of heaven(Matt 13:10-11) And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You (Matt 13:10-11) And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" He answered and said to them, "Because speak to them in parables?" He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of it has been given to you to know the MYSTERIES of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.heaven, but to them it has not been given.

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The Mystery of the translation of the Saints (the rapture). The Mystery of the translation of the Saints (the rapture). (1 Cor 15:50-57) “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot (1 Cor 15:50-57) “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a MYSTERY: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be Behold, I tell you a MYSTERY: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where [is] your sting? O Hades, where [is] your victory?" The sting Death, where [is] your sting? O Hades, where [is] your victory?" The sting of death [is] sin, and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, of death [is] sin, and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Also 1 Thes 4:16)who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Also 1 Thes 4:16)

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The Mystery of the Iniquity - Satan manifested in the flesh, The antichrist The Mystery of the Iniquity - Satan manifested in the flesh, The antichrist (2 Thes 2:1-12)(2 Thes 2:1-12)

The Mystery of the Church as the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:32 and Rev The Mystery of the Church as the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:32 and Rev 21:9)21:9)

The Mystery of the Restoration of All Things in Christ (Eph 1:7-10)The Mystery of the Restoration of All Things in Christ (Eph 1:7-10)

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3This Mystery:This Mystery:

The Union of Jew and Gentile, which was discussed last week, and the gift The Union of Jew and Gentile, which was discussed last week, and the gift of Grace through Jesus Christ through His birth, death and resurrection!of Grace through Jesus Christ through His birth, death and resurrection!

EPHESIANS 3:1-7 “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for EPHESIANS 3:1-7 “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- if indeed you have heard of the Dispensation of the Grace you Gentiles-- if indeed you have heard of the Dispensation of the Grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the MYSTERY (as I have briefly written already, by which, known to me the MYSTERY (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY of when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the MYSTERY of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.” (Also see Acts 14:27,15:7-9, andworking of His power.” (Also see Acts 14:27,15:7-9, and Eph 6:17-21)Eph 6:17-21)

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A parallel passage: (Col 1:24-27) “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, A parallel passage: (Col 1:24-27) “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the MYSTERY which has been hidden from ages fulfill the word of God, the MYSTERY which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”MYSTERY among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY! In Christ we are a new CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY! In Christ we are a new creation, the old man is dead, we have been raised with Him in victory!creation, the old man is dead, we have been raised with Him in victory!

Are you walking in that VICTORY?Are you walking in that VICTORY?

This truth of the gospel was unknown by the old testament prophets.This truth of the gospel was unknown by the old testament prophets.

Also read Rom 11:13-25Also read Rom 11:13-25

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Note in verse 15 “For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the Note in verse 15 “For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but world, what will their acceptance be but life from the deadlife from the dead?” This is the ?” This is the result of Christ’s ______________!result of Christ’s ______________!resurrection

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Without the resurrection we have no hope:Without the resurrection we have no hope:

1 Cor 15: 16-19 “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 1 Cor 15: 16-19 “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith And if Christ is not risen, your faith isis futile; you are still in your sins! futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.pitiable.”

1 Cor 6:14 “And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up 1 Cor 6:14 “And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.”by His power.”

2 Cor 4:14-15 “2 Cor 4:14-15 “knowingknowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”

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Was Jesus Christ’s first coming a Mystery? _______Was Jesus Christ’s first coming a Mystery? _______

Was it foretold in the Old Testament? _________Was it foretold in the Old Testament? _________

Genesis 3:15 (Seed of woman to be bruised)Genesis 3:15 (Seed of woman to be bruised)

Psalm 22 (1 - “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”; 6 - Psalm 22 (1 - “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”; 6 - despised and rejected; 14, 16 - pierced hands and feet; 18 – cast lots despised and rejected; 14, 16 - pierced hands and feet; 18 – cast lots and did not tear garment; 21 – gave up spirit.)and did not tear garment; 21 – gave up spirit.)

Daniel 9:27 (told of the exact date of death)Daniel 9:27 (told of the exact date of death)

Isaiah 53 (1-3 – despised and rejected; Isaiah 53 (1-3 – despised and rejected; 4-6 – bore grief's, wounded, chastised …)4-6 – bore grief's, wounded, chastised …)

Zechariah 11 (thirty pieces of silver)Zechariah 11 (thirty pieces of silver)

NO

YES

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3Christ was revealed to the Old Testament prophets, but His resurrection Christ was revealed to the Old Testament prophets, but His resurrection from the dead was not. It was one of the Mysteries.from the dead was not. It was one of the Mysteries.

Interestingly, God reveals more and more in each dispensation. In Interestingly, God reveals more and more in each dispensation. In addition, God seems to increase His presence and assistance in each addition, God seems to increase His presence and assistance in each dispensation. In the dispensation of conscience, man had a knowledge of dispensation. In the dispensation of conscience, man had a knowledge of good and evil. He knew right from wrong and gravitated toward wrong. good and evil. He knew right from wrong and gravitated toward wrong. God was sorry He had created man and sent the flood. God was sorry He had created man and sent the flood.

In the dispensation of the law, man still had a conscience and in addition In the dispensation of the law, man still had a conscience and in addition God wrote His requirements down so there would be no question of His God wrote His requirements down so there would be no question of His expectations. Man not only rejected and rebelled against God, but man expectations. Man not only rejected and rebelled against God, but man killed His Son.killed His Son.

In the dispensation of grace we have a conscience, have the law written In the dispensation of grace we have a conscience, have the law written on our hearts and we are offered the indwelling Holy Spirit to keep us on on our hearts and we are offered the indwelling Holy Spirit to keep us on track. We still fall short and rebel!track. We still fall short and rebel!

When Christ returns in the millennium, He will rule with a rod of iron When Christ returns in the millennium, He will rule with a rod of iron amongst men and men will still reject Him.amongst men and men will still reject Him.

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EPHESIANS 3EPHESIANS 3Why is this? Because in our flesh no good thing dwells. (Rom 7:18) Why is this? Because in our flesh no good thing dwells. (Rom 7:18)

This is why Paul tells us over and over about GRACE! This is why Paul tells us over and over about GRACE!

Verses 6b-7 “His Verses 6b-7 “His promisepromise in Christin Christ through the through the gospelgospel, of which I , of which I became a minister according to the became a minister according to the gift of the grace of Godgift of the grace of God given to me given to me by the by the effective workingeffective working of of His powerHis power.”.”

This grace is given by the POWER OF GOD!This grace is given by the POWER OF GOD!

We need to realize that when we accept the gospel and this grace, God We need to realize that when we accept the gospel and this grace, God indwells us with POWER! His power works in us to allow this corrupt indwells us with POWER! His power works in us to allow this corrupt being to do the will of God. How are we to use this power?being to do the will of God. How are we to use this power?

The time is short, we should be using this great power from on high to The time is short, we should be using this great power from on high to share the gospel! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power share the gospel! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7) “For we do not preach and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7) “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Cor 4:5-7) of us.” (2 Cor 4:5-7)

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A great mystery has been revealed to us by A great mystery has been revealed to us by God. We are ambassadors to God and have God. We are ambassadors to God and have been commissioned to share that mystery!been commissioned to share that mystery!

The mystery of the gospel – we have hope, The mystery of the gospel – we have hope, we have received a free gift of great riches we have received a free gift of great riches in eternity, we have been given power from in eternity, we have been given power from

on high… on high…

We have eternal life! Do we really We have eternal life! Do we really understand what we have been given?understand what we have been given?

Page 20: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

Any hunters out Any hunters out there?there?

Do you like to tell Do you like to tell people about your people about your hunting experiences hunting experiences and the big deer you and the big deer you got?got?

Page 21: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

What if you knew What if you knew where a million where a million dollars could be had dollars could be had for everyone who for everyone who filled out the right filled out the right paperwork? An paperwork? An unlimited supply for unlimited supply for free!free!

Would you tell Would you tell anyone about it?anyone about it?

Page 22: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

What if you knew What if you knew the cure for cancer?the cure for cancer?

Would you share Would you share the cure with the cure with others?others?

Page 23: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

Tell someone about Tell someone about Jesus this week!!!!!Jesus this week!!!!!

Without Christ they Without Christ they are dying!are dying!

Page 24: EPHESIANS 3 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-- 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God

With the power of With the power of God working God working through you, dying through you, dying people can hear of people can hear of the gift of God given the gift of God given through Christ - through Christ -

LIFELIFE