Introduction: We will be picking up our study in the epistle to the Ephesians.

Just for the sake of review allow me to share the key doctrines of the first three chapters:

The last time we were studying out of Ephesians 3, we studied verses 1-7, and I spoke about the secret, or the mystery that God had kept from other ages (other times), but that now God had _________ it through the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets.

I. The Mystery Declared to _______ – 3:8 8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Paul says that the “mystery” that we have been reading about here in Ephesians was given to him. Here he calls it, “this _______.”

Just a Nobody

“who am the less than the least of all the saints,” 1

1 Corinthians 15:9 – For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Timothy 1:5 - This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

Are you aware that the name Paul in Latin means “________”?

The third thing that Paul shares is that “this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,”

Here is this truth stated in other translations:

NIV – the boundless riches of Christ. ESV – the unsearchable riches of Christ. NLT – the endless treasures available to them in Christ. Holman – the incalculable riches of the Messiah.

Digging Deeper

You must take three steps:

1. _____ it 2. Receive it 3. _______ it

II. The Mystery Declared to ________ – 3:9

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9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

What is the ___________ of preaching?

“to make all see.”

This is our _________ as a church. We don’t create _________, NO, we follow the ________ already laid out for us in Scripture. It’s called: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

What are we supposed to be doing with this mystery today?

Top Five Religions

III. The Mystery Declared to the ________ – 3:1010 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made

known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

In ancient days of Kings and Knights …

“to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known.”

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe writes, “God is educating the _______ by means of the Church!”

Dr. Tony Evans has written… Stott says of the angelic hosts…

Here is a thought:

IV. The Mystery Declared and its ________ Purpose – 3:1111 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ

Jesus our Lord,

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God’s purpose was accomplished in _______ ______ ______ _____. When God sets out to do something, He accomplishes it completely!

V. The Mystery Declares Various __________ _________ – 3:12-13 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

What are the various Spiritual blessings found before us?

A. ___________ – 3:12a12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith

in Him.

B. ________ with confidence – 3:12b 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

C. Inner _________ – 3:13 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “We will never be a victorious church until we see suffering as a divine gift.” (Erwin W. Lutzer, When A Nation Forgets God).

Conclusion: What are some _________ from this message that we can think about this coming week? Allow me to share six of them with you:

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