Ephesians week five: The local church, god’s plan A

• The Christ-centered Church is the hope of the world. 

Ephesians 3:1-13 
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

 
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Ephesians 3:1
3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Your life has been positioned for a purpose, regardless of the current surrounding circumstances. Christ is Lord above every situation.     

Ephesians 3:2-5 
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 

Ephesians 3:6 
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 3:7-9
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 

Ephesians 3:10-11
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• Through the Church 
  

Ephesians 3:11
11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• Through the Church, God desires His love for the world to be known.

• Through the Church, He longs for people to experience His presence and power. 

• Through the Church, God purposes the message of reconciliation to be proclaimed.   

“We do not want a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world.”

- G.K. Chesterton -

Questions to Consider 

We, as members of the local church, are active participants in God’s story and plan to redeem humanity. How should we respond? 

What is the grace given you? How have you been positioned for a purpose in this moment?

• The Christ-centered Church is the hope of the world.