Ephesians 3 - Introduction

Subdivision Two - Chapter 3:1-13The Ministry of the Mystery

The Message of Paul

Postscripts are almost always very important. When it is a postscript of an apostle, it deserves even closer attention. This is the case in Romans 16:25-27, where Paul declares in explicit terms that the Gospel, which he preached to the Gentiles was given to him in a special revelation. Further, he claims emphatically, that this revelation was exclusive to himself and different from that of the apostles to the house of Israel."...seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter with the gospel to the circumcised." (Galatians 2:7)

[Application: each book of the Bible must be studied with its specific audience in mind in order to preserve the message and intent of the book]

"We must carefully remember that the mystery does not mean the church merely. It is the mystery of Christ emphatically; and the part about Christ is the higher of the two." William Kelly

Subdivision Three - Chapter 3:14-21Christ Abides in the Inner Man by FaithWe are Filled into All the Fullness of Godthe pattern for a believer's prayer in this dispensation as defined by Paul.

1.Kneel before the Father, to whom your prayer is to be directed.

2.Acknowledge His Sovereignty.

3.Petition for personal inner strength as a ministry of the Holy Spirit.

4.Pray for a biblical foundation and spiritual sustenance for other believers.

5.Pray for a personal understanding of the depth of the love of the Father.

6.Pray for practical knowledge of the fullness of His will in your life.

7.Pray for His glorification, for ways to "make Him shine" before others.