LESSON 4- Ephesians
Chapter 3
The Mystery- Revelation
Our Inheritance in Christ Cont.’
Chapter 3:1-21
Eph. 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
3:12 His faith in us gives our lives integrity. We echo and articulate the original conversation publicly. (In Him we express ourselves freely and openly) He is our platform to a universal audience. Mirror Translation
“we have” – present indicative of (echw), “we continually have”, “we possess”, “we have power over. nThis word was used in Greek as “to grip”, as in a wrestler’s hold.
“boldness” – (parreisia). In Greek this is (para) + (reisis). (reisis) is “speech”. Hence, “freedom of speech”. “and access” – (prosagwgei), “admission into someone’s presence”
This expression refers to someone who is an “insider”, someone who knows the mysteries, someone who is a “member” or “initiate”. We Christians are permanently the Elect of God, in the Plan of God, therefore we have “access”.
Related Scriptures:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Eph. 1:3-4
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Pet. 2:9
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:16
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10
Eph.3:13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
3:13 You have no reason to feel embarrassed or responsible because of what I am suffering, rather feel honoured! Mirror Translation
What was Paul’s sufferings?
2 Cor. 11:23b-27 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
Paul was called to this. Paul, himself, said: “My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) WITHIN you…” (Galatians 4:19 Amplified Bible)
Sufferings today for Christ:
The Overcoming Aspect
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
It is all about overcoming, not trials and tribulations.
Philippians 3:14-15 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Encouraging One Another
There is always every reason to be encouraged in the Christian life.
We have eternal life.
We are in union with the Lord Jesus Christ
We share in Christ’s victory over satan and his forces.
We have “all blessings in heavenly places in Christ”
We have salvation, sozo, safety, ensured salvation, eternal deliverance, wellness, preservation, recovery, restoration, prosperity in spirit, soul and body.
Paul’s 2nd prayer for maturity
Therefore, I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Summary of Eph. 3: 8-13
I.God’s Grace to Paul.
In verses 8 and 9: There are 3 things: Here we see a double grace that God bestows on Paul, and Paul is thankful for that double grace:
First of all, he has the grace, the gift, the privilege of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ and of revealing the mystery of God’s purpose.
II. God’s Eternal Plan is for the Church.
He says God has purpose/s for the church. God’s got a plan for you. He has a glorious purpose for the church. And the Apostle Paul explains here that it is the eternal purpose of God through Christ for the church to be the display of God’s wisdom to the heavenly powers.
III. Don’t Lose Heart
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you. KJ
The apostle was a man attended with many tribulations, and great afflictions, which he did not suffer as an evildoer, either from God or men; wherefore he was not ashamed of them, but gloried in them; yes, he took pleasure in them, having much of the presence of God in them; they did not come to him unawares, he always expected them, and was helped to look to the glory which should follow them. They were ready to faint at them; but he desires they would no., It was an honor to suffer in such a cause.
There is always every reason to be encouraged in the Christian life.
We have eternal life.
We are in union with the Lord Jesus Christ
We share in Christ’s victory over satan and his forces.
We have “all blessings in heavenly places in Christ”
Paul’s 2nd prayer for maturity
Observations from the Prayer Requests of Paul
Paul believed prayer to be powerful, effective, and necessary.
Paul knew that when we pray for someone in ministry, we join them in ministry.
Paul desired to serve the church and fellowship with the church.
Paul asked for prayer to have a bold and clear proclamation of the Gospel.
Paul requested prayer to be rescued from wicked men.
Paul submitted his requests to God’s will.
Review of 1st prayer: Eph. 1:15-21
Paul prayed in Ephesians 1 these 5 things that lead to maturity:
You would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep & intimate knowledge of Him.
That this would come by having eyes of your heart being flooded with light.
And therefore, you would see and understand the hope to which He has called you.
And you would see the richness of His glorious inheritance that is inside of you.
This light would show you the immeasurable greatness of His power – that is in you! Christ in you the manifested glory of God!!Col 1:27
We will continue with Lesson 4 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
David & Mary Sue