[This year, the little Bible study group that meets around our kitchen table is working  through The Wiersbe Bible Study Series, “EPHESIANS: Gaining The Things That Money Can’t Buy,” by Warren Wiersbe, published by David C. Cook, 2008. 

I pray this series of reflections will continue to be a blessing and encouragement that reaches far beyond our kitchen table.]

. . .

KEY TAKEAWAYS from LESSON FOUR (Ephesians 3:1-13)

PAUL and his ASSIGNMENT: 

Paul’s descriptions of himself in this section made a deep impression on our study group.  He took the place of the “least of all the saints”, though he held a prominent position in the Jewish nation, then when converted, worked tirelessly for the remainder of his life, preaching the good news of the gospel and pouring into local gatherings of believers (and in doing so, penned a dozen or so books of the New Testament).  

He unashamedly accepted his place as a prisoner – not of Rome, but of CHRIST.  In Romans 1, Paul used the term “bond servant”.  He chose to be bound as a slave, giving up all rights and all control, to simply serve the Savior and carry out the Father’s will for his life.  

All of these descriptions convey a place of selfless humility, commitment and resolve.  As one of our study friends stated, “the will of JESUS was all that mattered to Paul.” He trusted the grace of GOD to be sufficient for anything he would face.

Unlike Peter, who spoke with authority as an eye-witness to the life, death, and resurrection of the LORD JESUS, Paul’s ability to speak with credibility about the eternal purposes of GOD came from years of private “training”.  

In Galatians, Paul briefly mentioned three years he spent in Arabia, tucked away in seclusion, receiving (in a way he never fully detailed) the truth about the Son of GOD.  Although we are not told specifics in Scripture, it seems Paul may have been given unique understanding of the eternal plans of GOD, much like the two on the road to Emmaus, when JESUS expounded to them all that the prophets had told them concerning Himself and how each detail had been fulfilled (Luke 24:27).

Paul told the Ephesian believers that GOD had called him to preach CHRIST among the Gentiles (“the administration of GOD’s grace … this grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST” – Ephesians 3:2,8).  How did they know that what he was telling them was from GOD?  

Paul’s words matched those of the other apostles, even though he had not met with them.  Truth will always be consistent.  In 1 John 4, we are instructed to “test the spirits, to see whether they are from GOD,” to confirm that what we hear aligns with what the Word of GOD says, trusting His Spirit to alert us when something does not ring true.

In a recent study of 1 Peter by Jen Wilkin, she challenged us to “build a critical mass of understanding of what the sacred text says.”  John Piper has been quoted saying that believers should “live and die by what the Word of GOD says.”  It is vitally important for us to pursue deeper knowledge of GOD and His Word, so we can more quickly discern discrepancies from the truth.

GOD’s SECRET PLAN:

“GOD Himself revealed His mysterious plan to me … GOD did not reveal it to previous generations, but now He has revealed it by the Holy Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. … This is the GOD’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by GOD’s children.  Both are part of the same body and enjoy together the promise of blessings because they belong to CHRIST JESUS.” (Eph 3:3-6)

Why was it such a radically new idea that Gentiles share equally with Jews in the promise of life in CHRIST JESUS? (Wiersbe, p. 58) 

Although we cannot know for sure, our group shared a few interesting thoughts:

Before JESUS came, it may have been hard for men and women of faith in GOD to understand the concept of the Trinity, a fully triune GOD.  It may have been particularly difficult to imagine that the one true GOD had a Son who would take such a humble place, in human form and experience a daily existence in this earthly scene.

It may also have been difficult for those in the nation of Israel who had been cruelly persecuted and exiled by pagan nations to imagine that GOD’s grace would be extended to Gentiles from those people groups, that GOD’s promises and a bountiful inheritance would also be offered to them.

The nation of Israel lived generations upon generations understanding they were GOD’s chosen people, believing GOD’s promises were made to them alone.  Although they knew that anyone was welcome to join them, to align with the one true GOD in faith and obedience (like Rahab and Ruth), it might have been a stretch to imagine Gentiles being “chosen” by GOD without converting to Judaism.  It would take some time for these Jewish believers to understand that a new covenant had been established that opened the doors wide to all who would come into the newly established body of believers, the Church.  GOD’s people were no longer just an earthly nation, but a new nation, a new chosen people, whose Builder and Maker is GOD Himself.

GOD’s WELCOME:

Because of CHRIST and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into GOD’s presence, assured of His glad welcome. (Ephesian 3:12) … “How is this an example of spiritual wealth?” (Wiersbe, p. 63)

His glad welcome – that open door – is priceless!  We have no idea how many riches we truly have at our disposal, generously and graciously provided.  Almighty GOD also happens to be our Father who cares for us abundantly – not only materially as we live on this earth, but He is the only One who knows how to nourish our faith and minister to our souls.  He is the only One truly capable of doing so, from His limitless resources and infinite wisdom!  

OVERVIEW of this PASSAGE:

“What are some ways we can help our local church to be a good steward of the mystery of faith?” (Wiersbe, p. 65)

We can remind one another of the power of GOD’s word alone.  One of our study friends shared a touching story about the distribution of Gideon Bibles in foreign countries, faithfully placed where others can find them, and the testimonies of souls who have been saved from simply picking up a Bible and reading it.  

Like Paul, we can be committed to sharing the Good News with others.  When we share the Word of GOD, those words carry a power that is alive and active, all on its own.  GOD will protect the integrity of His own Word – it will not return to Him void.  He will use it to reveal Himself to those who read or listen and receive it.

My Word will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do. (Isaiah 55:11, HCS)

We can pray.  We can encourage.  We can choose to welcome any and all who want to join us, who want to receive the Good News of salvation through CHRIST and be gathered with our local bodies to serve Him side by side.  We can faithfully point one another to the LORD and His Word so we can stay grounded in truth, led by His Spirit, captivated by who He is, confident in His plan, and like His Son, committed to doing the Father’s will.