Our passage speaks about the mystery of Christ revealed. Verses 3, 4, 6 and 9 use the word “mystery”. This is the main theme. The mystery, Paul tells us, is that of Jew and Gentile now being one ‘new man’ created in Christ Jesus. The “mystery” refers to the church. For thousands of years, the glory of the church was “hidden,” but now it is being more fully revealed. One day, it will be gloriously, fully revealed (v. 13). Our study is in 3 parts:

1. Grateful for the Gospel (v.1-8)
2. The Centrality of The Church (v.9-11)
3. Advancing God’s Eternal Purpose (v.12-13)

Paul views his stewardship as being a “minister according to the gift of God’s grace” (Eph. 3:7). God’s intent in Paul’s preaching of the gospel is that the “manifold wisdom of God” would be made known through the church to the powers “in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10). Paul’s plea is that the church will be encouraged and emboldened with the truth that we have access to God, through our faith in Jesus (Ephesians 3:12). Paul's passion and prayer is that the church will believe and behave like the church. As we grow in our appreciation for the gospel, and in our affection for it, we will live like it.

Getting Started

1. What is the most complicated project you have ever built? Was there a sense of accomplishment, relief, or frustration once it was completed? Share your story?

• Read Ephesians 3:1-13

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. After providing the background of his personal relationship to the mystery in Ephesians 3:1–5, Paul reveals the content of the ‘mystery’ in Ephesians 3:6. How does the mystery relate to the gospel?

4. What practical effect would it have if Christians realized that their daily behaviour was revealing something to the rulers in the heavenly places (v.10)? Be specific and practical.

5. In Christ, Paul and the church have “boldness and access with confidence” (Eph. 3:12). To what activity do these terms refer? How does this activity contribute to the church’s encouragement as they hear of Paul’s suffering on their behalf?

The Heart of the Matter

6. Paul’s call to “bring [the gospel] to light for everyone” (v.9) is also our calling. The goal of the Great Commission is that people everywhere would hear the message of Christ. Is planting a church in Angola true to this calling? Support your answer.

7. When believers live out their faith, they are certain to suffer persecution. Persecution for one may be living with a spouse hostile to the gospel; for another it might mean facing a mob intent on killing anyone who names the name of Christ. What ways is the Lord calling you to embrace the call to suffer with a view toward preaching the message of salvation to those who are lost, for the glory of Christ?

8. Discuss: Prayer is not an intercom to call the maid for more refreshments, but a walkie-talkie to the general from the front lines for more resources for the battle (adapted from John Piper). How would this change your prayer life?