The Revelation of the One Body

1. A PREVIOUS MYSTERY (Ephesians 3:4-6)
1. Character of Mysteries (Ephesians 3:4-5)
1. Not previously known (Ephesians 3:4-5, 9)
2. Selectively revealed (Matthew 13:10-11; Ephesians 3:10)
3. Beyond human understanding (1 Corinthians 2:7-10)
4. Meant to be taught (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
2. An Unknown Truth (Ephesians 3:6)
1. Earlier knowledge of the gentiles
1. Jews were to separate from the gentiles (Exodus 23:30-32; Exodus 34:14-16; Deuteronomy 7:1-8)
2. Gentiles were idolatrous pagan worshippers (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
3. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (Ephesians 2:12)
4. Gentiles would one day be drawn to someone of Jesses lineage (Isaiah 11:10)
5. The Lords name would at some point be great among the gentiles (Malachi 1:11)
2. Revealed knowledge of the gentiles
1. Jews and Gentiles are fellowheirs and of the same body.
2. Gentiles are partakers of promises in Christ by the gospel.
3. Both Jew and Gentile have been reconciled into one body by the cross (Ephesians 2:13-16).
2. A PRESENT MINISTRY (Ephesians 3:7-12)
1. The Grace of Ministry (Ephesians 3:7-8)
1. Paul was made a minister (by God) (Ephesians 3:7; 1 Timothy 1:12)
2. Pauls ministry was based upon a gift of grace (Ephesians 3:7)
3. Pauls ministry was based on Gods effectual working (Ephesians 3:7)
4. Pauls ministry bred humility (Ephesians 3:8)
5. Pauls ministry was to preach unsearchable riches to a group of people who were previously without God (Ephesians 3:8)
2. The Purpose of Pauls Ministry (Ephesians 3:9-11)
1. To reveal the previously hidden mystery (Ephesians 3:9)
2. To manifest Gods wisdom (Ephesians 3:10-11)
1. Gods wisdom has many folds manifold
2. Gods wisdom was based on his eternal purpose
3. The Blessing of Pauls Ministry (Ephesians 3:12)
1. We can have boldness and access with confidence.
2. Paul considered himself to be a debtor to tell all (Romans 1:14-16).

Conclusion:  Paul was thrilled to be in the ministry and be able to share the good news to those who did not know Christ.  Shouldn’t we be the same?