The Boundless Riches of Christ

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Boundless Riches of Christ

Date: Aug. 22, 2016

Passage

Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)

1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:8

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

First, the mystery of Christ (1-6). Paul was imprisoned because he preached the gospel to Gentiles. But even in prison, Paul preached the gospel without bitterness. The Jews were blind to the mystery of Christ, but Paul wanted all who read this letter to know it has been revealed: Through the gospel Gentiles and Jews are members of one body, sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Second, the manifold wisdom of God (7-13). Paul had not planned to be a servant of the gospel; rather this was God's one sided grace to him. Such grace made him humble and thankful for the privilege to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ in the gospel. He did this wholeheartedly, making plain to everyone the gospel. The church built from this gospel reveals God's wisdom to all. In him and through faith in Christ we may approach God freely. He doesn't want his sufferings to discourage, but rather help them see the glory God has revealed.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your grace in Christ, which is boundless riches, to be shared to all.

One Word: Make plain the mystery of Christ

Misery of Disobedience

Genesis 34:1-31

Key Verse: 34:30

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. My numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household.”

Today's Question

What does the beginning of the Lord's prayer teach us?

See answer and references