IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

God's Mystery Revealed

Date: Nov. 22, 2020

Passage

Ephesians 3:1-13 (ESV)

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 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. 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.

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. 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, 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.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:6

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.

1. The mystery given by revelation (1-6)

Paul was a prisoner. But he didn't write as one who was locked up. He was joyful in Christ. To Paul, the Risen Jesus had revealed a mystery-a mystery never understood by the Jews. But this was the basis of Paul's gospel ministry. The believing Gentiles were to be heirs of God right along with the Jews. Together, they would form one body-the church of Jesus Christ.

2. The boundless riches of Christ (7-13)

Given Paul's past, being a servant of the gospel was the last thing anyone would expect. But that was God's abundant grace to him. Paul knew he was unworthy, but he received the grace of being a minister of the gospel to the Gentiles. The gospel went to Jews and Gentiles alike, bringing them into one church, that the gospel might be preached to the ends of the earth. Through faith, we may all approach the throne of grace. Paul hoped his suffering would reveal God's glory to others.

Prayer: Thank you for revealing the wonderful mystery of your salvation. Help us to abide in your grace.

One Word: The mystery is made plain in Christ

Daily Bread

Fallen Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

Key Verse: 18:4

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,

  “Come out of her, my people,
    lest you take part in her sins,
  lest you share in her plagues;

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