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THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY

Text: Eph. 3
14 September 2008

(I) UNDERSTANDING THE WORD “MYSTERY”

“ And to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery…” Ephesians 3:9

1. The word “mystery” means “Knowledge that has been hidden by God”

2. It was specially hidden in God since the beginning of time

“…which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” Ephesians 3:9

3. It was specially revealed to Paul

(II) THE MEANS OF REVELATION

1. By the Grace of God

“I f indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery…” Ephesians 3:2-3

2. By the Spirit

“Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” Ephesians 3:5

(III) THE CONTENT OF THE MYSTERY

“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” Ephesians 3:6

1. Gentiles – Fellow heirs

2. Gentiles – Part of the Same body

3. Gentiles – Partakers of His promise in Christ

(IV) THE APPRECIATION OF THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY

“…t hat I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery…” Ephesians 3:8-9

1. The time element

2. The Reference – The calling into fellowship with the Lord.

“…called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

3. The response element

(V) PRACTICAL RESPONSES TO THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY

1. Prayer

“ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory…” Ephesians 3:14-16

a) Standing in awe of this concept – The whole family in heaven and earth

b) Standing in awe of the Father who planned it all

2. Extension of prayer – Fellowship

a) Fellowship with the Lord Jesus

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Ephesians 3:17

b) Fellowship with all the saints

“…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19