- Introduction
- I. PAUL A PRISONER OF CHRIST FOR THE GENTILES
- A. Paul Imprisoned Because of His Ties with Gentiles (Acts 22)
- 1. Real problem in early church (Acts 10 and Acts 15 reveal the problem)
- 2. Paul proclaiming Jews and Gentiles are God's special people in church
- B. A Special Grace Given to Paul to Preach to Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2)
- 1. Dispensing of grace to Gentiles
- 2. Undeserving but still chosen by God
- C. How Paul Received the Mystery That Had Been Hidden (Ephesians 3:3)
- 1. How we get understanding (Ephesians 3:4)
- 2. Written to be understood
- D. Holy Spirit Miraculously Gave Information to Apostles and Prophets (Ephesians 3:5)
- 1. Old Testament prophets understood the Gentiles were to be saved
- 2. They did not understand that it would be without becoming proselytes
- E. The Mystery Revealed (Ephesians 3:6)
- 1. This would boggle the minds of the Jews
- 2. Galatians 3:26-29
- 3. Paul shared this knowledge of the church (Romans 16:25-26; Colossians 1:24-29)
- 4. This mystery had been hidden in Christ
- 5. Paul the persecutor now sharing this wonderful news (Ephesians 3:7-8)
- II. GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE (Ephesians 3:10-11)
- A. Unseen Rulers
- 1. Angels and dignitaries
- 2. Surprise for the Devil
- 3. Devil carried out God's plan
- B. Gentiles Should Feel So Honored (Ephesians 3:12-13)
- C. How Grateful Are You?
- Conclusion
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