I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Ephesians 3:1-6 where Paul continues to emphasize the theme of unity between Jews and Gentiles. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V3: The mystery of God is made known through His revelation. He hardens and softens the hearts of those according to His will - this is certainly a mystery - that He choose some to be saved and others not to be saved. We should also be aware that there is both general and special revelation. V5: This revelation of Christ was not made known to Israel in the Old Testament, but was through the apostles (including Paul) through the Holy Spirit. V6: The mystery of Christ includes how Gentiles are "fellow heirs" of the Jews, "members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus[.]" The text reinforces chapter 2 where Paul emphasizes the unity of the church - Jews and Gentiles together form the church.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: V1: Paul describes himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Another way of describing this "captivity" is how scripture describes us as either slaves to sin or slaves to God. Some may believe that they - on their own accord - can produce an enlightened mind that is free from sin, yet this is a fallacy and wrong thinking. Only God and the Holy Spirit can do this. Romans 12:2 describes how the mind can be renewed, and this renewal is by and for God as the text shares how once our minds are renewed we are aligned with God's will. God thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8) but He will make them like His. 2 Corinthians 10:5 describes how we then take thoughts captive to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God." V2: Paul also describes himself as a steward of God's grace - implying that such grace is something to used carefully and wisely - for use in sharing the Good News and for building up the church.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid thinking that our human efforts can produce righteousness - no, Christ alone saves and renews our minds. We should claim the promise that all believers are heirs to a rich inheritance (eternal life) that is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). We should follow the example of Paul and be a good steward of the grace given to us by God. In return we should share the Good News, and through our testimony show grace to others by working with God and the Holy Spirit to save others.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who revealed Himself to me and gives me mercies that never cease and are new every morning. Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me. I know my faith is not of my own doing and I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
