The Mystery of the Gospel
- Ephesians 3:1-7
- Pastor Jerry Halbrook -PBC
- Aug 1, 2010
The Mystery of the Gospel
Ephesians 3:1-7
The gospel is a stewardship entrusted to us, a revelation of God’s grace, and the focus of our ministry.
I. The gospel entrusted (3:2)
A. Stewardship of God’s grace (3:2b)
1. stewardship of God’s grace
2. grace given to Paul – for others
B. Stewardship of the mystery (3:3)
II. The gospel revealed (3:4-6)
A. Means of the revelation (3:5)
B. Message of the revelation (3:6)
1. Reconciliation
2. Congregation
3. Covenant promise
Hoehner. This promise includes the Messiah, salvation, and enablement of the Holy Spirit. In Gal. 3 Paul discloses that the Gentile believer has obtained the promise of the Spirit equally (v. 14), for there is no difference between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female (v. 28). Furthermore, Gentile believers are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise (v. 29). Both believing Gentiles and Jews are under the blessing of the new covenant (2 Cor. 3; Heb. 8).
a. In union with Christ (3:6b)
b. Through the gospel (3:6b)
III. The gospel served (3:7)
A. Service is a gift of God’s grace (3:7b).
B. We serve by God’s power (3:7c).
Conclusion: The Mystery of the Gospel
A. God has entrusted the gospel to us.
1. Through Paul
2. Through subsequent “evangelists”
B. God has revealed the gospel to us.
1. Through Paul
2. Through the New Testament Scriptures
C. We serve the Lord through the gospel.
1. As the church
2. As individual believers
Rom. 16:25 ¶ Now to him
who is able to strengthen you
according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
according to the revelation of the mystery
that was kept secret for long ages
Rom. 16:26 but has now been disclosed
and through the prophetic writings has been made known
to all nations,
according to the command of the eternal God,
to bring about the obedience of faith—
Rom. 16:27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore
through Jesus Christ! Amen.