May 5, 2014
UNIMAGINABLE
Ephesians 3
Claressa Norrell
Central Truth
God works in ways beyond our imagination.
Key Verse | Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)
Ephesians 3
The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 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. 6 This mystery is 1 3:6 The words This mystery is are inferred from verse 4 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 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. 8 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, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in 2 3:9 Or by 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.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family 3 3:15 Or from whom all fatherhood; the Greek word patria in verse 15 is closely related to the word for Father in verse 14 in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Dive Deeper | Ephesians 3
Perfectionism, abuse, and divorce are all pieces of my story that have contributed to an ongoing struggle with shame. And that shame, at times, has driven me to make choices that are further damaging to my heart, to others and my relationship with God. Just a few years ago, during one of the darkest times of my life, I felt completely worthless and useless to God. But He has since lovingly shown me otherwise.
We read throughout the Old Testament about God's love for Israel. In fact, God called them His chosen people. However, the Israelites (Jews) continued to reject God until finally He allowed them to suffer the consequences of their actions. I, too, can relate. Thankfully, this is not the end of the story. God sent his only Son, Jesus, to die and be resurrected in order to bring the Jews back into relationship with Himself. But He did not stop there. In Romans 11, we learn that God used Israel's hardheartedness to bring salvation to the Gentiles (everyone else in the world) as well. And God used Paul, a man who once persecuted Christians, to share the gospel with the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8).
So what does all of this mean? Even when we think our lives are too messy, ordinary, or broken, God is able to do "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20, NASB). He did not just save the Jews, but He brought salvation to all of us. He did not pick a perfect man to share the gospel, but one who was the least likely candidate, Paul. And God has shown me that regardless of my past, He is using all of it in unimaginable ways for His kingdom. There is no shame in that! Praise Jesus!
Discussion Questions
1. What is something that you have asked and are waiting on the Lord to do? How might this passage cause you to look at this request or period of waiting differently?
2. Describe a time when God worked something out in your life in a way that you did not expect.
3. What is another story from the Bible when God worked in a way that was beyond what anyone expected? What does this tell you about God?