9. READ: EPHESIANS 3:1-21
[Ephesians 3:1] "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner
of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--
[2] "Surely you have heard about the administration of
God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] that is, the
mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written
briefly. [4] In reading this, then, you will be able to understand
my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known
to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the
Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. [6] This mystery
is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with
Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the
promise in Christ Jesus.
[7] "I became a servant of this Gospel by the gift of
God's grace given me through the working of His power. [8]
Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this
grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable
riches of Christ, [9] and to make plain to everyone the
administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden
in God, Who created all things. [10] His intent was that now,
through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known
to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11]
according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ
Jesus our Lord. [12] In Him and through faith in Him we may
approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you,
therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you,
which are your glory.
[14] "For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15]
from Whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
[16] I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you
with power through His Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you,
being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together
with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep
is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses
knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God.
[20] "Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work
within us, [21] to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
a. What is the mystery of Christ?
b. What is God's manifold wisdom made known through?
c. What is at work within us?
d. Where is God glorified?
