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."