P’s and Q’s : Ephesians 3
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles.” (verse 1)
Paul calls himself a prisoner (Doulos) of Jesus. Describe his level of commitment if he would make himself of Jesus. Why do you admire that?
A: He is completely and totally surrendered. His whole self is laid down and he is willing to do anything for Christ.
“That by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.” (verses 3 & 4)
2. Describe “the mystery” Paul is talking about in this passage.
The Gospel- that Jesus came and died in the place of those deserving wrath.
“To be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (verse 6)
3. Who is a ‘fellow heir” and a “fellow member of the body” and “fellow partaker of the promise”?
Those who are in Christ – believers are a part of the body.
“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.” (verse 8)
4. What is this verse saying about Paul?
Paul’s humility marks his ministry as He stewards God’s message.
Why is his statement so astounding?
He, as well as us, have been entrusted to share the riches of Christ with those who don’t know Him. Also, to us, Paul does not seem like the least of these – especially considering his intense dedication to Christ, a yearning that we desire!
“This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which he carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (verse 11)
5. What is God’s eternal purpose that was carried out in Jesus?
To bring redemption and reconciliation through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
“In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. ” (verse 12)
6. When Paul says we have boldness and confident access through faith in Jesus, what is he talking about? (Read Hebrews 4:15 for insight.)
We have confident access to approach the throne of God. We have direct access to Him through the intercession of Jesus.
“Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.” (verse 13)
7. How did Paul’s tribulations work out for our glory?
The message of Christ was advanced through Paul’s trials.
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father…” (verse 14)
8. Why is it good and right to bow our knees before the Father?
God is infinitely holy and worthy of all of our praise. Getting on our knees humbles ourselves before Christ.
“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.” (verse 16)
9. Talk about God strengthening us with power through His Spirit in the inner man. How does God give us this power in practical ways?
He empowers us and strengthens us through His Word. When we are shaken, the Holy Spirit reminds us of His truths and brings to mind scripture we have read.
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” (verse 17)
10. How and why is faith the key for Christ dwelling in our heart?
It is by grace through faith, that we are saved, so faith is the means by which Christ dwells in us.
How does God’s love root and ground us?
It is unchangeable and unshakable; therefore, we are able to remain steadfast in it. It is a constant.
“May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth…” (verse 18)
11. What is Paul referring to in this verse?
Paul is referring to the magnitude of who God is – how great and powerful He is.
What does this say about God?
He is almighty, powerful, unfathomable, and beyond our full comprehension. We can spend our entire lives trying to get to know Him and will never reach full capacity!
“And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (verse 19)
12. Why does Paul say that the love of Christ surpasses knowledge?
It is beyond our understanding. Isaiah 55:8 says that we are such broken sinners that it doesn’t make sense for Christ to love us and sacrifice so much, but He does.
What does it mean to you when Paul says we can be “filled up with all the fullness of God”?
We can experience a full and complete life with Christ. He is the only thing that can complete us. Other desires and idols will leave us feeling empty and yearning.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” (verse 20)
13. If God can do “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think”, how do you need to think differently?
“To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (verse 21)
14. How can you better give God the glory in your life?.
