His Word Today

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13 (ESV)

The examination of the Apostle Paul’s extended parenthesis prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers concludes with today’s text. With all the privileges believes in Christ possess, what does the apostle say is one, of many, practical applications regarding this truth?

Paul tells us that it is to not lose heart (ἐγκακέω; enkakeo). This phrase means to be discouraged, or to give up ((Luke 18:1; 2 Cor. 4:1, 16; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13+). One of the chief reasons believers in Christ are tempted to be discouraged is due to the problems of life and living: either by their own sufferings or the sufferings of other people.

Such was the case from today’s text in the life of the Ephesian Christians. Paul was concerned that they had become discouraged because of his imprisonment by the Roman government (Acts 21-28).

On the contrary, what could have been discouraging the Apostle Paul wanted the Ephesians to regard as glorious. The word glory (δόξα; doxa) has many meanings and nuances. It literally means brightness. It also refers to splendor, honorable and praiseworthy.

The Apostle Paul wanted the Ephesian believers to realize, along with believers in Christ today, is that believers in Christ are to praise God and glory in whatever difficult circumstances they may face on behalf of the Lord.

Nineteenth century biblical theologian Charles Hodge writes, “It is because we have access to God, the sum of all good, we ought to be superior to all the afflictions of this life, and maintain a joyful spirit. Being the subjects of such a redemption and having this liberty of access to God, believers ought not to be discouraged by all the apparently adverse circumstances attending the propagation of the Gospel.”

Living for Christ, while living in a fallen and sinful world, has never been easy. It wasn’t in Paul’s day. It certainly is not in our own. Let us resolve, as believers in Christ, to never set our joys and hopes in what this world promotes, but rather in what God has promised in His Word.

Soli deo Gloria!

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.” (Ephesians 3:11–12 (ESV)

The examination of the Apostle Paul’s extended parenthesis prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers continues with today’s text. The entire doctrine of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ (Ephesians 3:2-10) was not an afterthought with God.

On the contrary, the mystery previously undisclosed concerning the makeup of the church was according to God’s eternal purpose. In other words, the Lord did not have in mind the unity of all believers in Christ as a Plan B. Rather, He planned and set forth this truth before time began.

God’s eternal plan for both people groups would be historically, and redemptively, realized (ποιέω; poieo) or fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is He alone who was, and is, the mediator of this New Covenant (I Timothy 2:5-6).

It is due to this work of God, through Jesus Christ, that all believers in Christ, Jew or Gentile, have access to God the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). The Apostle Paul stated that believers presently and actively have boldness and access with confidence in Christ.

Boldness (παρρησία; parresia) means to have confidence and courage. Access (προσαγωγή; prosagage) means to have the right to speak. Confidence (πεποίθησις; pepoithesis) is a reference to our faith in the One, True God. It means to have trust in, commitment to, dependence or confidence upon, and the honor and worship of the Lord.

These privileges each believer possesses is explicitly because of our faith alone in Christ alone, which ultimately is because of God’s grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). We must never fail to remember this eternal truth.

Nineteenth century theologian Charles Hodge writes, “The purpose of God to make provision for the redemption men has been fulfilled in the incarnation and death of His Son. As the consequence of this accomplished work, we have in Him boldness and access with confidence, i.e. free and unrestricted access to God as children to a father.”

Believers in Christ may confidently approach God the Father and adore Him, confess sin to Him, submit requests to Him, and express thanksgiving to Him. May each of us do so today. What a privilege is ours.

Soli deo Gloria!   

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 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.” (Ephesians 3:7–10 (ESV)

We continue our examination of the Apostle Paul’s extended parenthesis prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers. Paul has already indicated that he is a minister solely by a gift of God’s grace (vs.7), along with being the least of all the saints.

Yet, God has given him the responsibility of preaching the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles (vs.8). Paul also shares that God has also given him the privilege of making plain, for both Jews and Gentiles, what is the plan of the mystery. This refers us back to Ephesians 3:3 and the truth that both Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ.

God’s ultimate purpose is for the church, both Jews and Gentiles who are united in Christ, to display the manifold wisdom of God. Manifold (πολυποίκιλος; polypoikilos) means many-sided and diverse. This adjective modifies the noun wisdom (σοφία; sophia) which refers to God’s insight and practical truth. In other words, the church is to disclose and proclaim the comprehensive and practical truth solely originating from the Creator of the universe.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “God, through the church, manifests his glory to all the angels. The holy angels rejoice (see Luke 15:10; cf. 1 Pet. 1:12) because they are involved with the church (see 1 Cor. 11:10; Heb. 1:14). Although they have no desire or capacity to praise God, even fallen angels see the glory of God in the salvation and preservation of the church. The heavenly places (as in Eph. 1:3 and 6:12) refers to the entire realm of spiritual beings.”

Dr. R. C. Sproul adds that, “There is no more basic division in the human race than that between Jew and Gentile. That they can be united with each other in Christ displays the profound wisdom of God (Isaiah 55:8-9; I Cor. 2:6-10). It proves, even to supernatural powers, that Jesus is Lord of the universe (Ephesians 1:20-23).”

Soli deo Gloria!

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 God, who created all things.” (Ephesians 3:7–9 (ESV)

We continue our examination of the Apostle Paul’s extended parenthesis prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesian believers. Paul has already indicated that he is a minister solely by a gift of God’s grace (vs.7), along with being the least of all the saints. Yet, God has given him the responsibility of preaching the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles (vs.8).

With that in mind, Paul also shares that God has also given him the privilege of making plain, for both Jews and Gentiles, what is the plan of the mystery. This refers us back to Ephesians 3:3 and the truth that both Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ.

This unity through the gospel was hidden for ages in God. In other words, God kept this good news hidden for some time. Now, due to the finished work of Jesus Christ, He has chosen to reveal it.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “There were many truths hidden and later revealed in the NT that are called mysteries. Here is one: Jew and Gentile brought together in one body in the Messiah. Paul not only wrote of the mystery that, in Christ, Jew and Gentile become one in God’s sight and in his kingdom and family, but also explained and clarified that truth. He realized that spiritual knowledge must precede practical application. What is not properly understood cannot be properly applied.”

May each of us properly apply and we biblically learn and understand. Have a blessed day.

Soli deo Gloria!  

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,” (Ephesians 3:7–8 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul continues his extended parenthesis, prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesians, in today’s text. He referred to himself as a minister of the gospel in vs. 7. This ministry, the apostle made clear, was a sovereign gift and responsibility given to him from God alone on the basis of God’s grace alone.

Such a responsibility could have resulted in Paul being filled with pride and a huge ego. After all, his perspective on his pre-converted self-righteousness was certainly lacking in humility (Philippians 3:1-9). I wonder how many of us elevate ourselves in the ministries and responsibilities we have in the church.

However, the apostle called himself the very least of all the saints. The phrase very least (ἐλάχιστος; elachistos) means the lowest, the least important, and to be insignificant. It refers to an individual of low status (Matt. 2:6; 5:19b; 25:40, 45; 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8+). Paul’s view of his own insignificance is not with respect to the world, but rather with respect to the church and among the saints. One of the greatest apostles of the living God viewed himself as the least of all God’s people (1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Cor. 13:12; Philip. 4:22; Rev. 18:20+; Rev. 22:21) within the church of the living God.

Paul understood that any responsibility God gave him was based upon God’s sovereign grace. The apostle identified his primary mission was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Compare the progression of Paul’s self-description from I Corinthians 15:9 to Ephesians 3:8 to I Timothy 1:15-16. In each text, Paul stresses his own unworthiness and God’s excessive grace. But the contrast between these two truths grows more stark from the earliest of these self-descriptions to the latest.”

How would you describe yourself and your status and ministry within the church? Do you love to receive accolades and awards named in your honor? Or do you view yourself as the least of all within the church and want all the praise to go to God and His grace? May all of us carefully consider these questions.

Soli deo Gloria!  

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,” (Ephesians 3:7–8 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul continues his extended parenthesis, prior to his prayer on behalf of the Ephesians, in today’s text. When he uses the phrase of this gospel, he is referring the readers back to the preceding verse (Ephesians 3:6) which says, “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

The Gospel is the true, biblical message that the God of the Bible exists and He is the One, True God. Secondly, that sin exists in every human being, not only by behavior but also by nature. Thirdly, that salvation, or deliverance, by God from sin’s penalty, power and eventual presence exists. Fourthly, that deliverance from sin is accomplished only by the person and work of Jesus Christ also exists (John 1:1-18).

Paul said that it was solely of this gospel that by God’s grace, or unmerited favor, that the apostle was made a minister. The word minister (διάκονος; diakonos) means one who serves. It is from this word that we derive our English word deacon ((Philip. 1:1; Rom. 16:1; Eph.  6:21; 1 Tim. 3:8, 12). However, one does not have to hold the church office of deacon in order to serve the Lord and the church.

The responsibility of being a servant, or minister of the gospel, was from God alone. God gave this ministry to Paul solely by the working of His divine power. The responsibility was not something Pau earned or for which he bargained. It was a sovereign gift from God.

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “No man can make himself a minister (lit., “servant”) of God, because the calling, message, work, and empowering of genuine ministry to and for God are his prerogative alone to give. See Acts 26:16; 1 Cor. 15:10; Col. 1:23, 25, 29.”

Have a blessed day in the Lord. May we all be the servants God has called us to be, wherever that service exists.

Soli deo Gloria!   

We will devote each Lord’s Day in 2021 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Eleven: Justification. Part 3.

5. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified;^a and although they can never fall from the state of justification,^b yet they may by their sins fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.^c

a. Mat 6:12; 1 John 1:7, 9; 2:1-2. • b. Luke 22:32; John 10:28; Heb 10:14. • c. Psa 32:5; 51:7-12; 89:31-33; Mat 26:75; Luke 1:20; 1 Cor 11:30, 32.

6. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.^a

a. Rom 4:22-24; Gal 3:9, 13-14; Heb 13:8.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

\Soli deo Gloria!

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 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:5–6 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul more fully explains the mystery, or secret, of Christ (Ephesians 3:3-4) in today’s text. He begins by saying that it is a divine mystery previously not made known, or revealed, in previous generations, as it has been by the Lord’s holy apostles and prophets in the New Testament era by the Holy Spirit.

In Ephesians 3:6, the apostle declares the mystery of Christ. It is that Gentiles are in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel. This means that not only are Gentiles joined and in union with Christ, but they also are joined and in union with Jewish believers in Christ. This is a doctrine of which Paul extensively explained, and we examined, in Ephesians 2:11-22.

Paul provides three common characteristics Gentile and Jewish believers share in Christ. These three phrases describe what all believers are in Christ.  

First, Gentile Christians are fellow heirs. The phrase fellow heirs (συγκληρονόμος; synkleronomos) means that Gentiles are co-inheritors in Christ of all the blessings from God, along with believing Jews (Rom. 8:17; Eph. 3:6; Heb. 11:9; 1 Peter 3:7).

Second, Gentile Christians are members of the same body (σύσσωμος; syssomos).The body metaphor was previously introduced in Ephesians 2:16. The Gentiles are counted along with the Jews in sharing in the promise’ or even the Gentiles along with the Jews share in the promise of the Gospel.

Third, Gentile Christians are partakers of the promise (συμμέτοχος ἐπαγγελία; symmetochos epangelia). This means that Gentiles share in the Messianic promises from God (Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:29).

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Though God had promised universal blessing through Abraham (Gen. 12:3), the full meaning of that promise became clear when Paul wrote Gal. 3:28. Isaiah 49:6 predicted salvation to all races, but it was Paul who wrote of the fulfillment of that pledge (Acts 13:46–47). Paul disclosed a truth that not even the greatest prophets understood—that within the church, composed of all the saved since Pentecost in one united body, there would be no racial, social, or spiritual distinctions.”

In light of our position in Christ, let us resolve to display this unity in all we do for Christ. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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,” (Ephesians 3:3–4 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul continues his extended parenthesis to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 3:3-4. It is here that he introduces the doctrine of the mystery. To what is the apostle referring?

I love a mystery. It is one of my favorite literary genres: whether it is a book or a film. I never tire of them. One of my favorite mystery authors is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the fictional detective Mr. Sherlock Holmes and his assistant, Dr. John Watson. My all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes mystery is The Hound of the Baskervilles.

What exactly is a mystery and how does it pertain to Jesus Christ and our justification by grace alone, through faith alone, and in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone? The word mystery (μυστήριον; mysterion), as Paul uses it in today’s text, means a secret (Mark 4:11; Rom. 11:25; 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:1; 4:1; 13:2; 14:2; 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 6:19; Col. 1:26; 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Tim. 3:9; Rev 17:5). It was a concept that the apostle used throughout his inspired writings.

The Tyndale Bible Dictionary explains a mystery to be that, “Counsel, or secret plan, that God shares only with his people. In most biblical passages it relates to the wise counsel of God in his guidance of history to its destiny. The most specific and significant application of the concept of mystery is to the plan of God regarding the death of Christ. It does not refer to a secret that God is unwilling to tell or to something so obscure that it could not be understood even if told.

The passages in which its theological meaning is most clearly seen (among over 30 occurrences in Scripture) are Daniel 3:18–28; 4:6 (Septuagint); Matthew 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10; Romans 11:25; 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 4:1; 15:51; Ephesians 1:9; 3:3–6, 9–12; Colossians 1:26–29; 2:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9, 16; Revelation 1:20; 10:7; 17:5–18.”

Paul specifically refers to the mystery as the mystery of Christ. This is God’s divine secret that originates in and is sourced in Jesus Christ alone.  

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “In Paul, and in Jewish thought generally, a mystery is a divine secret that has now been revealed (Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:3-9). The mystery may simply be the fact that, though it was evident that only a remnant of Israel would be saved in the latter days, it was not as clear according to Old Testament prophecy that a majority of those saved would be Gentiles in comparison to only a remnant of saved Jews.”

More to come as the mystery of Christ unfolds. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!    

“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,” (Ephesians 3:1-2)

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “Paul begins a prayer that his Gentile readers will be filled with presence of Christ and be able to grasp the truth about their Redeemer’s love and power. Yet Paul’s mention of his special call to serve the Gentiles leads him to interrupt himself to explain the nature of his own ministry and insight into the union of Jew and Gentile in Christ.”

This extended parenthesis by Paul comprises Ephesians 3:2-13. Beginning today, we will examine each verse within this discourse. Today, we will study vs. 2.

What is a steward? If you have ever been on a river, or an ocean cruise, a steward is a person who looks after the passengers on the ship, aircraft, or train and brings them meals and anything else the paying passenger may need. A steward may also be an individual who is responsible for supplies of food to a college, club, or other institution.  

What the Apostle Paul had in mind when he used the word stewardship was similar and yet different. Stewardship (οἰκονομία; oikonomia) refers to the administration of a household (Luke 16:1-4), a task or job implying the need for administration (1Cor. 9:17), and also a plan involving a set of arrangements (1Tim. 1:4).

However, the stewardship to which the apostle referred to was that stewardship of God’s grace. God gave Paul the important responsibility to administrate the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). Paul calls the Gospel “God’s grace.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “Stewardship” means an administration, or management. Paul did not choose the stewardship of his apostleship or ministry. God had sovereignly commissioned him with the calling, spiritual gifts, opportunities, knowledge, and authority to minister as the apostle to the Gentiles (see Acts 9:1–19; 1 Tim. 1:12–13; cf. Rom. 15:15–16; 1 Cor. 4:1; 9:16–17; Gal. 2:9).”

To what, and to whom, has God called you to be a steward? Is your stewardship of God’s grace to your family, friends, and/or co-workers? If so, than pray that not only that God will use you as His steward, but that you and I will be faithful and responsible to this God given stewardship.

Soli deo Gloria!