A SECRET REVEALED; A MESSAGE TO SHARE

Text: Ephesians 3:1-13

The text begins with "for this reason..." And the question is "what reason?" The reason is found in the chapter 2 studied yesterday from verses 11- 22. This being the revelation by God himself that the gentiles are now welcome into the Commonwealth of Christ through his shed blood on the cross. Jews and gentiles have become one in union with Christ. Equal standing in God is assured. The Jewish wall of separation called circumcision  is toppled. A new oder is enthroned and that is faith in the finished work of Christ on the  cross. Anyone whether Jew by birth or gentile by birth, who turns around and embraces Christ and the wisdom of his cross has made peace with God, the father. He is accepted and can confidently approach God's throne. 

According to verse 6; 

this mystery is that through the gospel the gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of the one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus

It is for the dissemination of this information and unravelling of this mystery  that Paul was chosen. He is given the mandate to carry this message to all the gentiles. Now he tells the Ephesians that by the reason of the mandate given to him, he has become a prisoner of Christ. Even though he is in a physical Roman prison, he sees himself, first, as the prisoner of Christ. He is Christ' captive because he has put his neck in his yoke and has surrendered his passion, will and emotions for Christ' ultimate use. He tells them not to feel sad at his obvious suffering but rather be glad that though he is caged in a prison the message isn't. They, the gentiles have heard the message and can now enter freely and boldly into God's presence by the virtue of the knowledge of salvation mystery made available to them.

Paul's life remains a challenge to every believer. He regards himself in humility as the least qualified for such an arduous task. Yet God fished him out and gave him the mandate. The interesting and praise worthy thing is that he made himself available. He cooperated with God immediately. He jettisoned his own plans and became consumed with this singular passion of revealing God's mystery of salvation in Christ to every soul. Today, we stand washed in Christ because the ministry of Paul one way or another reached down to us. This is possible only because Paul made himself available, accessible and teachable. He wasn't qualified but God equipped and qualified him because he said yes. 

So, What?  If you have been born again and washed from your sins, you're a part of the body of Christ the church. In verse 10-11 we read: 

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 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord"

We are this church being talked about here; you and I. It is our heritage to run with the gospel message until every "Gentile" hears it. We are inexcusable and woe betide us if we fail to continue in the steps of the apostles. Those before us suffered so much to ensure that the message is preached to everyone. We are their products. What can we do to ensure that the gospel message does not die in our hands? A large number of the Earth' population is still ignorant of this mystery of God in Christ. If Paul could penetrate the pervasive idolatry of his time why can't we? It is the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead which worked in Paul that still works in us today. Think about this and make the right decision today. God bless you.