12: The Testimony and Prayer of A Minister of the Gospel (Eph 3:1-21)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

In the previous lesson, we learned of the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles in Christ. In this passage, we see that this reconciliation is the basis of Paul’s mission—to preach to the Gentiles. Then he ends the section with prayer and praise.

B.     Key Verse

            “of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power” (3:7).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(3:1-12)

(3:13-21)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     3:1-12

1.      Paul was given the ‘dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God for the Gentiles’. What does this mean?

2.      What is the mystery that God has revealed?

3.      How can the church as a whole and the individual members discharge responsibly the dispensation given us?

4.      Discuss God’s plan of salvation through the ages noting specifically the people that He chooses. Then see if we can appreciate why the above is a ‘mystery’ i.e. something even learned people do not know. Also think about why most of the Jews today still do not believe in Jesus.

5.      What does Paul have to say about his ministry to the Gentiles?

6.      The source of his effectiveness

7.      His qualifications

8.      The degree of the mystery

9.      The channel through which God reveals the mystery

10.  To whom also must the mystery be made known

11.  The ultimate power for accomplishing the work

12.  What does Paul ask the Ephesians to do? What is the basis of this plea?

13.  Based on this paragraph, what is Paul’s attitude toward his ministry? What lessons can we learn from this attitude?

B.     3:13-21

14.  What does verse 14 teach us about prayer?

15.  Explain the meaning of verse 15.

16.  What petitions does Paul make in his prayer?

17.  What kind of knowledge did Paul pray that the Ephesians would have?

18.  Discuss the width, length, depth and height of the love of Christ.

19.  In comparison to the love of Christ, what is the width, length, depth and height of your love?

20.  What does Paul say about God’s power?

21.  How did Paul’s prayer end? What does this teach us about our prayers?