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Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 3:1-21; Job 11:5-9; Ezekiel 43:13-16; Amos 7:7-8; Revelation 11:1-2.
Memory Text: “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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV).
In Ephesians 3:1-21, Paul opens with a theme that he had already touched on earlier: “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6, NKJV). And though that might not be much of a surprise to the church today, composed mostly of Gentiles, it was something that seemed radically new to many of his readers at that time.
Paul then continues his inspired words, as the apostle reflects on his passion to preach the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles.
We learn, too, of his current hardships in extending that ministry, hardships that include time in a Roman prison.
And we also hear his commitment to the mystery at the heart of the gospel, the mystery that, in the church, Gentiles are on equal footing with their Jewish brothers and sisters. We experience his excitement for the church and its cosmic mission. We listen in as he prays, praising God for expressing His grace through the church.
In short, we are inspired to join Paul in his passion for the gospel.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 5.
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