What does Paul say about God and the actions of God in Ephesians 3:7-13?

Paul again lays claim to being a “minister” through “the gift of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:7, ESV; compare Ephesians 3:1-2). This gift, like the gospel itself, is not granted because of the worth of the recipient, but through God’s grace. Paul underlines this point by describing himself as “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8, ESV).

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There is an interesting progression in Paul’s self-understanding that is discernible as we move through Paul’s letters in the order they were written. Early on, he lays claim to his status as a divinely appointed apostle (Galatians 1:1). Later, though, he introduces himself as “the least of the apostles” and “not worthy to be called an apostle” (1 Corinthians 15:9, NKJV). Here in Ephesians he sees himself as “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8, ESV). Finally, he describes himself as the “chief” (NKJV) or “worst” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15, NIV).

Perhaps this line of thinking here by Paul can help explain this famous quote by Ellen G. White: “The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature.” — Steps to Christ, p. 64.

Paul then continues. In Ephesians 3:10, he writes: “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (NKJV). Who are the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (ESV) mentioned here? How does the church announce God’s “manifold” or multifaceted wisdom to them? Though Ephesians 3:10 does not describe the nature of the powers, it seems best to take them as the evil ones described in more detail in Ephesians 6:11-12. If so, the composition of the church, unifying Jews and Gentiles as once very divided parts of humankind, becomes a ringing announcement to these demonic “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” of God’s plan for the future, “to unite all things in him [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10, ESV). They are put on notice that God’s plan is underway and their doom assured. The very nature of a unified church signals their ultimate defeat.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: 
Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words.

With all that Paul writes to us in Ephesians, we are encouraged to say
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 so that we may live our lives as Jesus would have us do.

Being a prisoner in Rome, Paul found “there is a deeper, divine purpose being worked out in his life”: 
Hymn 316 – Live Out Thy Life Within Me all 
Because He Live – Hymn 526 I can face tomorrow.

Monday shows God’s abundant grace: 
Amazing Grace – Hymn 108, Marvelous Grace – Hymn 109 and 
God Of Grace And God Of Glory – Hymn 607. With this wonderful grace in hand, we must go forth and 
The Son Of God Proclaim – Hymn 411 (Monday).

It is revealed on Tuesday that 
The Church Has One Foundation – Hymn 348 so let us 
Rise Up, O Church Of God – Hymn 615 knowing that I am 
Chief Of Sinners – Hymn 295 just as Paul also claimed to be.

“the immensity of the love of Christ” Ephesians 3:19 is also found in 
Hymn 79 – O Love Of God, How Strong And True, 
Hymn 148 –  O Love, How Deep, How Broad  and 
Hymn 76 – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.

Just as Paul gives praise to God (Thursday) in his prison cell we may also in 
Hymn 11 – The God Of Abraham Praise, 
Hymn 1 – Praise To The Lord¸ 
Hymn 4 – Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven, 
Hymn 14 – Let Us Praise The Name Of The Lord, 
Hymn 20 – O Praise Ye The Lord, and more hymns 
25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 37, 53, 70, 105, 106, 249, to add just a few.

So, dear people, be encouraged to go forward and
“Lift up the trumpet and loud let it ring, Jesus IS coming again” – Hymn 213.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(1)

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Key Thought Paul tells us in Ephesians that we need more than just a shallow experience with God to be laborers together with God; we should seek for a deep spiritual understanding of the things of God.
August 5, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3:1-6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What is the mystery that has been entrusted to Paul?
3. Personal Application: How can we learn to trust God and His ways amid what can be trying circumstances? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What attitudes might people hold that contradict the inclusiveness taught by the gospel? How do we get rid of these attitudes?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3:7-13.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does Paul say about God and the actions of God?
3. Personal Application: Why does Paul say that he is the chief of sinners and the worst of all saints? Do you feel that way at times? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “If your congregation took Paul’s job description of the church seriously, how might it change the way your church members relate to one another?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3:14-19.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What focus does Paul share here about the family in heaven and earth?
3. Personal Application: How can you trust others as family? What obstacles do you see in trying to do that? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How can we better experience the power and presence of God in our lives? I see a lot of self-proclaimed Christians that exhibit no power and show no presence of the Holy Spirit.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 3:20,21.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What does Paul praise God about here?
3. Personal Application: What blessings from God are especially valuable to you? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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