THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST

Ephesians 3:1-21

Key Verse: 3:6

1. Read verses 1-2. What was Paul’s attitude toward his ministry? What does his attitude teach about service to God?

2. Read verses 3-6. Where else in this chapter do you find the word “mystery?” (3,4,6,9) What is the mystery? (Col 1:26-27; Ro 16:28) What was Paul's special insight into the mystery of Christ? (3-6; Ac 13:47; Ac 15:16-18; Ex 19:5-6)

3. Read verse 6 again. Why is Paul's message in this verse revolutionary? (See Jn 4:9; Ac 15:5) What does it mean that the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel? (2 Ti 2:11-12; Ro 8:17) Members of one body? Sharers in the promise? (Eph 2:11-16; Gal 3:26-29)

4. Read verses 7-13. How does Paul apply the mystery of the gospel to himself? What mission had God given him? (Ac 9:15; 26:16-18) What is God's intention and great purpose? Why might the Ephesians be discouraged? How did Paul encourage them? (13)

5. Read verses 14-21. As Paul kneels in prayer, what does he affirm about God? (14-15) What are his prayer topics for the Ephesians? (16-19)

6. How can we be strong in the inner person? (Ro 5:3-8) How can we claim God's promised power and presence? (17,20; Col 2:6,7)