This Week’s Chapters: Eph 3 - Phil 1
Pastor Matt Beemer
Ephesians 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ…
Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
I love a good mystery! From the time I was a child I enjoyed watching Perry Masson and Colombo solve the unsolvable. Today I still enjoy watching the detailed minded Monk, Mid-summer Murders or even the occasional Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. In all of these mystery’s I love most when the hero reviews the clues they discovered that ‘broke’ the case.
The Bible speaks of a mystery that is only solved fully in the New Testament. The word ‘Mystery’ appears 19 times in the New Testament and most of these refer directly to ‘The Mystery’ that Paul speaks of. The phrase ‘Mystery of Christ’ and ‘Mystery of God’ both appear in two verses each.
So what is this mystery that Paul had understanding into, and how can we proclaim it if we don’t know it? Paul says it was hidden, but now understanding and insight is available! For centuries it was hidden to the masses and only a few prophets saw just a few clues that pointed them in the direction. Just like when Colombo tells of how he solved a case, I think – ‘Of course, it was there all along, why didn’t I see that!’ It was hidden to me until someone helped me see it.
The Bible tells us very clearly what the mystery is…
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
It’s not just Christ and what He’s done for us that is the mystery, but Paul also tells us that a significant part of this mystery is the fact that all nations (Gentiles) are included in it! Most places he speaks of the mystery, he also speaks of the nations in connection with it! For example in our weekly reading:
Ephesians 3:6 states… This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles (Nations) are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
What Paul says next is very important to us as a church because verses 8-10 of Ephesians 3 speak of three dynamics of the missionary grace that Julie and I, and in a measure, all of WHBC are walking in.
8Though I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known
The 3 dynamics are: 1) Proclaim the mystery to all unreached nations, 2) make plain the plan about how to do it, 3) and the plan is to flow through the church.
In summary (I feel like Colombo)… The Mystery is Christ in you the hope of glory and this Mystery must be revealed to all the unreached nations!
Breathing Daily with God is an opportunity for the Pastors to share their thoughts on the chapters we have been reading in our daily bible reading plan.Email this to a friend | Add A Comment | Bookmark | Subscribe
1 Comments So Far
- Janis. Thank you Past Matt!
I was meditating on these passages and now you explained them more clearly! I understand the importance of prayer more clearly now! So that the Gospel can spread out. Even if we know God`s calling on our lives, we still need to pray! Thank you!
posted September 04, 2009 at 12:33 PM
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