Outer Banks Community Church

Worthy Walk Series – Week 13 (Ephesians 3:8-13)

Text: Ephesians 3:8-13 (NKJV)

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 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, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”

Intro: Last one chosen! Unworthy…

Paul is basically saying I am a nobody, He admitted he was unworthy but “by God’s grace He used him!”

“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” 1 Corinthians 15:9

In Him we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Ephesians 3:12 (HCSB)

Access to Christ gives a:

1. BOLDNESS:

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

ACCESS is Permission and ability to enter into a secured area or into the presence of someone important such as God. The NT teaches that every person can now have access to God because Jesus’ death on the cross has opened the way. Such access is actually experienced by those who express personal trust in Jesus and rely on divine grace.

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22

Can you be too bold? Or are you not bold enough? “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

IN HIM WE HAVE BOLDNESS!

Access to Christ gives a:

2. CONFIDENCE:

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Imagine being the kind of disciple that has the confidence to do the work needed. That is confident access! Trusting Christ with everything, “I can do all things thru Christ!...” Paul is telling the church you can have a confidence when you understand what Christ has done for the church. HE DIED FOR THE CHURCH! We are His bride.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Access to Christ gives a:

3. FAITH:

“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”

WE HAVE ACCESS: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22

“Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.’ 2 Corinthians 1:6 (NLT)

Vs. 10 “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.”

The purpose of Paul’s ministry was that … the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. In classical Greek the adjective “manifold” referred to the beauty of an embroidered pattern or the variety of colors in flowers, “in its various forms,” in 1 Peter 4:10. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” The “manifold wisdom of God” does not refer to redemption as such but rather to the new relationship between believing Jews and Gentiles in one body. The medium by which this wisdom is communicated is the church; the recipients are the angelic hosts “in the heavenly realms”. These “rulers and authorities” refer to both good and evil angels as seen in 6:12. As the angelic hosts witness the church, they must admit that having Jews and Gentiles in one body is evidence of God’s wisdom.

The gospel must be preached, we can overcome! Let’s face it, life is full of obstacles, as Paul continues to deal with imprisonment he says stay focused on the gospel “do not lose heart!’ Scripture can give you the boldness that is needed, the confidence to be the church and have faith through the storms of life.