THE CHURCH AND PREACHING THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST

Pastor  Jerry Rockwell

THE CHURCH AND PREACHING THE UNSEARCHABLE

RICHES OF CHRIST

Introduction: It is pointed out by the “Greek Scholars” that from vss. 3-14 is one sentence. The English KJB does not follow that pattern nor does most of the “new” translations. You will find a comma at the end of vs. 6, vs. 12, and vs. 14. The passage under consideration, Ephesians 3:5-10, covers an explanation of how the “mystery” of the church came to be known. This was given to the apostle Paul while he was in Arabia (Gal. 1:17ff). The revelation was conveyed to the apostle Peter and evidently James, the brother of Jesus (Gal. 1:18-18). This revelation to Paul is recorded in the New Testament in the books of Romans through 2 Thessalonians. These are the seven churches Paul wrote letters to, Romans, Corinthians (2 letters), Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians (2 letters). This makes nine letters to seven churches. These books cover the complete revelation of the “mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4). Peter made an interesting statement about the revelation given to Paul in 2 Peter 3:15–16 (KJV),

“15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” [Emphasis added.] When you read the book of Galatians you will see some of the problems Peter had with Paul’s writing. Peter is referring to the entire revelation given to Paul. This is in spite of what Peter saw in Acts 10:45 (KJV), “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost”  (see Acts 11:1, 18). Peter’s ministry was to the Jew (Gal. 2:7) and the ministry to the Gentile was Paul’s responsibility (Acts 9:15; Gal. 2:7). The churches the apostle Paul wrote to, and probably started, were in the areas dominated by Gentiles although there were Jews there as well. This is seen by the opposition that Paul received to his ministry by the Jews (Acts 14:1-2; 17:1-9; 18:12-13; 19:8-9, et al). Paul encountered many hardships in his quest to get the message of the “gospel of Jesus Christ” to the people (Rom. 1;16; 15:19; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18; 2 Cor. 9:13; Gal. 1;7; 1 Thess. 3:2). The word “gospel” has the meaning of “good news.” To a world that is born in sin, there is a great need for some “good news” and that is exactly what God has done for mankind. The development of this “good news” was developed by the apostle Paul in his writings. This is what the “mystery of Christ” is all about, although there are many things attached to this “good news” which will be developed in the understanding of the “gospel of Christ” and the revelation of the church, which is His body (see 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:12).

  1. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST, Ephesians 3:5-10.
  1. The Commitment of The Mystery of the Church, Ephesians 3:5-6. Paul referred himself as the “prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles” in Ephesians 3:1. Look at Ephesians 6:20 (KJV), “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul was in prison when he wrote this epistle to the Ephesians. He handled this better than most would. His life was totally committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, the establishment of the church, and the mystery. He was committed, even if he was in prison for the Gospel. He took advantage of the time to write letters to the churches to encourage them.  Harold Hoehner makes this observation about Paul’s statement of being a “prisoner.” He says, “. . .for it was the cause of Christ that made him a prisoner.” Paul evidently gladly suffered great hardships as a result of his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. In vs. 5, he refers to the revelation of the Old Testament and New Testament which was “revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Then in vs. 6 he explains that the “Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” We have a wonderful position in Christ and blessed as a result of the benefits we have as believers. It is important to remember what Paul said about what was said in Ephesians 2:11–12 (KJV), “11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.” Then Paul says in Ephesians 2:13–15 (KJV), “13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.” The Jew and Gentile are presently “one” in Christ. Salvation is through Jesus Christ and Ephesians 2:8-10 is still the operational passage for believers today and will not end until the Rapture of the church (1 Cor 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18). Now, before we proceed, look again at Ephesians 3:6 (KJV), “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” We Gentiles, have a place with the Jew and are “fellowheirs” with them in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This speaks to our security being in Christ. This “eternal life” is something that lasts forever. There is no end. A believer has no reason to question their salvation.
  2. The Character of The Apostle Paul, Ephesians 3:7-8. Paul’s humility is amazing. He had access to being special in Jewish circles. Look at the description of his background when he gave a testimony of his life as a Jew. This was in Jerusalem where a large crowd was gathered and wanted to kill him. They accused him of bringing a Gentile into the Temple. The Centurion who rescued them from this crowd gave him liberty to speak to these people. He even spoke in the Hebrew language. The speech is recorded in Acts 22:1-24. Look with me at some of the things he said. In vss. 1-5 Paul’s life as a persecutor of Christians. In vss. 6-11 his conversion on the road to Damascus; in vss. 12-19 the baptism of Paul by Ananias, “a devout man according to the law” (vs. 12); in vs. 20 his part in the stoning of Stephen (see Acts 7:54-8:1); in vss. 21-23 Paul tells of being sent to the Gentiles which infuriated the crowd and the “chief captain” (vs. 24ff) brought Paul in for punishment by scourging. In Acts 22:24-28 Paul appealed to his citizenship as a Roman and avoided scourging since a Roman citizen could not be punished with out a trial (vss. 25-28). God chose Paul (his Gentile name) to be a special vessel to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 13:46; 22:21; Rom. 9:23-24; 11:13; Gal. 2:2-8; Eph. 3:1). The commitment of Paul to the Gospel of Christ, is an amazing story, especially considering him being executed by the Roman government for his commitment. The next verse, Ephesians 3:8 (KJV), “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Here are a few more “unsearchable” riches of Christ. Psalm 145:3 (KJV), “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” Romans 11:33 (KJV), “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” We have a great God and we seldom acknowledge to Him how significant He is in our life. Paul did!!
  3. The Context of the Mystery of the Church, Ephesians 3:9-10. Here is an important doctrine in Ephesians 3:9 (KJV), “And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.” We encountered the word “mystery” in vs. 3 of this chapter. The word occurs twenty-one times in the New Testament and none in the Old Testament. All but four of these are in the writings of Paul. It is found one time in Mark 4:11 where the “kingdom of God” is considered a mystery. The word is found in Revelation three times. Paul said in Ephesians 3:3 (KJV), “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words.” In the revelation given to Paul there are seven mysteries. A list of these mysteries is at the end of this study with no extended explanation of what they are. Maybe good for a future study.
  1. THE DIRECTIVE OF THE PURPOSE BY THE FATHER IN CHRIST JESUS, Ephesians 3:11-12. These two verses speaks of God’s “eternal purpose” (vs. 11). This was not a stop-gap step by God or a “last minute” plan because the Jews missed their Messiah. God in His “foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23; 1 Peter 1:2) had made plans for man’s failure to follow His will. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes man’s failure as a result to disobedience and “lust” of the flesh. Paul write in response to this understanding in Ephesians 2:4–7 (KJV), “4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Our disobedience and rebellion to God’s purpose does not surprise God. He has a plan and vs. 7 in the above passage say why. It is all about Jesus Christ and God’s provision for a rebellious humanity is “his kindness.”

THE SEVEN MYSTERIES RELATED TO THE CHURCH

  1. A Biblical Definition of a Mystery. A mystery is not something we will never understand. It is a hidden truth. The ones now revealed are in Ephesians 3:1-6; Romans 16:25-26. It is not closed; God wants us to know these are vital. We understand then by the Holy Spirit, not our intellect, 1Corinthians 2:7-14. It is understood by simple faith and has to do with “heart attitude.” Matt. 11:25-30; 13:11-17. There are two sets, one for the church and one for Israel. The following are the ones for the church.
  2. The Importance and Significance of the Mysteries. They prevent bad doctrine and heresies.  Proper understanding of these mysteries can clear up every heresy. There are two types of heresy. (1) Those within the body, directed at Christians to get them confused (i.e. Charismatics, losing your salvation, etc.); (2) Those outside the body, directed at the lost to keep them from salvation (works, Catholic, baptismal regeneration, religious ceremony, formalism, etc.). There needs to be caution here. These are family matters, and only the faithful student can easily handle them. “Commit to faithful men” (2 Tim. 2:2; Luke 2:19), “ponder the path of life” (Prov. 5:6); avoid being “puffed up” (1 Cor. 4;6, 18, 19; 5:2; 13:4). Don’t teach them to the lost. This is family business, Deuteronomy 29:29. The seven letters to the churches of Revelation 2-3 are God’s outline of history. The mysteries are God’s “systematic theology” of the Bible. God has his own systematic theology. God works in “sevens.” There are seven mysteries in the New Testament and all doctrine will fall in one of these seven mysteries.
  3. The Seven Mysteries Relating to the Church.
  1. God was manifest in the flesh, 1 Timothy 3:16. The mystery is how the God of this universe became a man and experienced everything other men would. Most people do not believe that Jesus was God. God became a baby! It was prophesied in the Old Testament (Genesis 3:15; 22:8). God was hungry, thirsty, tired, messed his diapers, cried, etc. Joseph the carpenter taught him how to build things from wood. Colossians 2:8-10 – All philosophy is to be judged by this mystery. Isaiah 9:6-7.
  2. The relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ and the church as his bride, Ephesians 5:22-23. This mystery deals with marriage relationships. Jesus Christ loves his bride, the church. The marriage pictures the relationship between Christ and the church. Revelation 19 talks about the marriage of the Lamb. The husband and wife become one flesh. 
  3. Christ in you, the hope of glory, Colossians 1:25-27. Remember: a mystery is something according to the dispensation of God, a stewardship. A dispensation is the way God orders his relationship with man now and it is for you. A mystery is a hidden truth, now revealed, Matthew 13; Romans 16:25-26; Colossians 1:26. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a N.T. doctrine, unique to this dispensation.
  4. The restoration of the nation of Israel – Romans 11:25. Israel is a peculiar people, separate from the rest of the world, Exodus 11:7. It is important to place Israel in history. They have a future purpose in the “Dispensation of the Fullness of Time” (Eph. 3:2).
  5. The Rapture of the Church, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. There must be caution in understanding this point. “Rapture” is not a Bible term; it is not in the Bible one time. NOTE: “Come up hither” (Rev. 4:1) occurs three times in the Bible, Proverbs 25:7; Revelation 4:1; 11:12. The Apostle John is a “type” of the church in Revelation 4:1-2. The Jewish males were presented before the Lord three times in the O.T. (Deut. 16:16-17). Heavens open and the voice of God hears three times in the Gospels, Matthew 3:16; 17:5; John 12:28. (Note: the voice of God is pictured as “thunder”.)
  6. The mystery of iniquity, 2 Thessalonians 2:7. This is related to the “day of Christ” (2 Thess. 2:2). It will be manifest after the “Rapture” (2 Thess. 2:1) and explain the events prior to the initiation of the Tribulation. The “man of sin” is revealed (2 Thess. 2:8) and world-wide apostasy will develop (Rev. 12:9).
  7. Mystery, Babylon the Great, Revelation 17:5. The mystery of iniquity are the men and personalities of Antichrist. This mystery is the religious and political system behind them. The system is introduced in Revelation 17:1-6, defined in Revelation 17:7-18, and judged in Revelation 18. This false religious system can be traced from Nimrod’s day.