1:1-14 Blessed in heavenly realms…. (v.3) Chose us….(v.4) Predestined us … (v.5) Given Grace….(v.6) Redemption and forgiveness….(v.7) Makes known his plan….(v.9) Brings everything under control….(v.10) Gain an inheritance…. (v.11) We have hope…. (v.12) He lives within us as a guarantee…. (v.13-14) Through Christ

1: Belief + Hope = Power (Inheritance) Belief = Contact Knowledge x Revelation x Identification

2: We were objects of wrath – but God had other plans Works are good because they are in Christ prepared in advance for us by God.

2:11-22 Any obsessive concern can be worshipped. Social Justice, theology, works, principals, morality, denomination, gifts, tongues, peace, family What do you identify with before Jesus? Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven…and the glory of the Lord filled the temple Idolatry – Cross - Temple

Through Jesus – Power of the Holy Spirit – Good works over wrath – Spirit filled Body – In the World

1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, Remember who is writing this: 2 Corinthians 11:21-33 If it can happen with Paul, it can happen with anyone. Mystery – can only be revealed

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Just making up words - rich variety, manifold, multifarious – polymulitfarious Those with influence and impact that have heavenly weight Cross of Christ achieved Peace Expect suffering when you refuse to participate and stand in defiance of the destructive forces of this world

It remains God’s story, but the Church has no less role than the apostle Paul had. God has called the Church to be the instrument to make known AND bring about his polymultifaceted plan to the world! The basis of which is HOPE as heirs in Christ.

Proficiency in the Gospel Repentance is turning – away from idols and towards the truth of God The Church has lost power because we chase another gospel – We chase self