1. I. Commission, Ep.3:8-13

2. Two privileges (3, 7-8) 1. Revelation (3) 2. Commission (7-8) Commission: to preach gospel Content: unsearchable riches Class: Gentiles

3. The great contrast (8) The man: Paul – less than the least Adjectives 1. Positive: Good 2. Comparative: Better Best 3. Superlative: Best Little LessLeast Paul magnifies Christ and his own work, but lowers himself

4. The great contrast (8) The man: Paul – less than the least The plan: unsearchable riches… God’s ways Ro.11:33 God’s wisdom Ep.3:8 Unsearchable, NKJV/ASV/ESV Unfathomable, NASB Boundless, NRSV // Endless, etc.

5. The greatest privilege (8) Telling people about immeasurable treasures God wants to give them If we are not enriched by them, it’s our own fault His Grace Reaches Me God’s 2:4 Christ’s 3:8

6. Turning on the light (9) How to “make all see”? Enlighten, give light to, shed light upon... God’s private/mysterious plan... instruct, as in 2 K.17:27 (BDAG)

7. God’s purpose (10-11) 1. Why? Make known (9, cf. v.5) 2. What? Manifold wisdom 3. Way? Through the church. Is it important? 4. Who? Rulers & authorities in heavenly places 5. When? Eternal purpose (11) Many-sided (BDAG ) ; many and diverse... the wisdom of God in its many different forms (L-N)

8. God, Paul, and Gentiles (12-13) 12: Paul’s body in prison, his soul in presence of God 13: God allows Paul to suffer and die for Gentiles Access (2:18): a way of approach

9. I. Commission, Ep.3:8-13 II. Church, Ep.3:10-11

10. 1. Church displays wisdom of God (10) Church is God’s theater to display His divine wisdom (1 Co.4:9) Satan’s angels (6:12)  Watch church in horror (Col.1:13) God’s angels  From creation to new creation

11. Amazing grace; sacrificial love (2:5) Ever know one who sacrificed his son to save his enemies? No greater proof of God’s wisdom and love Justice of God Love of God Blood of Christ (Ro.3:26)

12. Free will (2:8) Calvinism emphasizes sovereignty: man cannot act in his salvation Truth: God is so Sovereign that He can accomplish His purpose w. creatures who have free will! Ac.4:27-28

13. Work of church (3:6, 8) 1:13 (Ac.19) 2:17  Would you have thought God could save Saul?  …make him an apostle? Emphasis of N.T. church

14. Worship – preparation for heaven (5:19) 12 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 13 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect – Hb.12

15. Unity (3:6) Jews and Gentiles?? Is.11

16. Support system (3:4) “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” –2 Pt.1:3

17. 2. Reveals eternal purpose of God (11) Purpose: that which is planned in advance, plan, purpose, resolve, will (BDAG) 2 T.1:9. There is no plan B

18. Some are unhappy w. the church Christ Fighting (4:31) Finance (5:3, 5) Filth (5:3, 5)Church Unnecessary, optional [2:16] Afterthought (plan B) [3:10f] Denomination [Jn.17:20-21] Incomplete [Col.1:6, 23]