Section: Doctrinal
Lesson Title: A Preachin' Prisoner or An Imprisoned Preacher

Lesson Text: 3:1-13

 

Having already stated that the Gentiles have been brought near by the blood of Jesus, Paul is about to transition into prayer.  Before he transitions he identifies himself as a prisoner and in so doing feels the need to clarify his situation. He opens his clarifying statement with a reference to his stewardship as a privilege afforded him by grace.

 

I.          PAUL'S PRIVILEDGE (3:2-12)

A.                  THE MINISTRY (3:2).

1.         A commission or stewardship

a.         Given to him by God.

b.         Given to him for the Gentiles

2.         The special ministry of announcing God's favor

B.                  THE MYSTERY (3:3-9, 12)

1.                   Understood by revelation (3:3-4).  Something he mentioned in 1:9.

2.                   Revealed by the Spirit (3:5).  What was concealed and had been kept secret has now been revealed.

a.         To His holy apostles

b.         To His holy prophets

3.                   The revelation declared (6, 12).

a.                   Gentiles should be fellow heirs with the Jews

b.                   Gentiles should be members of the same body as Jews

c.                   Gentiles should be partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel

d.                   Gentiles have boldness and access with the Jews into God's presence (12)

4.                   Paul was chosen by God to declare the mystery (8-9).

a.         Even though he did not deserve such a privilege.

b.         Even though he was the least deserving saint.

5.                   The purpose (10-11).

a.                   To reveal the broadness and diversity of the wisdom of God (10)

1.                   By the joining together of Jews and Gentiles into one body, the Church.

2.                   To principalities and powers in the heavenlies

b.                   Accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (11)

II.         PAUL'S PROFILE (3:1, 7, 8)

A.                  A PRISONER (3:1)

1.                   Of Jesus Christ

2.                   For you Gentiles

3.                   Because of my message or preaching

B.                  A PREACHER (3:7, 8b)

1.                   According to the gift of grace

2.                   By the effective working of His power

3.                   The endless treasures available to the Gentiles in Christ

C.         A PROPER PERSECTIVE (3:8a) –

1.         An unmerited privilege – "though I did nothing to deserve it"

2.         An undeserved privilege - "though I am the least deserving Christian there is"

III.        PAUL'S PLEA (3:13)

A.         THE REQUEST – "Do not lose heart at my tribulations"

B.         THE REASON – "It is for you that I am suffering"

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