SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1According to His Eternal Purpose

Ephesians 3:7-13

Key Verses 3:10-11

10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We would like to study this passage as a follow up of what we covered during the summer bible conf. 2010, for it sums up what we learned at the conference and shows us the action plan (preaching and building up the body of Christ, namely, the church) for the fall semester.

For background, read through the six chapters of the epistle. [Eph 1-3 --> doctrinal; 4-6 ---> ethical]

In this passage we can learn among other points God's eternal purpose for his children. Specifically we can consider:

a) the necessity (or blessedness of the life that knows his purpose)

b) the contents (of his purpose) 

c) the means (of fulfilling his purpose)

d) the status (of the purpose making its way into each one)

e) the call (of the life that serves the purpose)

1. Read verses 7-9. How did Paul become a "servant of this gospel"? Why did God call him as his servant? 

** by the gift of God's grace given through the working of his power

** a) to preach the gospel (the unsearchable riches of Christ) to those who are yet to know God's purpose; b) to make plain the administration of this mystery, resulting in the church being built up

2. Read verses 10-11. Verse 10 talks about "his intent" and verse 11 mentions "his eternal purpose". What does "eternal" purpose mean? Why is it important (or necessary) to know: 1) His purpose (for you and me) (rather than your or my purpose); and 2) His purpose which is eternal? 

** Among other meanings, the word 'eternal' denotes the purpose which is 'ultimate'; it stands for the end purpose rather than short or long term purpose. It reflects God's character which is perfect. God never does anything which is imperfect. He never does any work half-heartedly. He wants to build a product which is perfect, so he would not have to work on it again and again. 

** 

a) It is necessary because man's purposes that do not fit God's purpose will lead man to live a life that is waste. Where [right] purpose is not known, abuse becomes inevitable. Pro 19:21; Isa 46:10

b) There is a short term, long term, and eternal purpose. The knowledge of the eternal purpose can help us determine short or long term purposes. The knowledge of his eternal purpose help us not to meander here and there. It also keeps us from being deceived by all sorts of deceptions.

3. Think about the word "church" in verse 10. How is it related to the call to "preach" in verse 8? 

** Preaching results in the church getting built up. Preaching is for the building of the church which is the environment (or system) in which God works to fulfill his purpose on his children. 

4. Verses 10-11 describe the contents of God's eternal purpose.

  (1) What does "the manifold wisdom of God" consist of? 

(2) Why would it be necessary for the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms to know it (the manifold wisdom of God)?

(3) Verse 11 says that God already accomplished his eternal purpose in Christ. When did he do that? 

** (1) Read 1:1-14; 1Co 30 - righteousness, holiness, and redemption; mystery of God is Christ, and the mystery of Christ is to form one person out of the two [Jews and Gentiles]; John 17:23 - complete unity

** (2) This is needed for the rulers and authorizes that are operational in the heavenly realms would remain subservient to serving God's purpose. 

** (3) Four gospels and the book of Acts for example tell us that he accomplished as of Jesus' death and resurrection. So far we studied the book of Acts, Galatians, and conference passages. Mark Moran's message "It is finished" also talks about this.  It is a done deal. This explains why miracles (like prison doors flung open as in Acts 16 etc.) are a common place. 

5. Read verses 12-13 and think about the idea of mortal man approaching God. How was and is it (approaching God) made possible? 

** It is a daunting idea. 1Ti 6:16. Yet, it is made possible when one meets two conditions are set: in Christ, and by faith in Him.

THE END