Ephesians 3 Part 3
Bible Study Time 8-21-05
During China’s Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
(Today in the Word, Feb. 89, p. 17)
But today, as always, we are called to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and if we suffer according to the will of God, we commit our souls to Him, as to a faithful Creator.
Thank you for listening to Bible Study Time this morning. I’ll look forward to being with you again next week at this same time.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch_fw.com/
Bible Study Time 8-21-05
Ephesians 3:12 says that in Jesus Christ we have boldness and access to the Father with confidence through faith in Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, and the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of God, was opened up to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
This reality is the summit of the stewardship of truth which God committed to the Apostle Paul for it is the result of the fact that believers today are members of the Body of Christ, members of His flesh and of His bone. As such, we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ at the right hand of the Father, and from this privileged position, we experience constant communication with the Father.
E.W. Bullinger was once asked about the essence of prayer. His reply was that:
Prayer is the breath of the new nature. Just as the natural breath is the sign and evidence of physical life, so prayer is the mark and sign of the possession of spiritual life. No knowledge of physiology is required for one to take a natural breath, and so it is that no knowledge of theology is required for one to pray. The moment we reason about prayer, we make it artificial for true prayer is spontaneous.
He illustrated this point with a humorous rhyme which went this way:
The centipede was happy quite
Until the toad, in fun
Said, “Pray, which foot goes after which?
Which moved his mind to such a pitch
He lay distracted in the ditch
Considering – how to run.
(E.W. Bullinger – A Biography by Juanita S. Carey pp. 120-121)
Dr. Bullinger’s point is an excellent one. There is no formula which will yield effective prayer. When one is placed into the Church which is the Body of Christ, his fellowship with the Father is one that is natural and pure because it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Paul was writing these words to the Ephesians from a Roman prison, and in verse 13 of Ephesians 3, Paul says that because of this great revelation of the mystery concerning the Church which is the Body of Christ, the Ephesian believers should not be discouraged because of his tribulations. He was concerned that some believers might shrink back from the gospel out of fear for their own safety, and he was keenly aware of the fact that the enemies of the gospel might use his imprisonment to turn people against the truth.
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that the persecution he was suffering was all a part of God’s glorious plan. He wanted believers everywhere to rejoice in the fact that God was using his suffering to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. To the Philippians he wrote:
Philippians 1:12-14 (NKJ)
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul was not about to let his prison chains prevent him from spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had been given a stewardship of truth concerning the fact that anybody, anywhere could be added to God’s heavenly Church by simply believing in Jesus Christ. Because this was a stewardship, he knew that he would be held accountable for the manner in which he managed the dispensing of this magnificent truth. Therefore, He gave his whole heart to serving the Lord and doing what God had called him to do.
Paul warned Timothy that he too should be prepared to endure affliction. In fact, he said that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. The Lord Jesus also warned His disciples that they should expect persecution. In John 15, He said:
John 15:18-21 (NKJ)
18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
But He also said:
Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJ)
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Paul was persecuted in every city as he went spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he was arrested when he went back to Jerusalem. He was turned over to the Roman authorities in Caesarea, and they were not particularly hostile toward Paul or his message. Although he was kept in prison, he was not mistreated by either Felix or Festus.
When Paul was ultimately sent to Rome, he began to see God’s hand at work in the things that had happened. His life had been spared, and he was steadily earning the respect of the Romans who knew him. From the guards who watched him to the officials who interrogated him, he was being presented with opportunity after opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He pleaded with the Ephesians, saying:
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NKJ)
19 . . . (Pray) for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Many of the Gentiles in Rome had no real understanding of the Jewish religion or the events relating to the death of Christ. Paul’s dedication to the gospel as well as his genuine love and concern for the lost must have made a tremendous impression on the people there in Rome. It was obvious to all of the palace guard that Paul had done nothing wrong but was in chains for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul knew that he could not control how people would react to the gospel. That was in God’s hands. But Paul was fully persuaded that God could soften those hearts which were callused by sin and bring conviction in those hearts which were blinded by ignorance and rebellion.
Before Paul was imprisoned at Rome, he had written to the Corinthians, saying:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJ)
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Paul was trusting God for miracles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul had cast out demons and healed the sick, but now Paul was praying for the miracles of the heart. He was praying that people would come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that they would give themselves completely and totally to Jesus Christ.
It was at this time that Paul wrote to the Ephesians and said:
Ephesians 3:13 (NKJ)
13 I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Do not be discouraged on account of my afflictions because God is doing marvelous things which go beyond all that we could ask or think. Apparently, many people there in Rome had put their faith in Jesus Christ, and Paul was being treated fairly by the Roman courts. In fact, his letters show that he was anticipating his release from prison. To Philemon he wrote:
Philemon 1:22 (NKJ)
22 . . . meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
In Philippians, Chapter 1, he said:
Philippians 1:19-26 (NKJ)
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
In Philippians, Chapter 2, Paul spoke of Timothy and said:
Philippians 2:23-24 (NKJ)
23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
It would appear that Paul was released from prison and at some point went with Titus to the island of Crete for in Titus 1:5, he wrote to Titus:
Titus 1:5 (NKJ)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--
However, it seems that during the time that Paul was released from prison, the great fire of Rome occurred, and Nero seized the opportunity to blame the Christians and persecute them. At this time, Paul was again arrested, and it became increasingly obvious to Paul that he would soon be going home to be with the Lord. He wrote in his second letter to Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJ)
6 . . . I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The persecution of Christians would continue to be the norm throughout the apostolic period. It seems that Peter may have been referring to the persecution of Nero in I Peter 4 when he said:
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJ)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
The persecution of Christians has continued through the years even since the apostolic period. Today in the Word is a publication of Moody Bible Institute, and a few years ago they recounted an incident which happened during the Boxer Rebellion in China in the year 1900. The article said:
This reality is the summit of the stewardship of truth which God committed to the Apostle Paul for it is the result of the fact that believers today are members of the Body of Christ, members of His flesh and of His bone. As such, we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ at the right hand of the Father, and from this privileged position, we experience constant communication with the Father.
E.W. Bullinger was once asked about the essence of prayer. His reply was that:
Prayer is the breath of the new nature. Just as the natural breath is the sign and evidence of physical life, so prayer is the mark and sign of the possession of spiritual life. No knowledge of physiology is required for one to take a natural breath, and so it is that no knowledge of theology is required for one to pray. The moment we reason about prayer, we make it artificial for true prayer is spontaneous.
He illustrated this point with a humorous rhyme which went this way:
The centipede was happy quite
Until the toad, in fun
Said, “Pray, which foot goes after which?
Which moved his mind to such a pitch
He lay distracted in the ditch
Considering – how to run.
(E.W. Bullinger – A Biography by Juanita S. Carey pp. 120-121)
Dr. Bullinger’s point is an excellent one. There is no formula which will yield effective prayer. When one is placed into the Church which is the Body of Christ, his fellowship with the Father is one that is natural and pure because it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Paul was writing these words to the Ephesians from a Roman prison, and in verse 13 of Ephesians 3, Paul says that because of this great revelation of the mystery concerning the Church which is the Body of Christ, the Ephesian believers should not be discouraged because of his tribulations. He was concerned that some believers might shrink back from the gospel out of fear for their own safety, and he was keenly aware of the fact that the enemies of the gospel might use his imprisonment to turn people against the truth.
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that the persecution he was suffering was all a part of God’s glorious plan. He wanted believers everywhere to rejoice in the fact that God was using his suffering to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. To the Philippians he wrote:
Philippians 1:12-14 (NKJ)
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul was not about to let his prison chains prevent him from spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had been given a stewardship of truth concerning the fact that anybody, anywhere could be added to God’s heavenly Church by simply believing in Jesus Christ. Because this was a stewardship, he knew that he would be held accountable for the manner in which he managed the dispensing of this magnificent truth. Therefore, He gave his whole heart to serving the Lord and doing what God had called him to do.
Paul warned Timothy that he too should be prepared to endure affliction. In fact, he said that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. The Lord Jesus also warned His disciples that they should expect persecution. In John 15, He said:
John 15:18-21 (NKJ)
18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
But He also said:
Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJ)
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Paul was persecuted in every city as he went spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he was arrested when he went back to Jerusalem. He was turned over to the Roman authorities in Caesarea, and they were not particularly hostile toward Paul or his message. Although he was kept in prison, he was not mistreated by either Felix or Festus.
When Paul was ultimately sent to Rome, he began to see God’s hand at work in the things that had happened. His life had been spared, and he was steadily earning the respect of the Romans who knew him. From the guards who watched him to the officials who interrogated him, he was being presented with opportunity after opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He pleaded with the Ephesians, saying:
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NKJ)
19 . . . (Pray) for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Many of the Gentiles in Rome had no real understanding of the Jewish religion or the events relating to the death of Christ. Paul’s dedication to the gospel as well as his genuine love and concern for the lost must have made a tremendous impression on the people there in Rome. It was obvious to all of the palace guard that Paul had done nothing wrong but was in chains for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul knew that he could not control how people would react to the gospel. That was in God’s hands. But Paul was fully persuaded that God could soften those hearts which were callused by sin and bring conviction in those hearts which were blinded by ignorance and rebellion.
Before Paul was imprisoned at Rome, he had written to the Corinthians, saying:
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJ)
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Paul was trusting God for miracles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul had cast out demons and healed the sick, but now Paul was praying for the miracles of the heart. He was praying that people would come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that they would give themselves completely and totally to Jesus Christ.
It was at this time that Paul wrote to the Ephesians and said:
Ephesians 3:13 (NKJ)
13 I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Do not be discouraged on account of my afflictions because God is doing marvelous things which go beyond all that we could ask or think. Apparently, many people there in Rome had put their faith in Jesus Christ, and Paul was being treated fairly by the Roman courts. In fact, his letters show that he was anticipating his release from prison. To Philemon he wrote:
Philemon 1:22 (NKJ)
22 . . . meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
In Philippians, Chapter 1, he said:
Philippians 1:19-26 (NKJ)
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
In Philippians, Chapter 2, Paul spoke of Timothy and said:
Philippians 2:23-24 (NKJ)
23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
It would appear that Paul was released from prison and at some point went with Titus to the island of Crete for in Titus 1:5, he wrote to Titus:
Titus 1:5 (NKJ)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--
However, it seems that during the time that Paul was released from prison, the great fire of Rome occurred, and Nero seized the opportunity to blame the Christians and persecute them. At this time, Paul was again arrested, and it became increasingly obvious to Paul that he would soon be going home to be with the Lord. He wrote in his second letter to Timothy:
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJ)
6 . . . I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
The persecution of Christians would continue to be the norm throughout the apostolic period. It seems that Peter may have been referring to the persecution of Nero in I Peter 4 when he said:
1 Peter 4:12-19 (NKJ)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
The persecution of Christians has continued through the years even since the apostolic period. Today in the Word is a publication of Moody Bible Institute, and a few years ago they recounted an incident which happened during the Boxer Rebellion in China in the year 1900. The article said:
During China’s Boxer Rebellion of 1900, insurgents captured a mission station, blocked all the gates but one, and in front of that one gate placed a cross flat on the ground. Then the word was passed to those inside that any who trampled the cross underfoot would be permitted their freedom and life, but that any refusing would be shot. Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled the cross under their feet and were allowed to go free. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. Kneeling beside the cross in prayer for strength, she arose and moved carefully around the cross, and went out to face the firing squad. Strengthened by her example, every one of the remaining ninety-two students followed her to the firing squad.
(Today in the Word, Feb. 89, p. 17)
But today, as always, we are called to bear the cross of Jesus Christ, and if we suffer according to the will of God, we commit our souls to Him, as to a faithful Creator.
Thank you for listening to Bible Study Time this morning. I’ll look forward to being with you again next week at this same time.
Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com
Church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch_fw.com/
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