SUBJ: The
infinite worth, character and quality of the things provided in bringing
about salvation and the things provided with salvation.
AIM: That we
might marvel at such riches of Christ so graciously provided and that
the wonder may never cease.
INTR: In this age of casual religion
true believers must and do stand in awe of the majesty of God and the
Christ of God and are humbled by the complete and absolute provisions of
the grace of Him whose riches are unsearchable.
1. Paul’s awareness
of these things is seen in his humility at being not only a possessor of
the benefits, but the privilege of preaching the gospel.
2. He would
remind us of the fact that after thousands of years these things were
being preached to the gentiles that had heretofore been typified to the
Jews only.
3. But, further, he would have us to see that this
precious knowledge is to be pressed upon all "...make all men to see..."
THESIS: The riches of Christ
are realized as to their existence and yet remain unsearchable as to
their dimensions - Ephesians 3: 18-19 May be able to comprehend with all
saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to
know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be
filled with all the fulness of God.
I. Seeing Unsearchable Riches
in Christ (v. 8)
1. Consider that there is much of which we may know
of the existence without measuring
2. We would consider the riches of
Christ in three ways:
1) His person. That is, we would know of His
perfections, works, might and dominion and His intrinsic beauty.
2)
We would consider the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7-8 In whom we
have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to
the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all
wisdom and prudence;)
i. The provision for redemption - the Gospel
declaration of His work in saving.
ii. The wisdom and prudence with
which it is applied.
3) We would rejoice in the riches of His glory.
See verse 16. And, thus to delight in that which is to follow.
3. The
greatness of salvation is measured by the wisdom that was required to
bring it about. See Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his
ways past finding out! AND 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in
Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption:
4. And consider that we will be so
occupied in the ages to come: That in the ages to come he might shew the
exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7).
II. The Fellowship of the Mystery (v. 9)
1. The mystery fact that gentiles were to be saved was a wonderful
revelation.
2. But, the whole issue of salvation remains a mystery to
the human mind and so men go about carefully crafting their own model
for salvation.
3. Consider some references to this wonderful
mystery:
1) Of the Kingdom: Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you
it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them
that are without, all these things are done in parables:
2) Revealed
in Christ: Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to
the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world
began,
3) The wisdom of God: 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the
wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained
before the world unto our glory:
4) The mystery of Godliness: 1
Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into
glory.
5) Of His will: Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the
mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath
purposed in himself:
6) Of the relationship of Christ with the
Church: Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning
Christ and the church.
7) The mystery of the Gospel: Ephesians 6:19
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my
mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, And that the same
is made manifest to the saints: Colossians 1:26-27 Even the mystery
which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made
manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches
of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory:
4. The fellowship is understood in the grace that
is given that brings about communion with Father , Son and Holy Spirit.
III. To the Intent (vv. 10-12)
1. There is a demonstration to
principalities and powers (Angels) of God’s manifold wisdom by what He
has revealed in His Church. There is shown redemption, effectual
working, and the operations of providence with the result of a people
rejoicing in Christ.
2. That they would know that this is done in
accordance with an eternal decree (v. 10)
3. In the knowledge of
these things believers have boldness (to come) and access to Him by the
faith that He has given.
4. Remember fondly: 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for
them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
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