Ephesians 3

Read Ephesians 3

RAMP: READ / ANALYZE / MEDITATE / PRAY

R: Read the Passage

• Read it fully, at least twice. You may need to read this chapter more than the others.

• If this chapter seems different than the first two, it is! It almost feels like Paul is taking a breath after getting through that big explanation in Chapter 2. He’s giving a little more perspective behind his zeal for the mystery and truth of God’s will, while making sure the readers (both the Ephesians and us) know the humility in his heart for having a role to play in God’s story. 

A: Analyze

It may seem like there’s not much to journal at first glance, but take some extra time and really let yourself study this passage. Don’t rush this one, there is so much goodness!

1. What does this say about God and/or Jesus Christ?

As Paul is sharing more of his own story, read further into how he describes the the role/gifts God gave. What is true about God in these scriptures?

2. What does this say about you?

Because of what God gives, and who He is, what does this mean about you? What access do you have to Him now? Put yourself on the receiving end of all God has given — what are you the recipient of?

3. Is there a command to follow?

4. Is there a sin to repent of? 

Or how has God brought conviction to your heart through these scriptures?

5. Is there a promise to claim?

There are SO MANY PROMISES in this passage! The more I read, the more I found! A few I found were in verses 6, 12, 18, 20. 

Nicole’s Notes

If this chapter feels different than the first two, it is. I read once that it’s like Paul goes on a holy rabbit trail in this chapter, and it definitely feels that way! Here’s what we need to remember — we will miss a lot if we read this as simply a brief autobiography on Paul’s life/mission. Paul’s mission is OUR MISSION. His mission and passion is for the nations to worship (Jews, Gentiles and all people). As believers, we share this mission and passion. So don’t let yourself simply read this as a rabbit trail that Paul went on about himself. No! Read it as if YOU were saying these same things. Do you share his feelings, his passion? Pray that God would give you what Paul has.

Let’s talk a little more about the ‘mystery’ that Paul keeps referring to. Remember the Ephesians were caught up in mystical worships and ideas — lots of false gods, etc. Paul partly used this word to show the people that the ‘mystery’ of Christ is NOT like the silly, false ones they were tempted to worship. Our culture does not have too many mystic beliefs, but we can often seek ultimate fulfillment in things that have no basis in Christ or His Word. 

Additionally, the truth that a Messiah WOULD come was taught to the Jews of the Old Testament. The coming of a Messiah was taught, and salvation came to those who believed in that coming — the hope of salvation. The story of Jesus was certainly a mystery to the world prior to Christ’s life, death and resurrection, as the redemptive plans of God were unknown, unclear and hidden.

But now, at the time of Paul writing this letter to the Ephesians, Jesus Christ had come and the mystery was becoming clear to those who were paying attention. All of the Old Testament teaching about the coming Messiah had actually happened. A few part’s of the mystery that were made known and explained by Paul in this passage are:

• The Messiah would come and then die. And in His death, He would put death to death. 

• Gentiles do not have to become Jews in order to be a part of the Kingdom of God.

• Gentiles AND Jews (and all people) have equal access to God

• God is near to His people… all of them.

Put yourself in verses 7-13. And sit in it a while to see and accept these two powerful truths about God’s grace:

1. It humbles us.

2. It empowers us.

We all need God’s grace the same. We could also say, like Paul, that we are least deserving of His grace, yet it was given to us for a purpose — to share what we’ve received because of Christ with others. And at the same time, because we’ve received it, we have a role in His church to share it. The same grace we don’t deserve that saves us, empowers us to walk boldly and courageously into a life that puts Him on display. His gift of grace has made us servants. 

Now, verses 14-21 are a powerful prayer that Paul prays for the Ephesians. Read it as if you are who he is praying FOR. And then read it again as if you’re praying it yourself.

Why kneel? Read chapters 1 and 2 again and see if it doesn’t drop you to your knees in gratitude. If it doesn’t, read it until it does.

A few things we should be experiencing WITH Paul at this point in the chapter:

1. Humble gratitude

2. Humble desperation

• Paul knew that He, the Ephesians, and ultimately now us need something that can only come from God — POWER. Without Him, we can do nothing, no things. With Him, we can do ALL things He has called us to and prepared in advance for us to do. 

• From a commentary I am reading: “When we realize we are approaching the only One who can act on our behalf, it gives us a proper sense of helplessness.” Whoa.

3. Humble confidence

• Confidence from our position as chosen sons and daughters of Holy and Almighty God.

• Confidence in what we are doing that God prepared in advance for us to do

Paul is praying for us to EXPERIENCE what we’ve learned in the first two chapters. To experience it, to feel it and to be changed by it. 

Another mystery truth we see here is that Christ dwells IN US, not just in a tabernacle or temple. We’ve heard our whole lives the church isn’t a building, it’s the people. Why is this true? Because Christ DWELLS in us. But, He is also King, so in His dwelling, He is also ruling. A great example of this is buying a fixer-upper for the long-term purpose of it becoming your dream home. When you live in it long enough, your presence eventually characterizes the space. It’s the same with Christ dwelling in us. At some point, His presence will characterize the space in which He dwells as we grow in His likeness and image.

M: Meditate

• Think about the mystery of Christ — how and why did God do what He did through Jesus Christ? 

• How does the Church play a role in making this mystery clear/known? And how can you be a part of that through the local church?

• Are you approaching God with freedom and confidence? You can — Jesus made that possible through His work on the cross. Are you approaching God FREE from sin, bondage, shame? Are you approaching Him with confidence that you can? You were not worthy to approach Him before, but through Jesus Christ, you are worthy. Christ’s worthiness is now yours. 

• If God’s love is so big, high, deep and wide...

  • Where have you seen that to be true in your own life? Make a list of times you’ve personally experienced the enormity of God.

  • How does remembering the enormity of His love change your current perspective on the situations in your life currently?

• What are the farthest extents of your thoughts and dreams? Let yourself go there, because you can dream and imagine pretty far past what currently seems realistic. But verse 20 says that when we’ve reached the extent of our own imaginations, God is able to do even more. So go to the farthest extent and then give it to God. Ask with belief for Him to blow your mind with His perfect plan.

Are there certain scriptures you want to memorize? Meditate on it throughout the week.

P: Pray

Pray through your notes — acknowledging Him for who He is and thanking Him for the promises you found. Pray through those meditation notes, trusting Him with your honesty and vulnerability.

• Ask big questions to God.

• Ask for freedom and confidence. 

• Ask for big things, like seeing the enormity of His love in your life.

• Surrender your wildest thoughts, dreams and expectations. Ask Him to do even more for His own glory.

• Ask Him for the courage to believe He has good things in store for you.