Ephesians 3:1-3 - Paul's Stewardship

This week we are moving on to chapter three. We will look at chapter three in general and then we will focus in on the first three verses.

Start by reading chapter three. Read through it again looking for key words we have marked so far (grace, time, love, knowledge, power, in Jesus, in heavenly places, according to). Also mark: faith, church & mystery.

Last week we ended chapter 2 by looking at the paragraph divisions. This week I want you to do this on your own. Look for the bold numbers, they tell you where a paragraph begins. Look for a phrase or verse that sums up what that paragraph says. Write down the divisions in your journal. Now I want you tho think about the way the first three chapters flow together. Write down in your journal the flow of thought. Now let's see what we can observe from chapter three. What do you learn about Paul in chapter three. Jot down some main things you see. Make sure you notice what Paul's status is.

In 3:2 Paul talks about the stewardship is God's grace that was given to him. We must ask ourselves "What stewardship was Paul given?" See what answers you can find in the text. Scripture tells us so much about Paul, his life, his ministry, and his calling. What does the word stewardship mean? Look it up using Blue Letter Bible and write down in your journal what you learn. What else can we learn about Paul's stewardship from other places in the Bible? Let's read Acts 26:1-20, what do you learn from this passage about Paul's calling and ministry (Don't miss his language about the promise)? Write down what you learn in your journal. Now go to 2 Timothy 2:8-12, read it and look for what you can learn about his ministry and his calling. Write down what you learn in your journal. Now read 2 Timothy 4:4-18, here Paul writes about finishing his calling well. Look for the lessons he shares with Timothy and write down what you learn.

Now go back and look at the Ephesians 3:1-3. What other words do you see here that might be helpful for us to look up? I believe it's insightful for us to look at the words revelation and mystery. Write down what you learn. Now stop and look at the verses again. What stewardship was given to Paul? Why was it given to him? Write down what you see.

Paul was an amazing man. It blesses me that we get to read his story in the Bible. God's divine story of grace in Paul's life. I want us to end this week of homework thinking about how this applies to our lives. How did this passage speak to you? What did God teach you? What life lessons do you learn from Paul's ministry and calling? Write these down so you don't forget them. I look forward to meeting together with you this week. I pray that God will open your hearts and minds to the great truth about His gospel and the way it transforms us.