As we step into the new year, it’s natural to reflect on what lies ahead. For many, this season is an opportunity to set new goals, embrace fresh opportunities, and seek a clearer sense of purpose. In the Christian tradition, the season of Epiphany aligns beautifully with these aspirations. Epiphany, which means "manifestation" or "revelation," reminds us of how God’s plan of redemption was revealed to the world through Jesus Christ. It’s a time to celebrate the light of Christ and to ask how we can reflect that light in our lives.
The passage from Ephesians 3:1-12 serves as a profound guide for us in this season. Here, the apostle Paul speaks of a "mystery" that has been revealed—a divine truth hidden for generations but now made known through Jesus. This mystery is the inclusion of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, in God’s plan of salvation. This revelation, Paul writes, changes everything. As we explore this passage and its implications, we’re invited to reflect on God’s boundless grace, the role of the church in His mission, and how we can live with boldness and purpose in the year ahead.
The passage from Ephesians 3:1-12 serves as a profound guide for us in this season. Here, the apostle Paul speaks of a "mystery" that has been revealed—a divine truth hidden for generations but now made known through Jesus. This mystery is the inclusion of all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, in God’s plan of salvation. This revelation, Paul writes, changes everything. As we explore this passage and its implications, we’re invited to reflect on God’s boundless grace, the role of the church in His mission, and how we can live with boldness and purpose in the year ahead.
This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
Ephesians 3:8-9
Ephesians 3:8-9
The Mystery of the Gospel: A Plan for All People
In the opening verses of Ephesians 3, Paul speaks of the "administration of God’s grace" given to him, a calling to share the good news of Christ with the Gentiles. He writes:
"The mystery was made known to me by revelation... This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Ephesians 3:3, 5-6).
The concept of a "mystery" in Scripture refers to a divine plan or truth that was once hidden but has now been revealed by God. In this case, the mystery is the inclusion of Gentiles—those once considered outsiders—as full participants in God’s promises. This revelation was groundbreaking in Paul’s time. For centuries, the Jewish people were seen as the sole recipients of God’s covenant. The idea that Gentiles could be "coheirs" and "partners" in Christ was revolutionary.
This truth reminds us of the radical inclusivity of the gospel. God’s grace is not limited by ethnicity, culture, or social status. It extends to everyone. For us, this means two things: first, we can rest assured that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love—not even ourselves. Second, we are called to reflect this inclusivity in how we share the gospel and welcome others into the community of faith.
The Role of the Church: Reflecting God’s Wisdom
Paul continues by describing the unique role of the church in God’s plan. He writes: "This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens" (Ephesians 3:10).
The church is not just a gathering of believers; it is the primary instrument through which God reveals His wisdom to the world. The phrase "multi-faceted wisdom" speaks to the depth and complexity of God’s plan—a plan that unites people from every background into one body through Christ. This unity is a testament to the power of the gospel and a reflection of God’s glory.
For the church today, this truth carries profound implications. Our calling is not only to proclaim the gospel but to embody it. We are called to be a living testimony of God’s love, grace, and inclusivity. This means breaking down barriers, building bridges, and creating spaces where people from all walks of life feel welcomed and valued. It also means being intentional about how we reflect God’s wisdom in our relationships, priorities, and actions.
Lessons for the New Year
The teaching in Ephesians 3 and the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) offer profound lessons as we enter the new year. The inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan reminds us of the boundless nature of His grace and challenges us to extend that same grace to others. Paul’s description of the church as God’s chosen instrument underscores the importance of our role in His mission. We are not passive observers but active participants, equipped to serve others and proclaim the good news in word and deed.
Finally, the boldness we have through faith in Christ invites us to live with courage and intentionality. This year, we can embrace opportunities to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and empower us to fulfill His purposes, no matter the challenges we face.
Boldness Through Faith: Living with Confidence
Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:12 are both empowering and encouraging: "In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him."
This boldness is not arrogance or self-confidence; it is a deep assurance rooted in Christ’s finished work. Because of what Jesus has done, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are fully loved and accepted. This assurance also gives us the courage to live boldly for Him, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties.
Paul’s life is a testament to this kind of boldness. Writing from prison, he doesn’t dwell on his suffering. Instead, he sees his hardships as part of God’s greater plan and embraces his calling with gratitude and purpose. This perspective challenges us to reframe our own difficulties. What if we viewed every trial as an opportunity to reflect God’s grace and trust in His sovereignty?
A Community Call to Action: Reflecting God’s Light
As a church, we are called to be a light in our community and beyond. This year, let’s unite around a shared mission to embody the love of Christ. Here’s how we can respond:
Participate in Community Outreach: From feeding the hungry to supporting local schools, there are countless opportunities to serve. These projects are not just about meeting needs; they’re about building relationships and pointing others to Christ.
Commit to Daily Prayer: Prayer is the foundation of everything we do. This year, let’s commit to praying for our community, asking God to open doors for ministry and to draw people to His light.
Moving Forward in Unity
Paul’s message in Ephesians 3 reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. As we embrace the mystery of the gospel and step into this new year, let us do so with courage, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to God’s mission. Together, we can reflect His light, share His love, and make His wisdom known to the world.
This year, may we arise and shine, confident in the truth that the light of Christ leads us forward.
In the opening verses of Ephesians 3, Paul speaks of the "administration of God’s grace" given to him, a calling to share the good news of Christ with the Gentiles. He writes:
"The mystery was made known to me by revelation... This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Ephesians 3:3, 5-6).
The concept of a "mystery" in Scripture refers to a divine plan or truth that was once hidden but has now been revealed by God. In this case, the mystery is the inclusion of Gentiles—those once considered outsiders—as full participants in God’s promises. This revelation was groundbreaking in Paul’s time. For centuries, the Jewish people were seen as the sole recipients of God’s covenant. The idea that Gentiles could be "coheirs" and "partners" in Christ was revolutionary.
This truth reminds us of the radical inclusivity of the gospel. God’s grace is not limited by ethnicity, culture, or social status. It extends to everyone. For us, this means two things: first, we can rest assured that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love—not even ourselves. Second, we are called to reflect this inclusivity in how we share the gospel and welcome others into the community of faith.
The Role of the Church: Reflecting God’s Wisdom
Paul continues by describing the unique role of the church in God’s plan. He writes: "This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens" (Ephesians 3:10).
The church is not just a gathering of believers; it is the primary instrument through which God reveals His wisdom to the world. The phrase "multi-faceted wisdom" speaks to the depth and complexity of God’s plan—a plan that unites people from every background into one body through Christ. This unity is a testament to the power of the gospel and a reflection of God’s glory.
For the church today, this truth carries profound implications. Our calling is not only to proclaim the gospel but to embody it. We are called to be a living testimony of God’s love, grace, and inclusivity. This means breaking down barriers, building bridges, and creating spaces where people from all walks of life feel welcomed and valued. It also means being intentional about how we reflect God’s wisdom in our relationships, priorities, and actions.
Lessons for the New Year
The teaching in Ephesians 3 and the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) offer profound lessons as we enter the new year. The inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan reminds us of the boundless nature of His grace and challenges us to extend that same grace to others. Paul’s description of the church as God’s chosen instrument underscores the importance of our role in His mission. We are not passive observers but active participants, equipped to serve others and proclaim the good news in word and deed.
Finally, the boldness we have through faith in Christ invites us to live with courage and intentionality. This year, we can embrace opportunities to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and empower us to fulfill His purposes, no matter the challenges we face.
Boldness Through Faith: Living with Confidence
Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:12 are both empowering and encouraging: "In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him."
This boldness is not arrogance or self-confidence; it is a deep assurance rooted in Christ’s finished work. Because of what Jesus has done, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are fully loved and accepted. This assurance also gives us the courage to live boldly for Him, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties.
Paul’s life is a testament to this kind of boldness. Writing from prison, he doesn’t dwell on his suffering. Instead, he sees his hardships as part of God’s greater plan and embraces his calling with gratitude and purpose. This perspective challenges us to reframe our own difficulties. What if we viewed every trial as an opportunity to reflect God’s grace and trust in His sovereignty?
A Community Call to Action: Reflecting God’s Light
As a church, we are called to be a light in our community and beyond. This year, let’s unite around a shared mission to embody the love of Christ. Here’s how we can respond:
Participate in Community Outreach: From feeding the hungry to supporting local schools, there are countless opportunities to serve. These projects are not just about meeting needs; they’re about building relationships and pointing others to Christ.
Commit to Daily Prayer: Prayer is the foundation of everything we do. This year, let’s commit to praying for our community, asking God to open doors for ministry and to draw people to His light.
Moving Forward in Unity
Paul’s message in Ephesians 3 reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. As we embrace the mystery of the gospel and step into this new year, let us do so with courage, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to God’s mission. Together, we can reflect His light, share His love, and make His wisdom known to the world.
This year, may we arise and shine, confident in the truth that the light of Christ leads us forward.
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