The Mystery Revealed
Key Takeaways
The mystery of the gospel is good news for the hardness of life (suffering and difficulty).
The mystery of the gospel is good news for the hollowness of life (our search for meaning).
God uses the church to display his wisdom to the world and the invisible realm.
We must "comprehend" (wrestle down) the love of God into our hearts.
Study Questions
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Paul uses the word "mystery" to describe something revealed by God that we never could have discovered on our own. What makes salvation by grace so counterintuitive and astonishing?
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John used the illustration of someone living in poverty while having a large inheritance in the bank they've forgotten about. In what ways do Christians often "live poor" spiritually despite having the fullness of God available to them?
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Paul prays for the Ephesians' inner fullness rather than their external circumstances despite their persecution. What does this reveal about what matters most for enduring hardship?
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What's the difference between knowing something is true in principle versus experiencing it in your heart?
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What is your current practice of Christian meditation in your personal worship?
Seeking God’s Face Devotional
This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship. Also, please join us for our Sunday Morning Class, “Whole-Life Discipleship,” every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. following the 9 a.m. worship service.
This Week’s Liturgy
Call to worship
Psalm 36:7-9
Leader: How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
All: They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.
Confession of FAITH
New City Catechism Q & A #18
Q: Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?
A: Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.
Confession of sin
Most Merciful God, we confess that we live as if the riches of your love were unavailable to us.
We have not wrestled your grace down into our hollowness.
We have complained about our hardships rather than trusting you to be at work in them.
Forgive us and fill us with the fullness that is already ours in Christ, that the radiance of the Gospel might shine in our lives together to your glory. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Ephesians 1:7-8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
This Week’s Playlist
Looking Ahead
Invite a friend and join us next week as we continue our sermon series with Ephesians 4:1-16.