Ephesians 3:2-5  Revealing Information  BC 6/94

2 Surely you have heard about the dispensation/administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

I. God Reveals

(He has Great Expectations for His people, which He Reveals for their Benefit)

A. Revelational Road

Reserved

Revealed

Recorded

Read

Recognized

Responded to by Faith

Realized

B. Requirements of Revelation (content of faith...expected response)

Adam - die if eat fruit...don't eat the fruit

Noah - flood coming...build ark

Abraham - be blessed...act as if (sojourn and sacrifice)

Moses - obedience brings blessing...obey and sacrifice

Jesus' Audience - kingdom coming in which God rewards righteousness...stop living as if this world is all there is

Apostles' Audience - Jesus died so we don't have to; He's coming back to rule over the promised kingdom   (judge the faithless & reward the faithful - Heb 11:6)...

II. We Receive

(God Communicates His Revelation Reliably, Authoritatively and Understandably)

God communicates through authenticated spokesmen (Moses/Joshua; Elijah/Elisha; Jesus/Apostles)

                ...who faithfully communicate to others (rational, spoken, written)

                ......so we can be reasonably sure of His message (objective, bears scrutiny)

                .........when we search for it as for hidden treasure (read, re-read, study, sweat, scream)

III. We Respond

(God expects His Revelation not only to be understood but also to be acted upon)

We faithfully respond and reap the benefits

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Where is the major hang-up between Revelation and Response for unbelievers? for believers?

2. Why does God have secrets and mysteries?

3. What is the faith response expected of the Apostles' audience? (that includes us folks)

4. Why does God expect us to search for His wisdom as for hidden treasure? Why not leave it all right on the surface?

5. What helps you respond to God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? What hinders you?