A Foretaste of the Future

8th Sermon in the series: Who is the Church? A Study of Ephesians
Dr. Timothy Keller - 20 November 2011

Ephesians 3: 1-13
1For this reason, I, Paul the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles----2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelations, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which 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. 6This 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.
7Ibecame a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unserachable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11accroding to his enternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

• Life is hard and there is suffering all around us.


• The mystery of the Gospels is salvation through the wonder of grace.


• Salvation by adhering to rules doesn't work because we always fall short.


• The final purpose of God is to sum up things in Jesus Christ.


• Every church is riddled with flaws.


• No suffering is for nothing....everything we do counts.


• No suffering can hurt you because we have the freedom to approach God and since that can't be touched, that becomes our treasure in this life.