Proof #3: Spread Through Suffering (3:1-21)
If Jesus is Lord of all, why does his appointed apostle suffer so much?
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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
Classroom Instructions
Lesson
Opening Thoughts
Let’s review:
Intro (1:1-2)
Prelude (1:3-14)
Prayer and Thesis (1:15-21)
Proof #1: Death to Life
Proof #2: Division to Peace
Problem! If Jesus is Lord of all, why does his appointed apostle suffer so much?
Ephesians 3:1-13
Paul’s exposition of his ministry is bracketed by hardship.
But this doesn’t negate God calling him into ministry. It reinforces it.
Comes by grace…
“Look in the mirror!”
The church manifests God’s wisdom before the watching universe.
Only thing left to do? Pray. (3:14-21)
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
What kind of people do you personally find most impressive? Why?
What have you learned so far from this study of Ephesians?
How much does it bother you that most of the world doesn’t find Christianity impressive? To what extent has the marginalization of the church made you question your faith?
How does Paul’s situation actually help to prove the power of Jesus?
How might this “power in weakness” dynamic help you see your life story differently?