The Nature of Gospel Ministry

 Ephesians 3:1-13 “The Nature of Gospel Ministry” October 15, 2017 Dr. James Pittman Outline for our study “The Nature of Gospel Ministry” 1. It comes from God (v. 2a) 2. It gives life to others (v. 2b) 3. It is based upon the word of God (3-5) 4. It produces a new community (6) 5. It is the result of God’s power (7) 6. It is humbling (8a) 7. It exalts Christ (8b) 8. It reveals the wisdom of God (9-10) 9. It unfolds God’s eternal purpose and plan (11) 10. It is not for the faint of heart (1, 12-13) Questions to ponder & Study notes • Questions to ponder… • Study Notes: _____________________________________________ 1 In chapter 3 verse 1 Paul begins a prayer (which _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ he will pick up again in verse 14). However, he _____________________________________________ interrupts himself to explain the nature of his _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ ministry (verses 2-13). Why do you think he felt it _____________________________________________ was necessary to write about his ministry? What _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ would the Gentile Christians gain from these 12 _____________________________________________ verses? _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 2. In verse 2 Paul says that the mystery of the gospel _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ was made known to him by revelation. And in verse _____________________________________________ 5 he says it was revealed to “his holy apostles and _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ prophets.” First, what is the “mystery”? Hint, read _____________________________________________ verse 6. _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 3. In verse 8, what does Paul mean when he writes, “I am the very least of all the saints”? Why would he say this?