Big Idea: “Christ’s saving grace and unifying power transforms our identity, deepens our relationships and guides our purpose.” How Can We Live In The Light Of God’s Eternal Plan? Step 1. Know Jesus 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles– 2 Surely you have heard about the 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. Ephesians 3:1-6 (NIV) The Messiah will: Be a descendant of Shem – Genesis 9, 10 Be a descendant of Abraham – Genesis 12, 17, 22 Be a descendant of Isaac – Genesis 17:21 Be a descendant of the tribe of Judah – Isaiah 11:1 Be born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2 Be born of a virgin and will be God in Flesh – Isaiah 7:14 Be pierced in His Hands and feet - Psalm 22:6-18, Zechariah 12:10 Be betrayed by 30 pieces of silver, cast onto the floor of the Temple - Zechariah 11:11-13 Be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6 Be pierced for our transgressions and pay for our sins – Isaiah 53:4-6 Die with the wicked and be buried with the rich – Isaiah 53:9 Not suffer decay – Psalm 16:10 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) He says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NIV) 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of His power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Ephesians 3:7-9 (NIV) I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. Philippians 3:7-12 (NLT2) 2. Make Him Known 10 His 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, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:10-13 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) ***Do you know Jesus in a life-changing way? Will you make Him known?*** My Next Right Step I Will: Find a place to serve First Impressions Sept. 8, 12:30 Children’s Media Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior Take the Cornerstone Membership Class: September 22, 12:30-2:30 Family Corner: [Choose one day this week to ask questions to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] Open With Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to the truths of Ephesians 3:1-13 and to guide the discussion. Icebreaker: Share a moment when you discovered something new and exciting, like a hidden talent or a surprising fact. How did that discovery change your perspective or actions? How Do We Live In The Light Of God’s Plan? Step 1. Know Jesus Read Ephesians 3:1-6 & Read Colossians 1:26-27 What does Paul mean by “the mystery” in this context? How does understanding that we are all heirs together with Israel impact our view of unity in the church? Share a time when you felt a deeper understanding of your faith. How did it change your relationship with God and others? b. Deepen Your Relationship With Jesus Read Ephesians 3:7-9 and Philippians 3:7-12 What are some ways you can discover and live out your unique calling in God’s plan? Discuss a time when you stepped out in faith to serve others. How did you experience God's power working through you? What helps you to grow deeper with Jesus? 3. Make Him Known Read Ephesians 3:10-13; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:1-6 How can the church collectively display the manifold wisdom of God to the world? What practical steps can we take to let our light shine and glorify God in our daily lives? Share a moment when you witnessed someone’s life being a powerful testimony of God’s wisdom and grace. How did it impact you? Reflect on the mystery of Christ and how it has been revealed in your life. How does this knowledge shape your daily actions and attitudes? Identify one area where you can live out your calling with more confidence this week. Think of someone who needs to hear about God's wisdom and grace. Pray for an opportunity to share your faith with them. In 1 Timothy 2:1-6, Paul mentions to have requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. How will this change the way you pray for others? Take a moment to write out a prayer in this manner for someone to know Jesus. Closing Prayer: End your discussion with a prayer, thanking God for revealing the mystery of Christ and calling us to be part of His plan. Ask for His guidance and strength to live out these truths and proclaim His wisdom to the world.