The Divine Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul requests prayers from the church in Ephesus, emphasizing his role as an ambassador in chains tasked with revealing the "mystery of the Gospel." This mystery is not a vague or nebulous concept but a profound truth that has been revealed by God and is now to be proclaimed boldly. The confusion surrounding the Gospel in the modern world stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of its nature. Many dismiss it as outdated or irrelevant, failing to grasp its true essence as a divine revelation.

The Gospel is often misunderstood because it is inherently a mystery, not in the sense of being unknowable, but as a truth that transcends human wisdom and understanding. This mystery is revealed through the preaching of the Gospel, which is not a human invention but a divine message entrusted to the apostles and passed down through the ages. The Gospel's mystery is highlighted by its independence from human understanding; it is a divine wisdom that confounds the wise and is revealed to the humble and childlike.

The modern attempts to demystify the Gospel, whether through demythologizing or simplifying translations, fail to address the core issue: the Gospel's divine nature and the fallen state of human understanding. The Gospel is not merely an ethical or moral teaching but a revelation of God's wisdom and plan for redemption. It challenges human pride and intellect, calling for repentance and humility to receive its truth.

The Gospel's mystery is further illustrated by the surprising nature of Jesus' life and teachings, which often baffled even those closest to Him. This element of surprise and the inability of human wisdom to fully grasp the Gospel underscores its divine origin. The Gospel is a mystery because it is the wisdom of God, revealed through the Spirit to those who approach it with humility and faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The Gospel is a divine mystery, not a human invention. It transcends human wisdom and understanding, requiring humility and faith to be truly grasped. This mystery is not about vagueness but about a profound truth revealed by God. [06:10]

- Attempts to demystify the Gospel by removing its miraculous elements or simplifying its language miss the point. The Gospel's power lies in its divine origin and the mystery that challenges human pride and intellect. [12:46]

- The Gospel's mystery is evident in the life and teachings of Jesus, which often surprised and baffled those around Him. This element of surprise highlights the divine nature of the Gospel and its independence from human understanding. [23:37]

- Human wisdom and intellect are insufficient to comprehend the Gospel. It is revealed to the humble and childlike, those who acknowledge their limitations and seek God's revelation through the Spirit. [31:06]

- Repentance and humility are essential to understanding the Gospel. Recognizing our fallen state and the limitations of our understanding opens us to receive the divine wisdom and revelation of the Gospel. [50:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:18-20
- [00:47] - The Mystery of the Gospel
- [01:21] - Confusion in the Modern World
- [02:39] - Authority of the New Testament
- [03:37] - Descriptions of the Gospel
- [04:41] - Importance of the Mystery
- [05:55] - Meaning of Mystery
- [06:59] - Misinterpretations of Mystery
- [09:23] - Paul's Clarity on the Gospel
- [11:25] - Denying the Mystery
- [12:46] - Demythologizing the Gospel
- [15:19] - Simplifying the Gospel
- [18:07] - Mystery in the New Testament
- [23:37] - Surprising Nature of Jesus
- [31:06] - Independence from Human Understanding
- [39:06] - Why the Gospel is a Mystery
- [50:27] - Repentance and Humility

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:18-20
- Matthew 13:13-15
- 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

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#### Observation Questions
1. What specific request does Paul make to the Ephesians in Ephesians 6:18-20 regarding his role as an ambassador? [00:28]
2. How does the sermon describe the modern world's confusion about the Gospel? [01:55]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the term "mystery" as used in the New Testament? [06:10]
4. What examples from Jesus' life and teachings illustrate the mystery of the Gospel? [23:37]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between human wisdom and the understanding of the Gospel? [31:06]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that attempts to simplify or demythologize the Gospel miss its core message? [12:46]
3. How does the sermon interpret the element of surprise in Jesus' life and teachings as evidence of the Gospel's divine nature? [23:37]
4. What role does humility play in receiving the Gospel, according to the sermon? [50:27]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to understand a spiritual truth. How did you approach this mystery, and what did you learn from the experience? [31:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for humility to grasp the Gospel. What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility in your spiritual journey? [50:27]
3. Consider the ways in which modern culture attempts to simplify or dismiss the Gospel. How can you engage with these perspectives while maintaining the integrity of your faith? [12:46]
4. How can you embrace the mystery of the Gospel in your daily life without feeling the need to fully understand every aspect of it? [06:10]
5. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying too much on your own understanding rather than seeking divine wisdom. How can you shift your focus? [31:06]
6. Think of a person in your life who may be struggling with the concept of the Gospel. How can you share the mystery and beauty of the Gospel with them in a way that invites curiosity and faith? [23:37]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to repentance and humility. What specific actions can you take this week to align your heart with this message? [50:27]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel as Divine Mystery
The Gospel is not a product of human invention but a divine mystery that transcends human wisdom and understanding. It requires humility and faith to be truly grasped. This mystery is not about being vague but about a profound truth revealed by God. The Gospel's divine nature challenges human pride and intellect, calling for a posture of humility to receive its truth. The modern world often misunderstands the Gospel because it tries to fit it into human logic, missing its divine essence. [06:10]

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom? How can you practice humility to better receive the Gospel's truth today?


Day 2: The Power of the Gospel's Mystery
Attempts to demystify the Gospel by removing its miraculous elements or simplifying its language miss the point. The Gospel's power lies in its divine origin and the mystery that challenges human pride and intellect. By trying to make the Gospel more palatable, we risk losing its transformative power. The Gospel is not just a set of moral teachings but a revelation of God's wisdom and plan for redemption. It calls us to repentance and humility, inviting us to embrace its mystery with faith. [12:46]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)

Reflection: How have you tried to simplify or rationalize the Gospel in your own life? What steps can you take to embrace its mystery and power more fully?


Day 3: The Surprising Nature of Jesus
The Gospel's mystery is evident in the life and teachings of Jesus, which often surprised and baffled those around Him. This element of surprise highlights the divine nature of the Gospel and its independence from human understanding. Jesus' teachings challenge our preconceived notions and invite us to see the world through God's eyes. The Gospel calls us to a life of faith, where we trust in God's wisdom even when it defies human logic. [23:37]

"And he said to them, 'To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables.'" (Mark 4:11, ESV)

Reflection: What teachings of Jesus have surprised or challenged you the most? How can you open your heart to the unexpected ways God might be working in your life?


Day 4: Humility and Childlike Faith
Human wisdom and intellect are insufficient to comprehend the Gospel. It is revealed to the humble and childlike, those who acknowledge their limitations and seek God's revelation through the Spirit. The Gospel invites us to approach God with a childlike faith, trusting in His wisdom and goodness. By recognizing our own limitations, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. [31:06]

"At that time Jesus declared, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.'" (Matthew 11:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a childlike faith in your relationship with God? How can you practice humility in your daily walk with Him?


Day 5: Repentance and Receiving Divine Wisdom
Repentance and humility are essential to understanding the Gospel. Recognizing our fallen state and the limitations of our understanding opens us to receive the divine wisdom and revelation of the Gospel. The Gospel calls us to turn away from our pride and self-reliance, inviting us to embrace God's wisdom and grace. By repenting and humbling ourselves, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of God's revelation and live in alignment with His will. [50:27]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life require repentance and humility before God? How can you actively seek His wisdom and guidance in those areas today?

Quotes

The Apostle solicits the prayers of the members of the church at Ephesus he asked them to remember all the saints but to remember him in particular because he is an ambassador at the moment he was in prison and therefore an ambassador in Chains but nevertheless he is an ambassador of Jesus Christ and to him had been committed this great task of making known as he puts it what he describes as the mystery of the Gospel. [00:55:32]

The only authoritative statements which we have about this gospel are what we find in this book which we call the Bible and especially the New Testament it is here alone we discover how the church ever came into being where the message has ever come from it isn't our message it is the message that has been preached throughout the centuries and we go back of course to these first preachers the apostles we know nothing apart from what they tell us we are dependent upon on their testimony and the light that is thrown upon it by the holy spirit of God. [03:02:08]

The Apostle says that he's an ambassador in bonds the message that has been entrusted and committed to him is the Declaration of the mystery of the Gospel what do you mean by mystery this is a most important matter now the word mystery in the New Testament always Carri carries a particular meaning it always has a very definite and particular connotation and we must be perfectly clear as to what that is I therefore must start with a negative when he talks about the mystery of the Gospel he doesn't mean that it is something like a Mist. [05:58:32]

The gospel is a mystery he said don't you believe those people who can tell you exactly what it is he said there are people who tell you that they can Define the gospel they can describe it they can put it out in a confession of Faith they can tell you that you've got to believe this and that and that and that you mustn't believe other things don't believe them he says he says the Apostle Paul himself tells us that the gospel is a mystery by which he meant this he was preaching a v kind of mysticism that was how he interpreted mystery that it was something mysterious by definition vague and nebulous and indefinite. [07:10:32]

The business of the preaching is to make it known for God in his goodness and compassion has made the mystery known and The Business of the preacher is to pass on this knowledge with respect to it now though this is one of these controlling points I say I know of nothing in a sense that is a more practical relevance just at this moment particularly for intelligent people than this aspect of the Gospel which is described in the in the phrase The Mystery of the Gospel. [10:33:52]

The man who started this a man of the name of bulkman he argued like this he said why is the church failing why don't people believe the message of the Christian Gospel and he said there's only one explanation he said the trouble is that the message the simple message of the Gospel is so cluttered up in the New Testament with Miracles and things of that description but the Modern Men not only doesn't believe it he can't even look at it he says this is the tragedy in this new testament he says there is the very message that the modern world needs the moral teaching it needs the ethical teaching the political teaching that it needs it's there he says but unfortunately it's tied up with things like the Virgin birth of Christ a miracle in itself. [12:35:55]

The argument is rarely this that if only the gospel and its message could be put in simple language and terminology that everybody can understand that they'd all believe it that's the argument and that is nothing but a denial of the whole element of mystery in the gospel why is it that men and women are not Christian is it simply because of the authorized version there is nothing more idiotic than to suggest that you can give the newest of new translations to people in the simplest language imaginable and still they won't believe it why because of this element of mystery that's the cause of the trouble. [16:56:11]

The Natural men receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned could anything be pler here is a gospel here is a message that man with his natural ability and human wisdom Rejects and dismisses as Folly and nonsense he doesn't understand it he says I don't understand this I can't apply my scientific Cannons of judgment I can't bring my usual ways of estimation this is rubbish this is nonsense all about miracles and birging births and so this is pit and Folly this is pure Che fancy and fantasy and imagination run Riot and so he rejects it why oh the mystery baffles him. [21:54:28]

The wisdom of God that's why it's a mystery or take this other tremendous statement in the 10th verse but God ha revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yay the Deep things of God now my dear friends all I'm trying to show you is this this gospel tells you that it's a mystery so it's your funny to come with your human knowledge and ability and wisdom and saying I don't understand this I can't explain that of course you can't it's a mystery you've got to start with this great statement that it makes about itself. [24:08:72]

The wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world and to his glory you want to understand the mystery of the Gospel listen to this challenge then who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct you come along answer my question who of you ha known the mind of God that you can instruct him you say I'm not going to believe that gospel I don't understand it I want to put my questions and unless a thing can be encompassed by my brains and ability and understanding I'm not going to accept it with all your Miracles and so on all right my friend come along then this is my challenge to you oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God now un searchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out. [25:58:31]

Repentance the only way whereby a man can ever be saved by this gospel saved in time saved for eternity saved from himself and his sins and the wrath of God and the judgment to come what is it oh it's to repent what's that mean it means to think again and when I think again I say this I say what a fool I am fancied trying to understand the mind of God fcy rejecting this gospel and its wonderful offer simply because I don't understand it because I don't understand the angels and fancy doing that in this modern world this Mysterious Universe that the scientists are revealing to us more and more and which a man become smaller and smaller and understands less and less fancy trying in such a world to understand the mind of the Eternal God I'm a Fool that's repentance. [28:37:35]

You become a little child in other words as our Lord put it you become a babe you admit you've got nothing that you know nothing that you come empty-handed to him and you ask him to have pity and mercy upon you and you ask him to reveal the truth to you because that is what he does that's his whole Plan of Redemption and of salvation but God has revealed them unto us by his spirit it's the only way you'll never understand it with your own mind but when the spirit of God brings it to you and he'll illumin your mind and understanding he'll Enlighten the eyes of your understanding as Paul puts it and you know you'll begin to understand this thing. [31:59:00]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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