Week 5 | Day 1
GOD HAS A PLAN
Ephesians 3:1-13
In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul pulled back the curtain on the sweeping plan of God. What was once hidden as a “mystery” has now been revealed in the cross that salvation has always been and will ever be for all people. While Israel was the vehicle to drive grace to the cross, God’s mercy is for everyone, everywhere who would believe and receive in God’s merciful gift of grace. Thus, the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. This wasn’t a last-minute adjustment to history but an eternal purpose unfolding exactly as God intended. His will has always included redeeming a people from every nation, uniting them in Christ.
As Paul wrote these words from prison because of his trust in God, it in no way diminished his participation in this plan. He recognized that he had been entrusted with the stewardship of this grace to proclaim the “unfathomable riches of Christ.” Thus, even suffering became a platform for God’s glory. Through the church, the manifold wisdom of God is now being displayed—even to spiritual powers. God’s purposes can’t be thwarted; His will is being accomplished through redeemed lives. Therefore, believers can approach Him with boldness and confidence through faith in Christ.
As Paul wrote these words from prison because of his trust in God, it in no way diminished his participation in this plan. He recognized that he had been entrusted with the stewardship of this grace to proclaim the “unfathomable riches of Christ.” Thus, even suffering became a platform for God’s glory. Through the church, the manifold wisdom of God is now being displayed—even to spiritual powers. God’s purposes can’t be thwarted; His will is being accomplished through redeemed lives. Therefore, believers can approach Him with boldness and confidence through faith in Christ.
Application
Trust that God’s Plan is Purposeful In and Through Your Life
What appears hidden or delayed is often unfolding exactly on schedule. His purposes stretch beyond what we see. God is moving in, through, around, and even in spite of our lives.
Recognize Your Place in His Mission
We are not an accident in God’s story. Grace entrusts each believer with participation in His redemptive work. So, God has a plan for us inside His overall plan and His will is that we know and live His will in our lives.
View Hardship through Eternal Perspective
Paul’s chains didn’t negate God’s calling and neither do our earthly challenges negate ours. God uses our difficult seasons to serve a greater display of God’s love and wisdom in our lives.
Celebrate Unity in Christ
The gospel breaks down barriers and forms one body who are called to strive together for a cause greater than ourselves and beyond any single life. His plan includes a diverse yet unified people of which we get to be a part.
Approach God with Confidence
Because of Christ, access to the Father is bold and secure—and we are encouraged to come boldly.
What appears hidden or delayed is often unfolding exactly on schedule. His purposes stretch beyond what we see. God is moving in, through, around, and even in spite of our lives.
Recognize Your Place in His Mission
We are not an accident in God’s story. Grace entrusts each believer with participation in His redemptive work. So, God has a plan for us inside His overall plan and His will is that we know and live His will in our lives.
View Hardship through Eternal Perspective
Paul’s chains didn’t negate God’s calling and neither do our earthly challenges negate ours. God uses our difficult seasons to serve a greater display of God’s love and wisdom in our lives.
Celebrate Unity in Christ
The gospel breaks down barriers and forms one body who are called to strive together for a cause greater than ourselves and beyond any single life. His plan includes a diverse yet unified people of which we get to be a part.
Approach God with Confidence
Because of Christ, access to the Father is bold and secure—and we are encouraged to come boldly.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that Your plans are eternal and purposeful. Help me trust Your will even when I cannot see the full picture. Use my life to display the riches of Christ and the wisdom of Your grace. Grant me boldness to approach You with confidence and faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.